2021 Toyota Highlander
US · SUV · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is listed in the US market as a suv. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 3.5L 6-cylinder (SIDI & PFI), 3.5L 6-cylinder (SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start), 2.5L 4-cylinder (SIDI & PFI; Hybrid)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, CVT
- Drivetrain
- Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid
- Economy
- 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 3.5L 6-cylinder (SIDI & PFI), 3.5L 6-cylinder (SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start), 2.5L 4-cylinder (SIDI & PFI; Hybrid) | |
| Displacement | 2.5 L to 3.5 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Fuel type | Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, CVT | |
| Gears | 6 to 8 | |
| Drivetrain | Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) to 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
6 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 8, 2026.
26V128000: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's…
Reported March 5, 2026. View on NHTSA
24V452000: TIRES
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this…
Reported June 18, 2024. View on NHTSA
23V865000: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will…
Reported December 20, 2023. View on NHTSA
23V720000: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this…
Reported October 26, 2023. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 4, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 12, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 4, 2026
Data verified: November 4, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?
Varies by configuration: 3.5L 6-cylinder (SIDI & PFI), 3.5L 6-cylinder (SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start), 2.5L 4-cylinder (SIDI & PFI; Hybrid). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Combined fuel economy is 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD.
Are there recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 8, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.