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2021 Tesla Model Y vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Tesla Model Y and 2021 Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Tesla Model Y and the 2021 Toyota Highlander.

When we compare the 2021 Tesla Model Y's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, The 2021 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Tesla Model Y's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2021 Tesla Model Y.

Pricing: A used 2021 Tesla Model Y ranges from $28,999 to $41,571 while a used 2021 Toyota Highlander is priced between $28,476 to $41,439.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Tesla Model Y loses 53.4 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota Highlander retains 14.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Tesla Model Y.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Tesla Model Y’s base engine makes 283 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 295 horsepower. The Model Y is rated to deliver an average of 127 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), with a highway range of 244 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles.This gives the 2021 Tesla Model Y the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Toyota Highlander the advantage in maximum range. The Model Y uses electricity, and the Highlander uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Tesla Model Y and 2021 Toyota Highlander are comparable in regards to rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Tesla Model Y and the 2021 Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Tesla Model Y
2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Tesla Model Y
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2021 Tesla Model Y for Sale

2021 Toyota Highlander
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2021 Toyota Highlander for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$41,990

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)

$53,945

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)

$41,990 - $65,900

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$35,085

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,108

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,000 - $37,580

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$35,219

Price Range:

$28,999 - $41,571

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)

$36,290

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)

$35,219 - $37,360

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

804

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

42,359

# Good or Great Deals:

455

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$34,853

Price Range:

$28,476 - $41,439

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,840 - $46,487

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,641

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

48,558

# Good or Great Deals:

378

Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

Not available

Reliability:

Not available

Retained Value:

7.2 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.9 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Tesla Model Y

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:

N/A

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:

N/A

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota Highlander

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

67.9%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

601.6

Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)

10.5

Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)

3.4 - 601.6

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 32.1

Tesla Model Y Rankings

Luxury Electric SUVs with Best Resale Value

2 / 27

Most Affordable Luxury Electric SUVs

2 / 27

Most Comfortable Luxury Electric SUVs

3 / 27

Luxury Electric SUVs with the Most Legroom

3 / 27

Electric SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 44

Luxury Electric SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

4 / 27

Longest Range Luxury Electric SUVs

5 / 27

Best Luxury Electric SUVs for Tall People

5 / 27

Safest Electric SUVs

6 / 44

Longest Range Electric SUVs

6 / 44

Electric SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 44

Most Comfortable Electric SUVs

6 / 44

Best Electric SUVs for Tall People

7 / 44

Electric SUVs with Best Resale Value

10 / 44

Most Affordable Electric SUVs

11 / 44

Luxury Electric SUVs with the Most Horsepower

11 / 27

Best Luxury Electric SUVs for Towing

12 / 27

Best Electric SUVs for Towing

14 / 44

Best Off-road Luxury Electric SUVs

14 / 27

Electric SUVs with the Most Horsepower

15 / 44

Best Off-road Electric SUVs

21 / 44

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

3 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

5 / 17

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

6 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

6 / 21

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 32

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

9 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

9 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

10 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

Best Family Crossover SUVs

11 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

11 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

11 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

13 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

15 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

16 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

16 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

17 / 30

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 32

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

18 / 28

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

19 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

21 / 39

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

26 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

26 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 32

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

28 / 39

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

30 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

31 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

38 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

52 / 59

Summary Review

The Tesla Model Y is a two-row, five-passenger crossover. An optional third row with two jump seats is also available in some trims. Like every Tesla, it offers great performance bang for the buck, with acceleration that surpasses most gas-powered crossovers in its price range.

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Summary Review

The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.

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Pros and Cons

  • Roomier than its sibling the Model 3
  • Optional third row
  • Segment-leading range

  • No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
  • No spare tire on any trim
  • Few luxury features 
  • Some early reliability issues

Pros and Cons

  • Class-leading fuel economy
  • No disappointing base engine
  • Legendary reliability

  • Third-row space a bit cramped

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Electric

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Tesla Model Y Trim Levels

Long Range, Performance, Standard Range

2021 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

8 years / 120000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

283 hp

Torque:

317 foot-lbs

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.072 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

295 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

263 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.071 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

Not Applicable

Engine Configuration:

Not Applicable

Number of Cylinders:

Not Applicable

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not applicable

MPGe:

127 / 119 / 127

Range (city/hwy):

244 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Electricity

Battery Size/Capacity :

75 kWh

Maximum Charging Rate:

10 hours (240V)

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 28 / 23

MPGe:

Not applicable

Range (city/hwy):

358 / 501 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Battery Size/Capacity:

Not applicable

Maximum Charging Rate:

Not applicable

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Satellite radio:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Quad Seats:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.8 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

56.4 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54 inches

Cargo Space:

68 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

Not yet available

Overall Interior Volume:

Not yet available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

42 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

41 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

16 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

84.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

157.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3920 lbs

Width:

83.8 inches

Height:

63.9 inches

Length:

187 inches

Wheelbase:

113.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

6.6 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4145 lbs

Width:

76 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

194.9 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

19.0 x 9.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

255/45R19

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Solid Black

Blue

Deep Blue Metallic

Red

Red Multi-Coat

Silver

Midnight Silver Metallic

White

Pearl White Multi-Coat

Brown

Not available

Gray

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Red

Not available

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Blizzard Pearl

Brown

Opulent Amber

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Black

White

Black and White

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Black

White

Not available

Gray

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