2015 Toyota Highlander review
Toyota Highlander highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Smooth and strong V6 engine choice
- Upscale-feeling interior
Cons
- Third-row seats aren't quite as roomy as some others
- Hybrid models typically priced higher than conventional V6
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 24 highway, 20 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2015 Highlander is an easy, no-nonsense pick for a three-row crossover
Toyota's no-nonsense approach with the 2015 Highlander is what makes it so appealing. It might not be the biggest three-row crossover, but the Highlander's slightly more compact dimensions pay dividends on the road, where it feels a bit more agile and maneuverable than its rivals. Access to the third-row seats is easy, too, thanks to a second row that folds, slides, and reclines. The rearmost seats aren't the most accommodating, but they provide ample space for kids. The Highlander offers seating for up to eight, so you can carry your family and some friends, too.
The regular Highlanders are front-wheel-drive as standard, with an automatic transmission. The engine choices start with a base 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 185 hp, but we'd get the optional 3.6-liter V6, which has a more robust 270 hp. It benefits performance without sacrificing much in EPA-estimated fuel economy. If maximum efficiency is your goal, seek out the Hybrid, which adds electric motors to the V6 to up the EPA estimates significantly. But you'll need to save a lot on fuel to make up for the typical increase in price hybrids have over the regular models. You lose some choice, too: The Hybrid is only offered in top-level Limited and Limited Platinum trims, and it doesn't offer the eight seats of the regular models or tow as much. Trims for those are LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, and a new-for-2015 top-of-the line Limited Platinum that adds a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. The XLE trim is a sweet spot in standard equipment and price. All are worth exploring, and if you're in the market for a family-friendly large crossover, the Toyota Highlander is difficult to ignore.
All Toyota Highlander years
What is new for the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
- The LE Plus trim now comes with Entune as standard equipment.
- The LE trim now comes with Entune as standard equipment.
- The XLE trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2015 Toyota Highlander trims
LE
Comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a rear spoiler, a sliding and reclining 60/40-split second-row seat, automatic headlights, and more.
LE Plus
Adds an adjustable-height power liftgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable driver seat, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
XLE
Includes leather upholstery on the first and second row, a navigation system, an eight-inch touchscreen, and much more.
Limited
Comes with LED running lights, 19-inch wheels, driver memory functions, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and more.
Limited Premium
Includes all standard features of the lower trims and adds a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and heated second-row seats.
5 reasons to buy the 2015 Toyota Highlander
1. Interior details
The 2015 Toyota Highlander's interior is appealing and refined all around. It's lined with thoughtful details that make for a pleasant ride for all passengers. Soft-touch materials cover most of the surfaces and the cabin has a luxurious look and feel, thanks to elegant stitching in various places, as well as two-tone color combinations.
2. Powerful engines
Although an exciting driving experience is not the first thing that comes to mind when talking about midsize SUVs, it can't hurt to own one that offers great performance. The standard 2.7L, four-cylinder engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and generates 185 hp but the available 270-hp 3.5L six-cylinder will meet the needs of many driving enthusiasts. It can be paired with either front- or all-wheel drive and goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new).
3. Great towing capacity
Considering the size and the engines it comes with, it's no wonder that the 2015 Toyota Highlander is a great option for towing your toys. The base trim with a 2.7L, four-cylinder engine can tow up to an estimated 1,500 lbs when properly equipped and the LE Plus trim, powered by a 3.5L six-cylinder engine, can tow an estimated 2,000 lbs when properly equipped.
The top two trims—the XLE and Limited—with the 3.5L six-cylinder engine can tow up to an estimated 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, which will allow you to haul a pair of motorcycles, a rowboat or a fishing boat, a utility trailer, or a snowmobile, among other things.
4. Plenty of room for cargo
If you tend to travel often with your family or friends, you can rest assured that there will be more than enough room for everyone's suitcases and other essential items if you're driving a 2015 Toyota Highlander. There is 13.8 cu-ft of space behind the third-row seat, which increases to 42.3 cu-ft with those seats folded. The total cargo volume is 83.7 cu-ft behind the front seats, making it a great little hauler if you are moving and need to transport several large boxes across town.
5. Numerous standard features
When it comes to equipment, the 2015 Toyota Highlander comes with quite a few standard features. For starters, there's Toyota's Entune® infotainment system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, ensuring a high level of connectivity and various entertainment options. A rear spoiler, automatic headlights, and heated exterior mirrors are also part of the standard equipment, as well as Bluetooth® connectivity and a USB port.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2015 Toyota Highlander, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize SUV with a high cargo capacity and plenty of standard tech features. It handles smoothly and offers a quiet and pleasant ride. Models from 2017–2021 have 23 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row, which opens up to 57.8 cu-ft with the third row folded for a total of 98.2 cu-ft of total interior volume.
Standard features on the Chevrolet Traverse model years 2017–2021 include:
Chevrolet MyLink interface
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Seven-inch touchscreen
60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat
Delivering a great performance and offering room for seven passengers, the Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that's great for large families or groups that like to go on road trips and need lots of cargo space. Model years 2017–2021 are powered by a standard 3.5L six-cylinder engine producing 290 hp; with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine, and a twin-turbo 3.5L six-cylinder engine offered as options. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional.
Here are some of the standard features on the 2017-2021 Ford Explorer:
Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system
18-inch aluminum wheels
Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
With a refined interior and comfortable and roomy seats, the Honda Pilot is another midsize SUV that's versatile and practical. Model years 2017–2021 are equipped with lots of standard driver-assistance features and an intuitive infotainment system. It can seat up to eight and it has 83.9 cu-ft of cargo space when the third- and second-row seats are folded.
Some of the standard features on all 2017–2021 Honda Pilots include:
USB port
Five-inch touchscreen
Cruise control
17-inch wheels
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.8 out of 5
20 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 17 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 3 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Toyota Highlander an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Highlander 6th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota HighlanderToyota Highlander features and specs
LE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Entune
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Entertainment System
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.7L
Horsepower
185
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19.2
Wheelbase
109.8"
Overall length
191.1"
Width
75.8"
Height
68.1"
Leg room
F 44.2"/M 38.4"/R 27.7"
Head room
F 40.7"/M 39.9"/R 35.9"
Front tires
P245/60SR18
Rear tires
P245/60SR18
Seating capacity
8
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2015 Toyota Highlander FAQ
Many factors can affect the reliability of a Toyota Highlander, including its driving history, maintenance records, and mileage. However, according to RepairPal® reliability data, which are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles, the Highlander receives a 4/5 (Excellent) rating. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
The 2015 Toyota Highlander has lots of standard tech features, plenty of cargo room (up to 83.7 cu-ft), and an Excellent reliability rating according to RepairPal® reliability data, which are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. Many factors can affect the reliability of a Toyota Highlander, including its driving history, maintenance records, and mileage.
The XLE adds several upgrades to the interior, with standard leather first- and second-row seats, in addition to the exterior upgrades such as sunroof and roof rails and an eight-inch touchscreen. This compares to the cloth seats and the 6.1-inch touchscreen of the LE.
More about the 2015 Toyota Highlander
Exterior colors:
Alumina Jade Metallic
Attitude Black Metallic
Blizzard Pearl
Champagne Mica
Moulin Rouge Mica
Nautical Blue
Predawn Gray Mica
Shoreline Blue Pearl
Silver Sky Metallic
Interior colors:
Black
Dark Gray
Interior description
The 2015 Toyota Highlander comes with a third-row seat for up to eight people. Access to the third row is easy thanks to the sliding second-row seats and while adults would feel cramped in the third row, kids could sit there quite comfortably. The 2015 Highlander comes standard with Toyota's Entune infotainment system featuring a 6.1-inch touch screen. When it comes to storage, there is a two-tiered console box, a mid-level dash tray, and a forward-console bin, all of which can come in pretty handy.
Child seat details
The 2015 Toyota Highlander has two sets of LATCH connectors for child seats. A tether-only connection that you can use to install two additional seats can be found in the middle of the third row. You can install infant seats, convertibles, and booster seats in both the second and the third row.
Performance
The base trim of the 2015 Toyota Highlander is powered by a 2.7L, four-cylinder engine with 185 hp, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. There is an available 3.5L, six-cylinder engine with 270 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission. It comes standard with front-wheel drive on all but the top-tier trim, where all-wheel drive is standard—though it's available on the others. Models with front-wheel drive and the 2.7L, four-cylinder engine get an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined, while the 3.5L, six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the front-wheel drive 2015 Toyota Highlander with the 2.7L six-cylinder engine has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 398 grams per mile; this increases to 437 grams per mile with AWD and a 3.5L, six-cylinder engine.
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