2017 Toyota Highlander vs 2019 Toyota Highlander
Too Close to Call on Reliability Alone
These vehicles are neck-and-neck on reliability. The "Best For" breakdown below shows where each pulls ahead — pick the one that matches your priorities.
Reliability Side-by-Side
2017
Toyota Highlander
Grade A-
A supremely reliable family SUV that provides peace of mind and strong value for years to come.
2019
Toyota Highlander
Grade A-
A bulletproof family hauler that delivers peace of mind and keeps going strong for hundreds of thousands of miles.
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2017 Toyota Highlander | 2019 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $400-600 | $400-600 |
| Moderate Repairs | $500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., major brake job, suspension components) | $500-1,500 occasionally |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 21 / 27 | 21 / 27 |
| MSRP (New) | $30,630 | $31,830 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2017 Toyota Highlander
Infotainment System
Any mileage (software-related) mi
Braking System
30,000-60,000 mi
8-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.5L V6)
Any mileage (characteristic-based) mi
2019 Toyota Highlander
Infotainment System
Any mileage, often appears early mi
Minor Suspension Components
50,000-80,000 mi
Power Liftgate Struts
60,000-100,000 mi
Get the Full Report on Each
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Editorial Take
The 2017 and 2019 Toyota Highlander are closely related, representing different points in the same third-generation (XU50) lifecycle. The 2017 model year brought a significant refresh, making it a compelling comparison point against the final iteration of the generation, the 2019 model. These vehicles are commonly compared by buyers seeking a reliable, family-friendly three-row SUV with strong resale value. Those prioritizing a lower used purchase price and similar core features will lean towards the 2017, while buyers desiring the newest possible vehicle of the generation with marginally updated technology and potentially lower mileage will consider the 2019. Key decision factors often revolve around budget, the desire for active safety features, and overall condition of available used models. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
Toyota's reputation for reliability is well-earned, and both the 2017 and 2019 Highlanders are testament to this. Significant, widespread mechanical failures are rare. Most reported issues are minor or relate to common wear items. 2017 Toyota Highlander: 1. Infotainment System Lag or Freezing: Some owners have reported occasional instances of the Entune infotainment system being slow to respond to inputs or freezing temporarily. This typically resolves with a system restart or, in some cases, a software update. It's more of an annoyance than a critical failure. 2. Minor Wind Noise: Isolated reports of wind noise emanating from around the A-pillars or door seals at highway speeds have been noted by a small number of owners. This is often inconsistent across vehicles and can sometimes be addressed with minor seal adjustments if significant. 2019 Toyota Highlander: 1. Power Liftgate Strut Weakening: Over time, particularly as vehicles age or in colder climates, the gas struts that assist in opening and holding up the power liftgate can weaken. This can lead to the liftgate opening slower, requiring manual assistance, or failing to stay open properly. This is a common wear item across many SUV models. 2. Front Brake Rotor Warping: While not a universal issue, some owners have reported premature warping of front brake rotors, leading to a pulsation or vibration felt through the brake pedal, especially during braking at higher speeds. This typically necessitates replacement of the rotors and brake pads. This can be influenced by driving style and heavy use.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When considering a used purchase, the 2017 and 2019 Highlanders represent excellent value propositions, albeit at different price points. Purchase Prices (Used): - 2017 Toyota Highlander: As of late 2023/early 2024, a well-maintained 2017 V6 model can typically be found in the $20,000-$27,000 range, depending on mileage, trim level, and condition. Base 4-cylinder models may be slightly less. - 2019 Toyota Highlander: Being newer, the 2019 V6 model generally commands a higher price, often ranging from $25,000-$32,000, again subject to mileage and trim. The 2017 model offers a more significant discount from its original MSRP compared to the 2019 model. Insurance Costs: Insurance costs for both model years are very similar and typically moderate for a family SUV. Factors like driver record, location, and chosen coverage significantly influence actual premiums, but there is no inherent difference in insurance risk between the 2017 and 2019 models. Maintenance Costs: Both vehicles benefit from Toyota's reputation for low maintenance costs. Parts are widely available and relatively inexpensive, and the engines and transmissions are known for their longevity when properly maintained. Routine service, such as oil changes and tire rotations, is straightforward and affordable. Long-term maintenance costs are expected to be very reasonable for both model years. Resale Value: Toyota Highlanders are legendary for their strong resale value. Both the 2017 and 2019 models will retain a significant portion of their original value. The 2019 model, being newer, will naturally hold a higher absolute value and potentially a higher percentage of its initial cost for a longer period. However, the 2017 model, having already experienced more depreciation, offers a great entry point into this reliable platform, and its depreciation curve will have slowed considerably.
Editorial Verdict
Choosing between the 2017 and 2019 Toyota Highlander largely comes down to your budget and specific priorities. Both are outstanding choices within the midsize three-row SUV segment. Best for Families: Both are excellent family vehicles. They offer similar passenger comfort, identical cargo space, and the same comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite, which is a major advantage for family safety. The 2019 might have slightly lower mileage and a newer model year feel, but the 2017 provides the same core family-hauling capabilities. Best for Commuters: Both Highlanders are comfortable and efficient commuters, especially with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. The smooth ride, quiet cabin, and standard adaptive cruise control make highway driving pleasant. There is no significant difference in commuting experience between the two. Best for Enthusiasts: Neither the 2017 nor the 2019 Highlander caters to driving enthusiasts. Their focus is on comfort, practicality, and reliability, not sporty performance or engaging handling. Best Value Overall: The 2017 Toyota Highlander wins for best value overall. For a significantly lower used purchase price, it offers nearly all the same features as the 2019 model, including the powerful 295-horsepower V6 engine, the efficient 8-speed automatic transmission, and the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense P advanced safety features. The core mechanicals, interior design, and functionality are essentially identical. If you can find a well-maintained 2017 V6 model with TSS-P, it represents an outstanding blend of capability, reliability, and savings. The 2019 model is a fantastic choice if you prioritize having a newer vehicle with potentially lower mileage, but the added cost does not translate into substantial feature or performance upgrades over its 2017 counterpart.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2017 Toyota Highlander
Products for 2019 Toyota Highlander
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