Jump LinksFifth-Generation Highlander Production Years:Fourth-Generation Highlander Production YearsThird-Generation Highlander Facelift Production YearsThird-Generation Highlander Production YearsSecond-Generation Highlander Facelift Production YearsSecond-Generation Highlander Production YearsFirst-Generation Toyota Highlander Production YearsThe first of the Toyota Highlander generations burst onto the scene in 2000 as a more road-biased Toyota SUV with unibody construction and independent rear suspension, as opposed to the off-road-focused Land Cruiser and 4Runner. For the 2008 model year, the XU40 redesign of the Toyota Highlander came with a roomier third row than the cramped first-gen car thanks to a larger footprint, while a base four-cylinder engine later joined the V6 unit.The much sharper-looking third generation could accommodate up to eight people and featured higher-quality cabin materials. The fourth-gen car that landed in 2019 introduced new features such as smartphone integration and a more powerful V6, but its biggest claim to fame is the brand-new turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine that would replace the V6 from 2023. As the industry pivots to the 2027 model year, we see the Highlander's new all-electric fifth generation - and it holds a lot of promise for ticking the boxes that consumers want in this segment. This is a summary of the major updates made to the Toyota Highlander throughout its production run. This article is continuously updated as new generations become available. Only model years, generations, and specifications applicable to models sold in the United States have been included. 2027 - Present Toyota Highlander 5th Gen 2027 Toyota Highlander LimitedThe Toyota Highlander goes all-electric for its 5th generation that debuts for the 2027 model year. It's kicking off with two trim levels, the XLE and the Limited. The XLE is available in either front- or all-wheel drive, while the Limited only comes in AWD. Differences continue with the XLE, since it can have either a 77 kWh battery for between 270 and 287 miles of range (depending on drivetrain - AWD has less range), or a 95.8 kWh battery for 320 miles of range in AWD variants only. The Limited trim comes with a 95.8 kWh battery as standard. As far as power outputs go, the XLE trim with FWD makes 221 hp, and all AWD versions make 338 hp. Fifth-Generation Highlander Production Years: 2027 Toyota Highlander 2020-2026 Toyota Highlander 4th Gen (XU70) 2025 Toyota Highlander Green Front Angle DrivingThe fourth-gen Highlander brought an updated body appearance and interior, more cargo/occupant room, and the latest Toyota cabin technologies. It initially came with an uprated 3.5L V6 with 295 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission, but this engine was eventually replaced with a 265-hp turbocharged four-cylinder for the 2023 model year to meet stricter emission and fuel efficiency standards. A 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid was also added to the model lineup. Fourth-Generation Highlander Production Years 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander 3rd Gen (XU50) Facelift 2017 Toyota HighlanderNo powertrain changes were made at the time of the third-gen car’s facelift for the 2017 to 2019 model years. Third-Generation Highlander Facelift Production Years 2014-2016 Toyota Highlander 3rd Gen (XU50) 2014-2015 Toyota HighlanderThe third generation retained the previous engines but did away with the old five-speed automatic transmission, so a six-speed unit was now the only option for the full gasoline engines. Third-Generation Highlander Production Years 2011-2013 Toyota Highlander 2nd Gen (XU40) Facelift 2011 Toyota Highlander By the time the facelifted model hit the streets for the 2011 model year, changes to the Toyota Highlander recipe included a mild restyle, while a 187-hp inline four-cylinder base engine was also on the menu by this time, but coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 retained its five-speed automatic gearbox. Second-Generation Highlander Facelift Production Years 2008-2010 Toyota Highlander 2nd Gen (XU40) 2008-2010 Toyota Highlander Front 3/4For the 2008-2010 model years, the Toyota Highlander's next generation came with either a 2.7L inline-four cylinder or a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6. Both were paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with either FWD or AWD. A 3.3L V6 Hybrid was also made available with AWD only. Second-Generation Highlander Production Years 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander 1st Gen (XU20) 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander Front Angle View The Toyota Highlander first arrived for the North American market in the 2001 model year. Positioned below the larger Toyota 4Runner, the Highlander came with multiple inline-six cylinder gasoline engines, including a hybrid option - paired to automatic transmissions and sending power to the front or all four wheels. First-Generation Toyota Highlander Production Years 2006 Toyota Highlander2005 Toyota Highlander2004 Toyota Highlander2003 Toyota Highlander2002 Toyota Highlander2001 Toyota HighlanderSource: Toyota