Toyota Highlander III (XU50)
The third-generation Toyota Highlander transitioned to a sleeker aerodynamic profile and introduced Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) standard across the lineup, featuring enhanced third-row utility and robust V6 power.
Generation Quick Facts: The Toyota Highlander III (XU50) was manufactured from 2014 – 2019 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 model years) as a suv. Across 3 verified powertrains, power outputs range from 185 to 306 hp, with top fuel economy reaching 29.0 MPG combined (3.5L V6 Hybrid AWD).
Power range
185–306 hp
Quickest 0–100
7.0 s
Best combined
29 MPG
Length
4.89 m
01Decision support
Which Highlander III (XU50) suits you?
Daily driver · least fuel
3.5L V6 Hybrid AWD
29.0 MPG combined
It burns up to 24% less fuel per mile than the thirstiest Highlander III (XU50).
Performance · quickest
3.5L V6 AWD
0–100 km/h in 7.0s · 295 hp
The straight-line choice of this generation.
Sweet spot · balance
3.5L V6 AWD
295 hp · 22.0 MPG
Sits mid-range for power without paying the fuel or price tax of the flagship trim. Usually the best value on the used market.
023 powertrains (2 petrol · 1 hybrid)
Full specifications
| Specification | 2.7L I4 FWDPetrol | 3.5L V6 AWDPetrol | 3.5L V6 Hybrid AWDHybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| Engine code | 1AR-FE | 2GR-FKS | 2GR-FXE HEV |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Hybrid |
| Displacement | 2.7L (2,672 cc) | 3.5L (3,456 cc) | 3.5L (3,456 cc) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Naturally aspirated | Naturally aspirated |
| Cylinders | I4 | V6 | V6 |
| Power & Performance | |||
| Power | 185 hp / 138 kW | 295 hp / 220 kW | 306 hp / 228 kW |
| Torque | 250 Nm / 184 lb-ft | 357 Nm / 263 lb-ft | 368 Nm / 271 lb-ft |
| 0–100 km/h | 9.6 s | 7.0 s | 7.4 s |
| Top speed | 175 km/h (109 mph) | 180 km/h (112 mph) | 180 km/h (112 mph) |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | |||
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic | e-CVT |
| Gears | — | — | — |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Emissions | |||
| City | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) | 30 MPG (7.8 L/100km) |
| Highway | 24 MPG (9.8 L/100km) | 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km) | 28 MPG (8.4 L/100km) |
| Combined | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) | 29 MPG (8.1 L/100km) |
| Electric range | — | — | — |
| Battery | — | — | — |
| CO₂ emissions | — | — | — |
| Weight & Body | |||
| Curb weight | 1,845 kg (4,068 lbs) | 1,980 kg (4,365 lbs) | 2,125 kg (4,685 lbs) |
| Seats | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Model years | 2014-2019 | 2017-2019 | 2014-2019 |
0Exterior
Dimensions
Length
4,890 mm
192.5 in
Width
1,925 mm
75.8 in
Height
1,730 mm
68.1 in
Wheelbase
2,790 mm
109.8 in
Curb weight spans 1,845–2,125 kg depending on powertrain. Battery and AWD hardware add the most mass.
05Long-tail answers
Highlander III (XU50): questions answered
What engines and trims are available on the Toyota Highlander III (XU50)?
The Toyota Highlander III (XU50) lineup offers 2 petrol · 1 hybrid: 2.7L I4 FWD (185 hp), 3.5L V6 AWD (295 hp), 3.5L V6 Hybrid AWD (306 hp).
How quick is the Toyota Highlander III (XU50) from 0 to 100 km/h?
The fastest trim, the 3.5L V6 AWD, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0s, reaching a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) with the 3.5L V6 AWD.
What is the most fuel-efficient Toyota Highlander III (XU50) trim?
The 3.5L V6 Hybrid AWD delivers the highest fuel economy at 29.0 MPG (EPA combined). Across the 3 powertrains, fuel economy spans 22–29 combined MPG.
What model years are included in the Toyota Highlander III (XU50)?
The Toyota Highlander III (XU50) was produced from 2014 – 2019, spanning the following model years: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
What are the exterior dimensions of the Toyota Highlander III (XU50)?
4890 mm long, 1925 mm wide, 1730 mm tall on a 2790 mm wheelbase (192.5 in overall length).
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Toyota HighlanderCertification data, 2014–2019
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls, complaints and investigations2014 Toyota Highlander, official safety record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Toyota official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Guides worth reading before you choose
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
Front, rear, all or four-wheel drive, what's the difference, and which drivetrain is right for your driving? Mechanics, pros, cons and examples.
September 19, 2026
City vs. Highway vs. Combined MPG Explained: EPA Formula & Real-World Guide
What do the three MPG numbers on a spec sheet actually mean, why is your real-world figure lower, and which should you care about? A complete guide.
September 26, 2026
CVT vs. DCT vs. DSG vs. Automatic: Every Car Transmission Compared
Torque converter, dual-clutch, CVT or manual, how each gearbox works, how it feels to drive, and which one belongs in your next car.
September 5, 2026
More Toyota models