DecodedCars2016 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV, Hybrid 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 231 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 28 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,244–4,828 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 50% better than the average 2016 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 231 hp, versus about 365 hp for similar 2016 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 191 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,486 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (28 city / 28 highway), 50% better than the 2016 standard SUV average of 18.7 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 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Highlander — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Highlander →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Princeton, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 191.3 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,486 lb | 55/45 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 191.3 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,244 lb | 55/45 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV | 191.3 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,828 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 28 / 28 | +50% | $2,400 | 320 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 28 / 28 | +50% | $2,400 | 313 |
| Highlander 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -11% | $3,050 | 398 |
| Highlander 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -15% | $3,200 | 425 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +7% | $3,350 | 437 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Toyota Highlander.
Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Touareg | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Wiring · Oct 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V775000 · 7,056 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this G03.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jun 9, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V420000 · 4,253 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
- Risk
- An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Not every 2016 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 22 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2020 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 330 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 511 |
| 2018 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 275 |
| 2017 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 274 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 195 |
| 2014 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 125 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →