The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway.
Pros Better style New sporty XSE look Still practical… ...and fuel efficient Great standard safety
Cons Infotainment is still a headache Exterior is a little busy Pricey top models Small-ish third row
The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
Pros Attractive design, optional hybrid powertrain, generous standard features.
Cons Few driving thrills, skimpy third-row room, fussy interior styling.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 2 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.New sporty XSE trim debuts.
Pros Comfortable, quiet ride Easy to see out of Good power and fuel economy from V6 engine
Cons Third row is kids-only Below-average cargo space behind the third-row seat
The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 2 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.Heritage Edition now offers optional third-row seating.
Pros Very capable off-road Comfortable ride for a large truck-based SUV Commanding view of the road ahead
Cons Third-row seats are cramped and impinge on cargo space Touchy brake pedal makes it hard to stop smoothly Poor fuel economy, even by large SUV standards Limited smartphone connectivity
The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-time four-wheel-drive icon with a handful of luxury touches.
Pros Exceptional utility It’s an icon Strong V-8 Full-time four-wheel drive We’d love to have one
Cons Atrocious gas mileage Not as comfortable… …or as luxurious as rivals Too expensive
For 2021, the Land Cruiser carries over mostly unchanged. The only update is that the Heritage Edition can now be optioned with a third row of seats. The top-of-the-line model is also now available in Classic Silver and Magnetic Gray metallic paint colors.
Pros Proven off-road capability, strong-enough V-8 powertrain, loaded with standard luxury features.
Cons Fuel efficiency is an afterthought, less prestigious than luxury-brand peers, cabin quality doesn't match its price point.
