2024 Toyota Highlander — Carivo review 2024 model shown
SUV

2024 Toyota Highlander

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $38,985–$46,902
Fuel Economy 24 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,188/yr
The 2024 Toyota Highlander scores 8.1/10 at Carivo, ranking #84 of 2454 suvs, with 7 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $2,188/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2024 Toyota Highlander

Engine2.4L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG22 / 29 MPG
Combined MPG25 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,400
CO₂ Emissions359 g/mi
Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$38,985–$46,902

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2024 Toyota Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Performance at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.9/10. The Highlander nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.9/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.7/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $38,985–$46,902, 24 MPG, seating 7, the Toyota Highlander sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.9/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2024 Toyota Highlander will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2024 Toyota Highlander ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,985 starting price is about 8% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2024 Toyota Highlander

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$10,940 ($2,188/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 7 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Highlander Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2021 Toyota Highlander scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 8.1 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.1/10$40,154 Read review →
2025 8.1/10$40,154 Read review →
2024 (this review) 8.1/10$38,985
2023 8.0/10$37,815 Read review →
2022 8.0/10$36,645 Read review →
2021 7.9/10$35,476 Read review →
2020 7.9/10$34,306 Read review →
2019 7.8/10$33,137 Read review →
2018 7.8/10$31,967 Read review →
2017 7.7/10$30,798 Read review →
2016 7.7/10$29,628 Read review →
2015 7.6/10$28,459 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2024 Toyota Highlander

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2024 Toyota Highlander (7 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.

Tires
06/06/2024 · 24V419000
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As…
Tires
18/06/2024 · 24V452000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to…
Equipment / Other / Labels
23/07/2024 · 24V548000
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander,…
Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel
11/09/2025 · 25V595000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia,…
Back over prevention / Display function
30/10/2025 · 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error…

Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Own a 2024 Toyota Highlander that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2024 Toyota Highlander

Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander reliable?

We rate the 2024 Toyota Highlander's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander worth buying?

It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #84 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 97% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2024 Toyota Highlander cost?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander starts at $38,985 and ranges up to $46,902 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Highlander years we've rated are 2015 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

What problems does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have?

The documented issues for the 2024 Toyota Highlander are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Tires, Equipment, Electrical system, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Toyota Highlander

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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