As you investigate alternatives to the Toyota Highlander, you’ll find a mix of familiar features and unique capabilities. For instance, some models offer better performance, lower prices, or more horsepower.
Others excel in specific areas, such as off-road prowess or reduced engine noise. What sets these cars apart, and which one will best fit your lifestyle?
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Key Takeaways
- The Ford Explorer offers quicker acceleration and sharper handling compared to the Toyota Highlander.
- The Mazda CX-9 provides nimbler handling with a premium interior, making it a strong alternative to the Highlander.
- The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride offer lower prices, more horsepower, and less engine noise than the Toyota Highlander.
- The 2025 Honda Pilot offers similar cargo space and smooth performance at a lower starting price than the Highlander.
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee balances weekday comfort with off-road capabilities, making it a unique alternative to the Toyota Highlander.
Alternatives to the Toyota Highlander
When shopping for a midsize SUV, you may find yourself considering alternatives that better suit your needs and preferences.
The Toyota Highlander is a popular choice, but other options offer unique strengths.
The Ford Explorer boasts quicker acceleration and sharper handling.
The Mazda CX-9 provides nimbler handling with a premium interior.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee balances weekday comfort with off-road capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride outshine the Highlander with lower prices, more horsepower, and less engine noise.
These alternatives are worth investigating to discover the best fit for you.
SUVS With Similar Features
If you’re looking for SUVs with similar features to the Toyota Highlander, you’ll find several alternatives that align with your needs.
These models offer comparable strengths, such as smooth performance, ample cargo space, and premium interiors.
- 2025 Honda Pilot: Similar cargo space and smooth performance at a lower starting price.
- 2025 Mazda CX-90: Nimbler handling and a premium interior with turbocharged power.
- 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Balanced weekday comfort and weekend grit with a standard V6 engine.
- 2025 Kia Tellurade: Outshines the Highlander with a quieter, more composed ride and premium looks.
SUVS With Unique Features
Four SUVs stand out from the crowd, each boasting unique strengths that differentiate them from the Toyota Highlander.
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 impresses with its turbocharged six-cylinder powertrain and rear-biased all-wheel-drive setup, providing nimbler handling.
You’ll appreciate the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s smooth and powerful V6, plus available off-road upgrades.
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade shines with 26 more horsepower and less engine noise than the Highlander.
Finally, the 2025 Ford Explorer’s potent powertrains and sharper handling set it apart, although it falls short on interior polish.
Top-Rated SUVs
You’re in the market for a highly-rated SUV, and you’re not alone.
If you’re considering the Toyota Highlander, you should also look at these top-rated alternatives:
- 2025 Hyundai Palisade: With a 9.4/10 overall score, it offers a lower starting price of $37,200, more horsepower, and a roomier third row.
- Kia Telluride: Scoring 9.5/10, it starts at $36,390, producing 26 more horsepower than the Highlander, with less engine noise and higher cargo capacity.
- Longer warranty: Both the Palisade and Telluride offer a longer warranty, adding extra peace of mind for owners.
- Better fuel economy: The Palisade achieves up to 26 MPG on the highway, and the Telluride gets up to 24 MPG.
Dimensions and Capacity
How do the dimensions and capacity of an SUV impact your driving experience?
You’ll appreciate the spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers across three rows.
Cargo capacity varies, but you’ll find around 15-20 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, expanding to 40-50 cubic feet with the third row folded.
Towing capacity also differs, ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the trim and engine.
Understanding these dimensions and capacity a vital aspect of your purchase decision, as it directly affects your SUV’s functionality and versatility.
Engine and Performance
When shopping for a car similar to the Toyota Highlander, you’ll want to examine the powertrain options.
The 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is a great choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency.
If you need more power, the 3.5-liter V6 engine is a great option, producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
You’ll also want to investigate the hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 243 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Powertrain Options
The powertrain options for cars similar to the Toyota Highlander, as they directly impact engine performance and overall driving experience.
You’ll find a range of powertrains that cater to different driving styles and needs.
- The 2025 Ford Adventurer’s 3.0L V6 engine produces 400 horsepower in the ST trim, offering potent acceleration.
- The 2025 Honda Pilot’s 3.5L V6 engine provides smooth performance with 280 horsepower.
- The 2025 Mazda CX-90’s turbocharged six-cylinder power with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive setup offers a strong mix.
- The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s V6 engine feels smooth and powerful on the road, with available off-road upgrades.
4L Engine
You’re likely interested in the engine options that power the Toyota Highlander, and for good reason – they significantly impact your driving experience.
The Highlander’s 3.5L V6 power, producing 291 HP, is a suitable choice for those who prioritize power and acceleration.
This engine isn’t a 5L, but it provides a balance of power and efficiency, offering 18.6 MPG.
Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, you’ll experience smooth shifting and responsive performance.
If you prioritize fuel efficiency, the 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine or the available hybrid powertrain may be a better fit for your needs.
Warranty and Maintenance
You’re likely considering the warranty and maintenance aspects of cars similar to the Toyota Highlander, which includes a comprehensive warranty overview and powertrain protection.
The Toyota Highlander’s warranty package includes a 36-month/36,000-mile whole vehicle warranty, 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and other perks like roadside assistance.
Warranty Overview
Six years or hundreds of thousands of miles – that’s how long Toyota stands behind its Highlander.
When you own a Toyota Highlander, you can rest assured that you’re protected by a robust warranty.
- Whole Vehicle Warranty: 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Anti-Corrosion warranty effective for 60 months with no mileage limit.
- Paint Warranty: 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Roadside Assistance: available for 24 months or unlimited miles.
Powertrain Coverage
Your Toyota Highlander’s warranty is comprehensive, and its powertrain coverage is no exception.
You’ll enjoy a powertrain warranty of 60,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first.
This coverage protects your Highlander’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain components from defects or malfunctions.
With this warranty, you can drive with confidence, knowing you’re protected from costly repairs.
Additionally, the warranty is transferable, so if you sell your Highlander, the new owner will benefit from the remaining warranty period.
Luxury SUV Options
When shopping for a luxury SUV, ponder models that offer high-performance capabilities, luxurious features, and spacious interiors.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Toyota Highlander, ponder the following options:
- BMW X5: With 5,626 models available, it’s a popular choice for its high-performance capabilities and luxurious features.
- Porsche Macan: Offering 2,511 models available, it provides a high-performance experience with a luxurious twist.
- Porsche Cayenne, you’ll find 2,282 models available, providing a luxurious and rugged SUV experience.
- Acura MDX: With 5,117 models available, it offers a luxurious and feature-packed SUV experience, making it a great alternative to the Toyota Highlander.
Mid-Size SUV Alternatives
If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV that rivals the Toyota Highlander, you’ll find a range of alternatives that offer unique strengths and advantages.
The 2025 Ford Investigator boasts potent powertrains with quick acceleration and sharper handling.
The 2025 Honda Pilot shares cargo space and smooth performance, but with a lower starting price, more passenger and cargo space, quicker acceleration, and more responsive handling.
The Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-90, and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer distinct benefits, including a higher U.S. News Overall Score, premium interior, and balanced weekday comfort and weekend grit, making them viable Highlander alternatives.
Compact SUV Options
While the Toyota Highlander excels as a mid-size SUV, you may prefer a more compact alternative that still delivers on performance, space, and features.
Compact SUVs offer a great balance of agility and functionality.
Consider the following options:
- Subaru Crosstrek: Offers 8.7 inches and up to 51.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
- Subaru Forester: Starts at $25,145 and provides up to 60.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
- Ford Escape: Offers a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain and up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
- Honda HR-V: Has a starting price of $20,620 and up to 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Conclusion
As you navigate the market, bear in mind that finding the perfect SUV is like piecing together a puzzle – every alternative to the Toyota Highlander offers a unique fit. Whether you prioritize performance, comfort, or value, options like the Ford Investigator, Hyundai Palisade, and Jeep Grand Cherokee are sure to satisfy your needs. By considering these alternatives, you’ll be well on your way to driving off into the sunset in the SUV that’s just right.
