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2021 Toyota Highlander
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I like a lot about this Highlander, especially in the first two rows—it’s comfortable, it works well for car seats, and it has some really nice family-friendly touches. That said, it’s not the most flexible setup, and there are a few limitations you’ll want to know going in.
- LATCH in two second row seats: only two sets of lower anchors (captain’s chairs), so you’re limited for installs
- Three tether anchors across the back: one in each third row seat, which helps for forward-facing setups
- Good car seat spacing in second row: plenty of room for rear- and forward-facing seats without feeling cramped
- Rear-facing friendly clearance: enough space, but bulkier seats may push the front row forward
- Sliding second row seats: lets you adjust legroom and make a little more room for third row access
- Third row is tight for car seats: works best for occasional use or smaller passengers
- Ceiling vents in both rear rows: great airflow, especially for rear-facing kids
- Solid second row amenities: sunshades, charging ports, and heated seats make it comfortable for kids and adults
The Exterior
Clean, Slightly Basic Design That Still Feels Elevated
I think the Highlander looks nice overall, but it’s not the most exciting design out there. It leans more clean and slightly upscale than bold, and I do think it looks better from some angles than others.
Front End Feels Simple Compared to Competitors
The front is where it falls a little flat for me. The grille has a clean chrome surround and the headlights are pretty standard, nothing super modern or futuristic. Toyota did update the LED headlamps for 2021, which helps with visibility, but visually it still feels a bit basic compared to others in this category.
Side Profile Feels More Premium
From the side, I actually like it more. It gives off a slightly more elevated, almost Lexus-like feel, especially with the chrome window trim and the overall shape. The doors are large, which makes getting kids in and out easier, and the proportions feel practical for everyday use.
Back End Is the Best Angle
I think the rear is the strongest part of the design. The wraparound tail lights look more intentional, and the wide liftgate makes loading strollers and gear easier. Overall, it’s not flashy, but it’s clean, functional, and easy to live with.
First Row
Comfortable Driving Position with Good Visibility
The first thing I notice up here is how comfortable it feels. You sit a little higher than I expected, and visibility is actually really good overall, which I always appreciate. The only downside is the headrests—they’re a little bulky and can block some of your view, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Big Screen That’s Easy to Use, Even If It Doesn’t Fully Match
There’s a lot going on with the tech, but it’s pretty easy to figure out.
- Large touchscreen with quick buttons: I like having both, it makes it really intuitive
- Heads-up display: shows speed, direction, and speed limit right in your line of sight
- Climate controls: separate and easy to access
One thing I don’t love is how the screens look together. The main screen feels really modern, but the driver display looks more basic, and they don’t feel fully integrated.
Storage Is There, Just Not Perfect
You have what you need, but it’s not my favorite setup.
- Two cupholders + small front tray: easy for quick access
- Wireless charger area: feels a little clunky and takes up space
- Center console: deep, but narrow, so it’s not as functional as I’d like
Everyday Features That Actually Help
There are a few things up here that make daily driving easier.
The heated steering wheel is great, and the heated seats work really well. There’s also auto hold, which is one of those features you don’t think about until you use it—it’s so helpful at stoplights or in drive-thrus.
Second Row
This is a good setup, but it’s pretty standard and not the most flexible in this category. It works well for two car seats, but you’ll feel the limitations if you’re trying to do more.
Lower Anchors on Captain’s Chairs, Tether Anchors in All Three Third Row Seats
- Lower anchors: two sets, both on the second row captain’s chairs
- Top tether anchors: one for each third row seat (three total)
- Limitation: no additional lower anchors beyond those two second row positions
This means most of your installs will happen in the second row, especially for younger kids.
Spacing Works Well for Two Car Seats
There’s enough room here to make installs comfortable.
The second row has good spacing, so you’re not cramming seats together. Rear-facing and forward-facing seats both fit well, and it’s easy to get kids in and out without feeling tight.
Sliding Seats Help with Access and Flexibility
The second row seats slide forward and back, which makes a difference.
You can move them up to create more room for the third row or keep them back for legroom. Access to the third row is through a fold-and-slide mechanism, which works, but it’s not the easiest if you have car seats installed.
Amenities Make This Row Comfortable
You get a lot of nice features back here.
- Sunshades: helpful for kids
- Ceiling vents: great for airflow, especially with rear-facing seats
- Charging ports + outlet: practical for everyday use
- Heated seats: nice bonus for passengers
Third Row
Three Seats Back Here, But Best for Two
This third row technically fits three, but it’s much more realistic for two passengers. It just feels tight once you’re actually back there.
Limited Space with Elevated Floor
The floor sits higher than the second row, so your knees are pushed up, which isn’t the most comfortable for longer rides. Headroom is also tight, especially for adults.
Works for Kids, Not Ideal for Car Seats
You can use this row, but it’s not where I’d prioritize car seats.
- Tighter width: harder to fit multiple seats comfortably
- Best use: occasional seating or older kids
Amenities Are Still Covered
Even though it’s tight, you still get the basics.
- Ceiling vents: good airflow back here
- Cupholders: built into both sides
Access Requires Planning
Getting back here depends on how you have the second row set up.
You’ll use the fold-and-slide function, but if you have car seats installed, it can make access more difficult.
Trunk
Smaller Trunk Behind the Third Row
This is not a big trunk when all three rows are in use. It works for a few everyday items, but it fills up quickly if you’re carrying more than the basics.
Works for Light Daily Use, Not Larger Gear
You can fit things like groceries or smaller bags, but there’s not a lot of extra room. There aren’t many storage features back here either, which makes it feel a little limited overall.
Folding the Third Row Opens Up the Space
Once you put the third row down, it becomes much more usable.
- Split-folding third row: easy to adjust for more cargo
- More continuous cargo area: better for larger items
- Added protection with cargo mat: helps keep the back of the seats covered when folded down
Overall Feels More Basic Than Some Competitors
It gets the job done, but it’s not the most functional or flexible trunk setup in this category.
Safety
The Highlander is a really solid choice when it comes to safety, and that’s a big reason people keep buying it. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating, which is the highest designation from IIHS.
Seatbelt Pretensioners Located in the Front Seats
This is one of those details I always like to call out.
- Seatbelt pretensioners: located in the front seats (driver and front passenger)
- What they do: tighten the seatbelt instantly during a serious crash, side impact, or rollover to hold you in place
- When they activate: severe frontal or side collisions and rollovers—not minor impacts
This is built-in protection that works with the airbags to reduce movement in a crash.
Airbags Cover All Rows
You’re getting a full system here, not just front coverage.
- Front airbags: driver and passenger
- Knee + seat cushion airbags: added front seat protection
- Side + curtain airbags: extend through multiple rows for head protection
Standard Driver Assistance Features Handle Daily Driving
You also get a full set of systems that help prevent accidents in the first place.
- Pre-collision braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane tracing assist
- Blind spot monitoring
Two Second Row LATCH Positions, Three Third Row Tether Anchors
This is a good, straightforward setup, but it’s not the most flexible if you’re trying to do a lot of car seats.
- Lower anchors: two full sets, both on the second row captain’s chairs
- Top tether anchors: one for each third row seat (three total)
- No additional lower anchors: limits how many easy installs you can do
Second Row Is Where Car Seats Work Best
This is where I would put most of your seats.
The spacing is good, so you’re not fighting for room, and installs feel pretty straightforward. Rear-facing and forward-facing seats both fit well, and it’s easy to get kids in and out.
- Wide spacing between seats: makes buckling and loading easier
- Rear-facing clearance: works, but larger seats can push the front row forward
Third Row Is More Limited for Car Seats
You can use it, but it’s not ideal.
- Seatbelt installs only: no lower anchors back here
- Tighter width: harder to fit multiple seats comfortably
- Best for: occasional use or older kids
Access Depends on Your Setup
Getting to the third row takes some planning.
You’ll use the fold-and-slide function on the second row, but if you have car seats installed, that can block access. You can adjust the seats forward to help, but it’s not the easiest setup if you’re regularly using the third row.
Overall Car Seat Takeaway
This works really well for two car seats and everyday use, especially in the second row. Once you start needing three or more seats, that’s where the limitations show up.
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