[1] The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.

The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to a dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4.

Unlike Toyota's own 4Runner and other mid-sized competitors such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Highlander aimed for on-road comfort with its unibody construction and independent rear suspension.

On models without third row seating, this depression was turned into a storage compartment (prior to 2004 the spare tire was accessible from inside the vehicle where the third row seating would subsequently be located; beginning in 2004 the spare tire is accessible from underneath the vehicle).

Hybrid models were available with part-time four-wheel drive, which Toyota refers to as 4WD-i whereby the rear wheels are powered by a separate electric motor.

The hybrid drivetrain was unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, and was offered to the public in July 2005 as a 2006 model.

Other additions include Toyota's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system and Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB).

Initially the sole powertrain for the 2008 Highlander was a 201 kW (270 hp; 274 PS) 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 mated to a five-speed automatic.

[17] For 2009, Toyota again offered a 4-cylinder for 5-passenger front-wheel drive models with the all-new ULEV-II certified 2.7-liter 1AR-FE I4 paired to a six-speed automatic.

The XU40 was initially produced exclusively at Toyota Motor Kyushu's Miyata plant for all global markets beginning in May 2007.

[19][3][11][20] Production in China for local sales was started on 25 May 2009 by GAC Toyota in Nansha District, Guangzhou, Guangdong.

[21] Toyota had intended on building the Highlander in Blue Springs, Mississippi for the North American market in the 2011 model year.

Pre-facelift styling Post-facelift styling All models come standard with enhanced Vehicle Stability Control which immediately alters electric powering steering assist w/traction control (hybrids come standard with VDIM), anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Noting that it was the first such event in the magazine's 45-year history, he criticised the vehicle's stability system stating that "Deficiencies in the Kluger's ESP contributed to the crash".

In a written response, Toyota disputed the circumstances of the accident and criticised the testing procedures as "unscientific".

The Highland FCHV was a test vehicle using compressed hydrogen gas, with average fuel economy of 109.9 km/kg (68.3 mi/kg) (approximate mpg equivalent).

[38] On 27 March 2013, Toyota unveiled the third generation XU50 series Highlander at the New York International Auto Show, with plans to have the vehicle reach dealerships in early 2014.

[39] The XU50 version is longer and wider than the outgoing generation and its design has changed from its boxy look to one that is similar to other mid-size crossover SUVs.

In addition to the changes, the XU50 featured seating for eight people with a sliding second-row point of entry that gives it 109 mm (4.3 in) of added width space, soft-touch materials on the instrument panel, lane-departure warning, pre-collision warning and blind spot monitoring systems.

An eight-inch touchscreen system and Toyota's Entune app suite with 12 JBL speakers were offered as an optional feature.

A refreshed 2017 model year Highlander appeared at the New York International Auto Show in March 2016 with sales starting in the fourth quarter of 2016.

[47] In V6 powered models, an eight-speed automatic replaced the six-speeder and the revised V6 engine (now designated 2GR-FKS) added Toyota's D4-S direct injection fuel system.

[50]Chinese market facelift styling The fourth-generation Highlander was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on 17 April 2019.

Compared to the previous generation, there is increased cargo room behind the third row and support was added for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

[65][53] The Highlander was also launched across Gulf Cooperation Council countries around June and July 2020, where it is offered only as a Hybrid.

[55] In North America, the fourth-generation Highlander is offered in L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades.

A 2.5-liter gasoline/electric hybrid four-cylinder engine and Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) are available on all but L and XSE, and are standard equipment on the Bronze Edition grade.

The 2020 model year Highlander was awarded "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, it received Good ratings in at least six crash test evaluations and it did not receive the higher-tier award as the base trim LED reflector headlights had poor visibility and produce excessive glare.

Sharing the nameplate and the GA-K platform, the Grand Highlander features entirely different exterior and interior styling, as well as being longer, taller, and wider.