Toyota Tacoma vs. Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Tacoma and 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 Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Highlander.
When we compare the Toyota Tacoma's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Tacoma has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Tacoma's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Tacoma is a better car than the Toyota Highlander.
Pricing: A used 2025 Toyota Tacoma ranges from $46,996 to $69,227 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander is priced between $42,944 to $56,895. For a new model, the Toyota Tacoma's price is between $49,381 and $68,435, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $44,569 and $56,389.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Tacoma loses 28.5 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Tacoma retains 13.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Toyota Highlander.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Tacoma is 8.9 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Tacoma being ranked 2 out of 4 Best Hybrid Trucks and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 1 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Tacoma is 8.5 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Tacoma a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota Highlander.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota Tacoma’s base engine makes 326 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The Toyota Highlander has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
49381 - 68435
Starting MSRP:
46320
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
44569 - 56389
Starting MSRP:
40320
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
57920
Price Range:
46996 - 69227
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49825
Price Range:
42944 - 56895
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13410
Depreciation %:
0.28951626
Resale Value $:
32910
Residual Value %:
0.7104837399999999
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17002
Depreciation %:
0.4216697
Resale Value $:
23318
Residual Value %:
0.5783303
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Toyota Tacoma Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
9.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Tacoma
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.387
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.409029974711422
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.499754929635315
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Toyota Tacoma Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 54Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 54Summary Review
Toyota’s Tacoma has been the sales leader in the midsize segment for decades. While other brands quit this market, Toyota continued to polish the gem that is the Tacoma pickup.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Wide range of trim levels and styles from affordable barebones to serious off-road
- Best in class retained value
- Strong track record of overall reliability
- Composite bed eliminates corrosion concerns
- Beware the recent few used years with transmission issues with some recent models
- Interior oddities like a low, flat seat
- Not as refined as most competitors, overdue for a full update
- Towing capability less than segment best
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
60.3 inches, 73.5 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels
Limited HV, Trailhunter HV, TRD Off-Road HV, TRD Pro HV, TRD Sport HV
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
326 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
465 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6000 lbs
Max Payload:
1620 lbs
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
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
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
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
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention 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
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
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:
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5045 lbs
Width:
77.9 inches
Height:
74.6 inches
Length:
213 inches
Wheelbase:
131.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
11 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
265/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Blue Crush Metallic
Brown
Bronze Oxide / Terra
Gray
Underground
Red
Supersonic Red
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Ice Cap / Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Brown
Not available
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Cypress
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Boulder/Black w/ Anodized Blue / Boulder/Black w/ Smoke Silver
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
