2019 Toyota Highlander: A Detailed Overview
The 2019 Toyota Highlander solidified its reputation as a dependable and family-friendly three-row SUV. Known for its comfortable ride, practical interior, and a suite of advanced safety features, it remained a strong contender in a competitive segment.
Highlights
- Engine: For 2019, the Highlander offered two powertrain options:
- 3.5L V6 Engine: This standard powerhouse delivered a robust 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an efficient 8-speed automatic transmission. It provided ample power for daily driving, highway merging, and towing needs.
- 2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine (Limited Availability): While less common, some earlier models might still feature a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine that produced 185 horsepower. However, the V6 was the dominant and recommended choice for most buyers due to its superior performance and similar fuel economy.
- Safety Features: Toyota's commitment to safety was evident with the standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite, which included:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: This system uses a forward-facing camera and radar to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid them, even detecting pedestrians.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: If the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling, this feature alerts the driver and can provide gentle steering input to keep the vehicle centered.
- Automatic High Beams: This system automatically switches between high and low beams based on ambient light and oncoming traffic, enhancing visibility without dazzling other drivers.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: This advanced cruise control maintains a set speed and automatically adjusts it to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Available on higher trims, BSM alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, while RCTA warns you of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.
- Trims: The 2019 Highlander was available in several well-equipped trims, offering increasing levels of luxury and technology:
- LE: The base trim provided a solid foundation with essential features and the standard TSS-P.
- LE Plus: Added a few conveniences like an 8-inch touchscreen and seating for eight.
- XLE: Stepped up the comfort and technology with features like leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a sunroof.
- SE: Sportier styling cues, including unique exterior accents and larger wheels, while retaining much of the XLE's features.
- Limited: The pinnacle of comfort and technology, offering premium leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and advanced infotainment options.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Comfortable Ride: The Highlander was praised for its smooth and composed ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively, making it ideal for long journeys.
- Spacious and Versatile Interior: With three rows of seating, the Highlander could comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers (depending on second-row configuration) and offered flexible cargo space with its 60/40-split folding second and third rows.
- User-Friendly Infotainment: The infotainment system, typically featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on most trims, was intuitive and easy to navigate, supporting Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and often SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were notably not available on the 2019 model.
- Quiet Cabin: The interior was well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, contributing to a more serene driving experience.
What to Expect
The ownership experience of a 2019 Toyota Highlander is generally characterized by reliability and ease of use. Toyota's reputation for building durable vehicles means that regular maintenance, as outlined in the owner's manual, is key to ensuring longevity. Expect routine oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and filter replacements.
- Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance is typically straightforward and affordable. Common services include oil changes every 5,000-10,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and oil type), and more significant services like transmission fluid changes or spark plug replacements occurring at higher mileage intervals. Brake pad replacements will depend on driving habits.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for a 2019 Highlander are generally in line with other mid-size SUVs in its class. Factors influencing your premium will include your driving record, location, coverage levels, and the specific trim chosen. However, due to its strong safety ratings and Toyota's reliability, it's not typically considered a high-risk vehicle to insure.
Potential Considerations
While the 2019 Highlander is a well-rounded SUV, there are a few aspects buyers should be aware of:
- Third-Row Space: While the third row is present, it's best suited for children or occasional adult use. Adults may find the legroom and headroom somewhat limited on longer journeys.
- Lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: A notable omission for the 2019 model year is the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration in the infotainment system. This means smartphone mirroring capabilities are not available, which might be a dealbreaker for some tech-savvy buyers accustomed to these features.
- Base Engine (if applicable): If you encounter a 2019 Highlander with the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, be aware of its less potent performance compared to the V6. This might impact acceleration and merging on busy highways.
- Styling: While functional, some might find the exterior styling of the 2019 Highlander to be a bit conservative compared to some more aggressively designed competitors.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Toyota Highlander remains an excellent choice for families seeking a comfortable, reliable, and safe three-row SUV. Its standard V6 engine provides ample power, the ride is refined, and the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense P as standard is a significant advantage. Despite the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its practical interior, strong resale value, and Toyota's renowned dependability make it a sensible and enduring option in the used SUV market.