Is the 2019 Highlander reliable?

Yes. The 2019 Highlander uses Toyota's proven 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) producing 295 hp paired with an 8-speed automatic. This powertrain has excellent reliability history. Consumer Reports rates it above average. Common issues are minor—infotainment glitches and occasional wind noise.

What's the best Highlander trim to buy?

The XLE offers the best value. You get leather seats, power liftgate, sunroof, and heated front seats without the premium price of Limited. The LE Plus is good if you want captain's chairs but can skip leather.

How many miles is too many for a 2019 Highlander?

The Highlander can easily reach 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance. For a 2019, target under 80,000 miles for best value. Over 100,000 miles, ensure timing chain service was done (typically at 100K) and check for transmission fluid changes every 60K.

If you live in a snowy region, AWD is worth the $1,500-$2,000 premium. It also improves resale value. In mild climates, FWD is fine and saves money. The AWD system is reliable and doesn't require significant maintenance.

What are common problems with 2019 Highlanders?

Common issues include: infotainment system freezes (software updates fix most), wind noise at highway speeds, and minor water leaks near liftgate seals. These are minor compared to competitors. No major powertrain issues reported.

How does the 2019 compare to 2020 Highlander?

The 2020 is a complete redesign with more tech but less cargo space. The 2019 (3rd gen) is proven reliable, has larger cargo area, and costs $5,000-$8,000 less used. Unless you need the latest tech, the 2019 is better value.

2019 Toyota Highlander Buyer's Guide: LE vs XLE vs Limited | AutoHunter

Why the 2019 Highlander?

The 2019 Toyota Highlander represents the final year of the third generation—a model refined over six years. This means known issues have been addressed and reliability is proven. You get Toyota dependability with significant savings compared to the redesigned 2020 model.

The Highlander competes with Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Chevrolet Traverse. It wins on resale value and reliability, though the Mazda drives better and the Traverse offers more space. For most families, the Highlander's balance of reliability, features, and practicality makes it the smart choice.

Trim Level Comparison

2019 Highlander Trim Comparison: Features and Pricing
Trim	MSRP New	Used Price	Key Features	Value Rating
LE	$35,000	$23,000-$26,000	8" touchscreen, TSS-P, cloth seats	Good
LE Plus	$37,000	$24,500-$27,500	Power liftgate, 2nd-row captain chairs	Better
XLE	$40,000	$26,000-$30,000	Leather, sunroof, heated seats	Best Value
Limited	$44,000	$29,000-$34,000	JBL audio, ventilated seats, premium features	Premium
Limited Platinum	$47,000	$32,000-$37,000	Panoramic roof, premium everything	Luxury

LE and LE Plus

The LE is the base trim but still well-equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay. It lacks leather and a sunroof. The LE Plus adds a power liftgate, available captain's chairs, and a few convenience features. Both are good values for buyers prioritizing reliability over luxury.

XLE (Best Value)

The XLE hits the sweet spot. You get leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power liftgate, sunroof, and blind-spot monitoring. This is the trim most buyers want, explaining its higher demand and slightly stronger resale. Target $26,000-$30,000 for 60K-80K mile examples.

XLE Value Tip

The XLE with AWD is the most in-demand configuration. These sell faster but command $2,000-$3,000 premium. If you're not in a snowy climate, FWD XLE offers the best value.

Limited and Limited Platinum

Limited adds JBL premium audio, ventilated front seats, and upgraded interior materials. Limited Platinum includes a panoramic moonroof and upgraded safety features. These are luxury-oriented but come with higher repair costs when things break. Best for buyers who need premium features and can afford maintenance.

Powertrain

All 2019 Highlanders use Toyota's 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) producing 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination is smooth, powerful enough for highway merging with full passengers, and proven reliable through millions of miles across Toyota/Lexus vehicles.

Fuel economy is rated 20 city/27 highway for FWD, 19/26 for AWD. Real-world owners report 22-24 mpg combined. Not class-leading but acceptable for a V6 3-row SUV.

Avoid the Hybrid

The 2019 Highlander Hybrid is rare and expensive used. The hybrid battery is typically fine, but replacement costs $4,000-$6,000 if needed. Unless you drive 20,000+ miles annually, the fuel savings don't offset the price premium.

What to Check When Buying

Infotainment function: Test the touchscreen for freezing or lag. Most issues are fixed with software updates.
Liftgate operation: Power liftgate should operate smoothly without grinding noises.
Third-row latches: Verify the 60/40 third-row folds properly and latches securely.
Transmission behavior: Should shift smoothly through all gears. Any harsh shifts warrant inspection.
Service records: Verify oil changes every 10K miles and transmission fluid at 60K.

Fair Price Guide

Pricing varies by trim, mileage, and AWD. Here's what to expect in late 2025:

LE FWD (60K-80K mi): $23,000-$26,000
XLE FWD (60K-80K mi): $26,000-$29,000
XLE AWD (60K-80K mi): $28,000-$32,000
Limited AWD (50K-70K mi): $31,000-$36,000

BUY

Recommended Buy

Pros

Proven 3.5L V6 reliability
Strong resale value
Standard Toyota Safety Sense P
Comfortable for long trips
Third-row usable for kids
Lower price than 2020+ redesign

Cons

Infotainment dated compared to 2020+
Third-row tight for adults
No turbo option for better MPG
Wind noise at highway speeds
Premium trim repairs are expensive

Recommendation

The 2019 Highlander XLE with AWD is the ideal family SUV for buyers prioritizing reliability. Toyota's reputation is earned—these hold value and run for 200,000+ miles. The XLE trim provides luxury features without Limited-level repair costs. Skip the Hybrid unless you're a high-mileage driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

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