2005 Toyota Highlander Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Toyota Highlander did not change much for 2005. Several features that were once options became standard, such as a roof rack and remote...
The Toyota Highlander did not change much for 2005. Several features that were once options became standard, such as a roof rack and remote keyless entry.
The 2005 Toyota Highlander is available in two trims, the Standard and the Limited. Both are available with 4WD and 2WD with a four-cylinder or V6 engine. The 2.4-liter inline-4 comes standard, with 160 horsepower. The 3.3-liter, 230 horsepower V6 is optional on the base Highlander and standard on the Limited. Fuel economy is about 20/24 mpg. The 2005 Highlander is available as a five-passenger or seven-passenger vehicle.
Drivers love the 2005 Toyota Highlander for its dependability, smooth ride, and good safety ratings. However, many drivers complain that the car is a little boring in both looks and the way it handles. Owners of the 2005 Highlander also say that the third-row seat is only suited for very young children.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2005 Toyota Highlander appreciate its reliability, spaciousness, and low maintenance requirements. Many owners loved its performance, including decent power and good fuel efficiency. However, some noted the trade-off of reduced rear storage when using the optional third row and mentioned that servicing certain components, like the brakes, can be challenging. Overall, it’s seen as a dependable family vehicle that offers good value."
Love this car! Have had Toyota's before. Each seems to have their own unique "quirks", but always runs like a champ if you take care of it. Had a 1986 Tercel 4wd wagon for years and was upset when I could buy a new one. Had over 200K miles on it when I gave it to my sister-in-law in 2004, and she's still driving it.
March 13, 2011I've owned this car for 8 years. It's been an outstanding vehicle. We will replace it in another 4-5 years with another Highlander. The engine gets an oil change every 5k miles and never makes dirty oil. It's great for all season traction too!
April 2, 2015Overall the Highlander preformed alot better than I expected. Good fuel mileage and plenty of power when you needed it. The only bad thing I could say, is that servicing the front brakes will be a major undertaking if you have never done them on this type of system before. Other than that, it really is a great little SUV.
July 10, 2012What owners say
Love this car! Have had Toyota's before. Each seems to have their own unique "quirks", but always runs like a champ if you take care of it. Had a 1986 Tercel 4wd wagon for years and was upset when I could buy a new one. Had over 200K miles on it when I gave it to my sister-in-law in 2004, and she's still driving it.
March 13, 2011I've owned this car for 8 years. It's been an outstanding vehicle. We will replace it in another 4-5 years with another Highlander. The engine gets an oil change every 5k miles and never makes dirty oil. It's great for all season traction too!
April 2, 2015Overall the Highlander preformed alot better than I expected. Good fuel mileage and plenty of power when you needed it. The only bad thing I could say, is that servicing the front brakes will be a major undertaking if you have never done them on this type of system before. Other than that, it really is a great little SUV.
July 10, 2012Lots of room , plenty of power , reliable and fun to drive. Also this suv is very simple to maintain. If your somewhat mechanically inclined like myself , servicing this vehicle is very simple. TOYOTA made things simple with maintenance . Again great suv.
February 23, 2015Handles well, reliable, a good amount of room and not too big--or pricey.
March 31, 2008i have the fully loaded and it was a great investment, even though it is a v-6 the gas consumption isn't that bad
July 2, 2008Perfect family car. 3rd seat option is nice, but you have no rear storage when you are using it. Dependable and very low maintenance required on this car. Rides like a luxury sedan- crazy for a mid priced SUV. Giving it to my teenagers when they are of driving age.
April 19, 2015If you need a car to get you where you are going every time, safely, without spending too much on gas, this is the one. You probably won't win the "Mom with the most impressive SUV" contest. But then think of all the money you will save on maintenance. And honestly I think that it looks better than the newer version.
October 30, 2011Trims & specs
Base MSRP $30,745 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 230 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 39.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,155 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 230 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 39.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $25,130 | Seating 7 |
Engine 2.4L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 10.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,245 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 39.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,845 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 39.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,905 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 230 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 39.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$24,845 - $30,745
Current avg. market price
$5,984
Trending down by 2.0% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
