Model guide · 2nd generation (XU40)
2008–2013 Toyota Highlander
The 2008–2013 Highlander is a midsize crossover with room for up to seven, sold with a 270 hp V6, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder from 2009, or a Hybrid with 4WD-i. Every one has seven airbags and stability control, and the V6 can tow 5,000 lb with the tow package.
7 seats
Seating in three rows
5 or 7 seats
Seating, two or three rows
95.4 cu ft
Max cargo, seats folded (Hybrid 94.1)
270 hp
Horsepower, 3.5L V6
187 hp
Horsepower, 2.7L four-cylinder
270 hp
Total system hp, Hybrid 3.3L
280 hp
Total system hp, Hybrid 3.5L
5,000 lb
Towing, V6 with tow package
Engines and transmissions
Tap one to see only what applies to it.
Capability3
270 hp 3.5-liter V6
This Highlander has the 3.5-liter V6 with 270 hp and a 5-speed automatic. It was sold with front-wheel drive or full-time 4WD, and with the tow package it is rated to pull 5,000 lb.
187 hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder
Added for 2009, the 2.7-liter four-cylinder makes 187 hp and drives through a 6-speed automatic. It came only with front-wheel drive, and with the tow package it is rated for 3,500 lb.
Hybrid with 4WD-i on every one
Every Highlander Hybrid has 4WD-i, with a rear electric motor that drives the back wheels and no driveshaft. Output is 270 hp with the 3.3-liter V6 (2008–2010) or 280 hp with the 3.5 (2011–2013).
Safety3
Stability control on every one
Every one has Toyota's Star Safety System: stability and traction control plus anti-lock brakes with brake assist. From 2011, Smart Stop is standard too, cutting engine power if the brake and gas pedals are pressed together.
Seven airbags, curtains for all three rows
Every 2008–2013 Highlander has seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtains that cover all three rows.
Backup camera
This Highlander's record lists a backup camera. Toyota made it standard on the upper grades of this generation, with the picture on a 3.5-inch display or, on some 2013 grades, the Display Audio screen.
Space2
Third row, standard from 2011
From 2011 every Highlander has a 50/50 split third row that folds into the floor, for seven seats. For 2008–2010 it was standard on most V6 and Hybrid models, and the four-cylinder came with two rows and an optional third.
Second row: bench or captain's chairs
The 40/20/40 second row slides and reclines. Take out the Center Stow middle seat and you have two captain's chairs with a walk-through to the third row.
Tech1
Bluetooth hands-free calling
This Highlander's record lists Bluetooth. Toyota offered it with JBL audio early on, in the Tech Audio package with a USB port for 2011–2012, and with Display Audio, standard on most 2013 grades.
Good to know3
Timing chains, except the early Hybrid
The 2.7 and 3.5-liter engines use timing chains, with no scheduled belt job. The 2008–2010 Hybrid's 3.3 V6 has a belt Toyota says to replace at 90,000 miles or 108 months, so ask us what this car's records show.
Recall history worth checking
Recalls on 2008–2010 gas models include accelerator pedal and floor mat fixes (10V-023, plus 10V-017 for 2010) and a driver airbag cable (14V-168). Hybrids had an inverter recall (13V-396). Ask us for this car's recall history.
VVT-i oil hose campaign on 2008 V6s
Toyota's campaign 90K replaced a rubber VVT-i oil hose on certain 2008 V6 Highlanders at no charge, and it ended December 31, 2021. Ask us whether this car's records show the new hose.
Specs are the manufacturer's figures for this generation. Equipment varies by trim and year, so ask us about anything that matters to you on a specific car.
