The 2006 Highlander lasts over 300,000 miles with only some rare engine and paint issues. At $6,764 to $9,881, it’s a decent value for one of the most reliable midsize SUVs.
Is the 2006 Toyota Highlander a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2006 is a good year for the Highlander. Owner reviews enjoy the dependable engine, comfortable suspension, and safety features.
- Reliability ratings are very good. Models from 2006-2007 are good, with more complaints on the 2008 model.
- Performance is okay from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 offers better power.
- The Highlander is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is okay for an SUV at up to 22 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Highlander?
- Consumer Reports says the Highlander is one of their top-rated SUVs, with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the 2006 Highlander a 4.7/5 and likes the smooth ride, but dislikes the bland styling.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Highlander 4.7/5 and enjoy the long-lasting engines, but don’t like the lower fuel economy.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Toyota Highlander Have?
Problems found in the 2006 Toyota Highlander are not widespread and include loose engine bolts, clear coat failures, and window clip issues.
Loose engine bolts show up on some Highlanders at around 100,000 miles, but the issue is not widespread. The bolts stretch out as they age, and replacing them costs about $1,800.
Peeling clear coat is another problem that shows up in the first 150,000 miles. The only solution is to repaint the affected areas, at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
Broken window clips are a problem reported by some owners at roughly 70,000 miles. Some owners replace the clips for about $100, and others simply glue them in place for under $10.
There are 7 recalls, with the most serious being for the brake master cylinder which can lead to a reduction in brake force, increasing the risk of an accident.
How Long Will the 2006 Toyota Highlander Last?
A properly maintained 2006 Highlander should last over 300,000 miles, which is almost twice as long as competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than rivals at $375 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Buyers looking to get a 2006 Highlander should be prepared to replace the fuel pump for $300, the timing belt costing $250, and the hood latch which costs $150.
No everything is running smoothly. Keeping oil changes and keep up maintenance it purrs like a kitten. Rides smoothly no abnormal noises.
One problem in my car is that the tire sensor is faulty to check low tire pressure but other than that there are no problems.
This car has been incredibly reliable. I have had work done on it, but with 149,000 miles, that is not unexpected. Many Toyota’s make it to 250,000 and up.
The only main problems I have had with the Highlander is it goes through batteries fast and stalls randomly. The factory alarm had issues so I had it disabled as due to the issue my car wouldn't start.
It is very reliable. I have not had any mechanical issues or otherwise maintenance issues aside from required and typical tune ups.
How Much Is the 2006 Toyota Highlander Worth?
Blue book values range from $6,764 to $9,881, making the Highlander around $1,500 more than a Nissan Pathfinder or GMC Envoy. When new, the price range was $24,530 to $31,860. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Highlander?
There are three models of the Highlander available. Technology was last updated in 2005, with a complete redesign for the 2008 model year.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- Keyless Entry
- AM/FM/CD Stereo With 6 Speakers
Sport is a step up and adds:
- 17-Inch Polished Alloy Wheels
- Sport Suspension
- Fog lights
- Leather Steering Wheel
Limited is the flagship version adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- 8-Speaker JBL Premium Stereo
- HomeLink Garage Opener
What Engines Come In the Highlander?
- The base engine is an average 2.4L-4-cylinder with 155 horsepower, which gets up to 22 MPG combined.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 3.3L V6, which makes 215 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking 8.2 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Highlander Come In?
How Big Is the Highlander?
The 2006 Highlander is a bit smaller than some other midsize SUVs including the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Passenger room is good in the first two rows, but legroom is very cramped in the third.
The cargo space is a bit lower than rivals, with 10.5 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 39.7 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 80.6 with both rows folded flat. There’s enough space for 2 suitcases behind the third row at an average size of 4 cubic feet per suitcase.
How Does the Highlander Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota 4Runner is another rival from Toyota costing about $3,500 more. Off-road performance is better in the 4Runner, but the Highlander has a more luxurious interior. We recommend the 4Runner since they hold their value better, but both are great choices.
The Honda Pilot is another competitor which starts at $1,000 less. Passenger room is better in the Pilot, but the Highlander has a higher quality interior. We recommend the Highlander since it’s a bit more affordable to own, but they both are very dependable choices.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Highlander?
Yes it runs really well with little maintenance good on gas. Has great features. You can charge your phone. You can play music from your phone over the radio.
The Toyota highlander is a good vehicle. It is very reliable and have not had any problems at all with the car.
Yes, the Highlander is a great car. It is dependable, fuel-efficient, comfortable and it hauls anything I need, goes anywhere I need to go in any kind of weather.
The Toyota Highlander is a good vehicle, built to last and has a great amount of space. It does decent on gas, but needs frequent maintenance.
Yes! It is very dependable, easy to maintain and looks great. It’s the perfect size for running around town but also for long-haul, car-packed trips.