2015 Toyota Highlander

What Is the 2015 Toyota Highlander?

The 2015 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that competes with the Mazda CX-9, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer. It's available in LE, LE V6, LE Plus V6, XLE V6, Limited V6 and Limited Platinum V6 trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard on every trim, and all but the LE can have all-wheel drive. There's also a hybrid version of the 2015 Toyota Highlander, covered separately on Cars.com.

What's New on the 2015 Toyota Highlander?

Fresh off a full redesign for the 2014 model year, there are no major changes to the 2015 Highlander.

How Does the 2015 Toyota Highlander Compare to Other Mid-Size SUVs?

The 2015 Highlander keeps the significant improvements of the 2014 redesign, but like its predecessor is saddled with a significantly harsher ride than many of its competitors. It's heavier, too; a V-6 LE tips the scales at 4,244 pounds, while a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe – which offers much more athletic handling – comes in at a comparatively light 3,933 pounds. Fortunately, the Highlander's efficiency holds up where its ride does not: With the V-6, the 2015 Highlander is rated as high as 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive and up to 18/24/20 with all-wheel drive.

The Highlander's interior channels the luxury-oriented Toyota Avalon to great, comfortable effect. But while the cabin is fairly plush, it doesn't offer the versatility of some of its competitors. Dedicated cargo volume behind the third row comes in at a scant 13.8 cubic feet, less than both the Ford Explorer (21.0) and Honda Pilot (18.0).

What Features in the 2015 Toyota Highlander Are Most Important?

The 2015 Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter V-6 comes on all but the base trim, with all-wheel drive available on every V-6 Highlander.

Significant standard features include 18-inch wheels, smoked-chrome headlamps and a 6.1-inch touchscreen. Notable available features include 19-inch wheels, automatic high beams, a power liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, second-row sunshades, a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, driver's seat memory, smart key, a rear entertainment system and a heated steering wheel.

As is required in all new vehicles of this model year, the 2015 Toyota Highlander comes equipped with antilock brakes, front airbags and an electronic stability system. Every 2015 Highlander also comes with a backup camera, knee airbag and occupant-sensing front airbags. Optional safety features include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

Should I Buy the 2015 Toyota Highlander?

The 2015 Toyota Highlander looks good and offers solid interior space with great tech features. Its price is extremely competitive with other models in its class, including the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot. It also boasts an extremely comfortable and inviting cabin. In short, there's a lot to recommend the Highlander – provided you can live with its comparatively harsh ride quality.

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