Toyota Highlander vs. Tesla Model Y
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Highlander and Tesla Model Y 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 Toyota Highlander and the Tesla Model Y.
When comparing the Toyota Highlander's and the Tesla Model Y's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the area of resale value. The Tesla Model Y has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Highlander's and the Tesla Model Y's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model Y is a better car than the Toyota Highlander.
Pricing: A used 2024 Toyota Highlander ranges from $41,719 to $53,965 while a used 2024 Tesla Model Y is priced between $39,977 to $51,617.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value and the Tesla Model Y loses 53.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 14.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model Y.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota Highlander’s base engine makes 265 horsepower, and the Tesla Model Y base engine makes 295 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Highlander and Tesla Model Y are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota Highlander and the Tesla Model Y have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
41955 - 54332
Starting MSRP:
39270
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
42990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
58979
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
42990 - 78800
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
47051
Price Range:
41719 - 53965
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
47563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
40678 - 66020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
787
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
24058
# Good or Great Deals:
216
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
44827
Price Range:
39977 - 51617
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
55976
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
44827 - 62714
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
231
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
18158
# Good or Great Deals:
91
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
15607
Depreciation %:
0.39742088
Resale Value $:
23663
Residual Value %:
0.60257912
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.4631145
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.27538997 - 0.53491193
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
23791
Depreciation %:
0.55341702
Resale Value $:
19199
Residual Value %:
0.44658297999999996
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.67166453
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.53252838 - 0.68160055
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.656937 / 10
Reliability:
8.908292 / 10
Retained Value:
8.062519 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.174158 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.679
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model Y
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.7833017366379162
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
128.26258337736843
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 128.3
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 56Tesla Model Y Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 65Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
8 out of / 65Ranking
8 out of / 65Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
12 out of / 65Ranking
13 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 40Ranking
15 out of / 65Ranking
17 out of / 44Ranking
20 out of / 65Ranking
21 out of / 44Ranking
27 out of / 44Ranking
29 out of / 65Ranking
30 out of / 59Ranking
33 out of / 65Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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.
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Base, Long Range, Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp
Torque:
309 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
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:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
260 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
67.6 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
9.4 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
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:
38.7 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:
157.8 cubic feet
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:
34.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
76.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4155 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4154 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
64 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint / Moon Dust
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Cypress
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Solid Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Green
Not available
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Not available
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
White
Black and White
