Consumer Reports Says This Top-Selling SUV Is Very Reliable

Every year, the nonprofit consumer advisory group Consumer Reports provides drivers in-depth insight into dozens of popular vehicles through a combination of private road testing, input from members, and analysis of data from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In its roundup of 2026's 10 most reliable cars, the organization shouted out the Toyota Highlander, a top-selling SUV it found reliable enough to rank No. 9 out of over 300,000 vehicles considered.  

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV that has both gas-powered and hybrid versions, and owner reviews on Kelley Blue Book affirm its top reliability status. One 2024 model review noted no problems after a year of ownership and 10,000 miles of driving, and many others report similar experiences. Despite mixed reactions, even the four-cylinder engine Toyota introduced in 2023 has yet to cause widespread mechanical failures in recent model years. J.D. Power backs this strong reputation up, and the Highlander tied for the No. 2 slot on its list of the best midsize SUVs of 2026. 

Toyota has spent years building a reputation for dependability, and several Toyota models have stellar resale value. So, it's not surprise that Toyota sold over over 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2025 — an 8% increase from 2024. The Highlander has been a constant fixture in American driveways since 2001, and Good Car Bad Car reports it accounted for over 56,000 of those 2025 sales. That kind of consistency matters a lot more, especially in a world where bestsellers can turn out to be the least reliable cars.

Before investing in a Toyota Highlander, you should know what the maintenance costs are like. Cars can depreciate pretty quickly after they're purchased, but a reliable car that breaks down less frequently may prove more affordable than some alternatives in the long run. CarEdge estimates that there's less than a 17% chance a new Highlander would need an expensive repair in the first 10 years of ownership, which is approximately 8% better than the average midsize SUV.

You should also know that the Highlander's reliability isn't without certain tradeoffs. If you take a look at Consumer Reports' assessment, one particular complaint stands out in the comfort category: The car seats up to seven passengers, but many drivers find the third row to be cramped, making it less suitable for full-grown passengers or drivers moving a lot of cargo. Still, the U.S. Census Bureau reports the average American household is made up of less than three people, so many families may not find this lacking space a major issue. The in-car electronics on more recent versions of the SUV have also been subject to some complaint, with both the 2024 and 2025 year models involved with recalls for issues with their backup cameras and instrument panels. Still, Consumer Reports describes it as a largely dependable vehicle with responsive brakes and decent fuel economy.