2013 Toyota Highlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Toyota Highlander
Pictured: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (XU70) 1X7A6356. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD, 4dr SUV 4WD Limited, 4dr SUV 4WD V6, Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD-I/Limited 4WD-I
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
28 combined · 28 city / 28 hwy
Length
188.6 in
Curb weight
3,847–4,641 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 64% better than the average 2013 standard SUV (17.1 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Toyota Highlander is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 2.7L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,847 lb (4dr SUV 4WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (28 city / 28 highway), 64% better than the 2013 standard SUV average of 17.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 160 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Highlander — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Highlander →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD188.6 in75.2 in69.3 in109.8 in64.2 / 64.2 in3,847 lb55/45
4dr SUV 4WD Limited188.6 in75.2 in69.3 in109.8 in64.2 / 64.2 in4,321 lb55/45
4dr SUV 4WD V6188.6 in75.2 in69.3 in109.8 in64.2 / 64.2 in4,180 lb55/45
Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD-I/Limited 4WD-I188.6 in75.2 in69.3 in109.8 in64.2 / 64.2 in4,641 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Highlander Hybrid 4WD Hybrid3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive28 / 28 / 28+64%$2,400317
Highlander 2WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-4%$3,050400
Highlander 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-13%$3,350437
Highlander 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19-11%$3,550465
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.1 MPG2013 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Toyota Highlander.

Similar 2013 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Toyota Highlander (this car)28 MPGNot rated3
2013 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated2
2013 Toyota RAV426 MPGNot rated5
2013 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated6
2013 Ford Explorer23 MPGNot rated11
2013 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated12
2013 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (3)

Seats · Mar 27, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V148000 · 46,757 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk
If the seat does not lock into the seat track, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second row left hand seat so that it will lock into the seat track, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 9, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 7,525 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Fix
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

160Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
15Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
50,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering45
Unknown Or Other22
Engine19
Electrical System19
Vehicle Speed Control14
Structure › Body11
Air Bags11
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/03: 121/04: 221/07: 221/08: 121/11: 121/12: 122/01: 122/02: 122/05: 122/06: 122/10: 122/11: 123/08: 224/01: 124/07: 124/08: 124/10: 125/02: 225/06: 225/07: 125/09: 126/05: 126/07: 126/09: 221/0321/0822/0122/0623/0824/0825/0626/05max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 45 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 19 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Highlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Highlander35194.9 inNot rated04
2025 Highlander35194.9 in★★★★★410
2024 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★743
2023 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★9198
2022 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★6272
2021 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5548
2020 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5330
2019 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★3511
2018 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★4275
2017 Highlander29192.5 inNot rated3274
2016 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated2117
2015 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated1195

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →