The Toyota Highlander, one of the most popular midsize SUVs in the country, is known for its performance, reliability, and practicality. It is currently in its fourth generation and has undergone significant upgrades, improving its ride quality, handling, and technology. While the SUV is value for money , buying a new car from a dealership can seem like a significant investment. In that case, one can consider investing in a used Toyota Highlander.

Reasons to buy a used Toyota Highlander
There are several benefits to buying a used Toyota Highlander. To begin with, a used vehicle is a lot more cost-effective than a new one. This is because the moment a vehicle leaves the dealership, its value starts to decrease , consequently bringing down the overall cost of ownership of the vehicle .

Besides that, Toyota is known for its reliability. Buying a used Highlander is not only a great way to experience the quality of vehicles produced by the brand but also  to bring home an SUV that will last years with the right care. Depending on the manufacturing year, some models may be within the original warranty period or sold with extended warranty options.

Additionally, the Toyota Highlander is widely known for its spacious interiors. It can seat up to eight people. It also offers adequate cargo space, making it ideal for road trips and excursions with family and friends.

Features to expect in a 4th Gen Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander’s features and specs will differ significantly depending on the year of manufacture and the trim chosen. That being said, the fourth generation of the Highlander, i.e., from 2020 to now, presents some of the more up-to-date and practical features that buyers can get .

1. Engine and performance
Buyers will most likely find gas and hybrid versions of the Toyota Highlander at used car dealerships near them. The vehicle is available in both all-wheel and rear-wheel drivetrains; however, its configuration will depend on its previous owner.

A gas 3.5L V-6 engine, making up to 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, was standard in the initial years. In recent years, though, Toyota has upgraded this to a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of making 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, buyers will find a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that connects to an electric system to produce 243 horsepower for the hybrid version of the SUV.

2. Safety and driver assistance
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ (or higher) has been a standard offering across all Highlander models. This gives drivers access to a suite of features, such as lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision system, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist, and more. This has contributed to the company’s high scores in safety tests conducted by the IIHS and NHTSA.

3. Design
Since entering its fourth generation of manufacturing, the Highlander has seen significant upgrades to its design, making it more comfortable to drive. The highest trims, such as the Highlander Limited Platinum and the Hybrid Limited Platinum, offer premium features such as leather-trimmed seats, a hands-free power liftgate, LED fog lights, and adaptive cruise control. Other practical features in the SUV include wireless charging, captain’s chairs (in the second row), rear sunshades, a rear seat entertainment system, a larger touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a voice assistant.

Factors to consider when buying a used Toyota Highlander

1. Vehicle history report
When buying a used car, it is important to have all the  bases covered. To begin with, one should always ask for a vehicle history report before purchasing to avoid future issues. This report provides valuable insights into a vehicle’s history, past accidents (if any), maintenance records, and other ownership details.

2. Mileage
Next, it is crucial to take into account the vehicle’s driving history or mileage. Even though the Highlander is built to last, buying one with a lower mileage could imply that the car has undergone less wear and tear. While this may not always be true, especially if the car has been in an accident, checking the mileage can help buyers make a better-informed decision.

3. Condition
It is also crucial to check the car’s overall condition. In this case, one can hire a professional assessor or bring an experienced friend to examine the used vehicle thoroughly. It is important to take note of any issues in the vehicle, as these can help buyers negotiate better.

4. CPO programs
Many companies run certified pre-owned programs, where they take on the responsibility of checking the car and ensuring that it is in decent working condition. Some may also be willing to offer additional extended warranties.

5. Battery health
Those looking to buy a used Toyota Highlander Hybrid must pay special attention to the health of its battery. Check if it is still within its original warranty or get it inspected by a professional.

6. Price
Like the features, the cost of a used Toyota Highlander can vary significantly depending on its year of manufacture, condition, and other factors. Buyers can expect to pay more for the recent makes, with some models costing around $30,000 to $37,000 in used car markets.

Those looking for deals and clearance sales on the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid might be able to find seasonal offers in the form of discounts and better financing terms at dealerships near them.