Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 30 recorded runs

Toyota Highlander 0–60 Times

The Toyota Highlander 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 30 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested Toyota Highlander is the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.60 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 15.10 seconds at 91.3 mph, according to Motor Trend.

The slowest tested Toyota Highlander is the 2001 Toyota Highlander Limited, which took 8.80 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 16.80 seconds at 82.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

Out of all the Toyota Highlander tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 7.31 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 15.67 seconds at 90.28 mph.

Fastest 0–60 6.60sec 2006 Hybrid Limited · stock

Average 0–60 7.31sec Across 30 runs

Avg ¼ Mile 15.67sec @ 90.3 mph trap

Slowest 0–60 8.80sec 2001 Limited

Across 30 verified runs, the Toyota Highlander ranges from 6.60 to 8.80 seconds 0–60, with a 7.31-second average.

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Toyota Highlander Performance Overview

Toyota Highlander performance spans 30 independently verified tests across 2001 to 2023, tracing the midsize crossover from early V6 roots into a broader gasoline-and-hybrid lineup. In first-generation XU20 form, output ranged from 215 to 268 hp through the 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE, and early results moved from an 8.8-second 0-60 run in the 2001 Limited to 8.1 seconds in the 2003 Limited. The major step came with the 2006 Hybrid Limited, which set the model’s all-time best at 6.6 seconds to 60 mph and covered the quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds at 91.3 mph.

The XU40 generation (2008-2013) kept both gasoline and hybrid powertrains in circulation, centered on 2GR-FE and 2GR-FXE V6s rated from 270 to 280 hp. Its quickest verified 0-60 time was 7.0 seconds in the 2008 Limited. XU50 (2014-2019) expanded the 2GR family to 270-306 hp, with the 2017 Hybrid Limited again reaching 7.0 seconds.

In today’s XU70 era, tested from 2020 onward, the Highlander combines 243-295 hp outputs with naturally aspirated gasoline, hybrid, and later turbocharged engine offerings. The current generation’s benchmark remains the 6.7-second 0-60 run by the 2020 Platinum, placing recent Highlanders close to the model’s peak pace while maintaining the same broad powertrain spread.

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Toyota Highlander 0–60 Times by Generation: XU20 to XU70

4 generations

Generation	Years	Avg 0–60	Fastest 0–60	Tests	Notes
XU70	2020–present	7.27s	6.70s — 2020 Platinum	10	The XU70 generation (2020–present) averaged 7.27 seconds to 60 mph across 10 tests, led by the 2020 Platinum at 6.70 seconds. Output ranged from 243 to 295 hp across 2.4L Turbo I-4, 2.5L I-4 + Elec, 3.5L V6 configurations.
XU50	2014–2019	7.26s	7.00s — 2017 Hybrid Limited	10	The XU50 generation (2014–2019) averaged 7.26 seconds to 60 mph across 10 tests, led by the 2017 Hybrid Limited at 7.00 seconds. Output ranged from 270 to 306 hp across 3.5L V6, 3.5L V6 + Elec, 3.5L V6 + Elec configurations.
XU40	2008–2013	7.12s	7.00s — 2008 Limited	5	The XU40 generation (2008–2013) averaged 7.12 seconds to 60 mph across 5 tests, led by the 2008 Limited at 7.00 seconds. Output ranged from 270 to 280 hp across 3.5L V6, 3.5L V6 + Elec configurations.
XU20	2001–2007	7.70s	6.60s — 2006 Hybrid Limited	5	The XU20 generation (2001–2007) averaged 7.70 seconds to 60 mph across 5 tests, led by the 2006 Hybrid Limited at 6.60 seconds. Output ranged from 215 to 268 hp across 3.0L V6, 3.3L V6, 3.3L V6 + Elec configurations.

XU70 2020–present

Avg 0–60 7.27s

Fastest 6.70s

Tests 10

2020 Platinum

The XU70 generation (2020–present) averaged 7.27 seconds to 60 mph across 10 tests, led by the 2020 Platinum at 6.70 seconds. Output ranged from 243 to 295 hp across 2.4L Turbo I-4, 2.5L I-4 + Elec, 3.5L V6 configurations.

XU50 2014–2019

Avg 0–60 7.26s

Fastest 7.00s

Tests 10

2017 Hybrid Limited

The XU50 generation (2014–2019) averaged 7.26 seconds to 60 mph across 10 tests, led by the 2017 Hybrid Limited at 7.00 seconds. Output ranged from 270 to 306 hp across 3.5L V6, 3.5L V6 + Elec, 3.5L V6 + Elec configurations.

XU40 2008–2013

Avg 0–60 7.12s

Fastest 7.00s

Tests 5

2008 Limited

The XU40 generation (2008–2013) averaged 7.12 seconds to 60 mph across 5 tests, led by the 2008 Limited at 7.00 seconds. Output ranged from 270 to 280 hp across 3.5L V6, 3.5L V6 + Elec configurations.

XU20 2001–2007

Avg 0–60 7.70s

Fastest 6.60s

Tests 5

2006 Hybrid Limited

The XU20 generation (2001–2007) averaged 7.70 seconds to 60 mph across 5 tests, led by the 2006 Hybrid Limited at 6.60 seconds. Output ranged from 215 to 268 hp across 3.0L V6, 3.3L V6, 3.3L V6 + Elec configurations.

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Toyota Highlander 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

30 tests · 12 years

▾

Model Year 12

2023 Toyota Highlander

2 verified runs

Avg 0–60 7.60 sec

Avg ¼ Mile 15.80 sec

Recorded Tests 2

#14

2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum

7.20sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

15.50s ¼ mi @ 92.0 mph

▾

0–60 mph: 7.20 sec
¼ Mile ET: 15.50 sec
Trap Speed: 92.0 mph
Engine: 2.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: 8A
Horsepower: 265 hp
Torque: 309 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 4,305 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 16.2 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 21 C / 28 H / 21 Obs
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Gasoline
Test Source: Car and Driver
Overall Rank: #14 of 30

#26

2023 Toyota Highlander XSE

8.00sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

16.10s ¼ mi @ 88.3 mph

▾

0–60 mph: 8.00 sec
¼ Mile ET: 16.10 sec
Trap Speed: 88.3 mph
Engine: 2.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: 8A
Horsepower: 265 hp
Torque: 310 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 4,325 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 16.3 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 21 C / 28 H
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Gasoline
Test Source: Motor Trend
Overall Rank: #26 of 30

How we verify Toyota Highlander performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Toyota Highlander trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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Toyota Highlander 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster

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Toyota Highlander performance FAQs

10 questions

The 2023 Toyota Highlander runs from 0-60 mph in 7.2 to 8.0 seconds across verified tests. The quicker result comes from the 2023 Platinum at 7.2 seconds, while the 2023 XSE recorded 8.0 seconds. Across all 30 Highlander tests on record, the overall average 0-60 time is 7.31 seconds.

The quickest Toyota Highlander on record is the 2006 Highlander Hybrid Limited, which reached 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. That same model also owns the best quarter-mile result among Highlanders at 15.1 seconds with a 91.3-mph trap speed, making it the benchmark for straight-line performance in the model line.

The fastest stock Toyota Highlander is also the overall fastest one on record: the 2006 Hybrid Limited at 6.6 seconds to 60 mph. All 30 Highlander tests in the archive are production vehicles, so there is no separate modified result faster than that. It remains the quickest factory Highlander tested.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum posts a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. In the same test, it ran the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds at 92 mph. That makes it the quicker of the two 2023 Highlander trims currently tested, ahead of the 2023 XSE in both 0-60 and quarter-mile performance.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE reaches 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. Its quarter-mile time is 16.1 seconds at 88.3 mph. Among the current-year Highlander tests on record, that places the XSE behind the 2023 Platinum, which is quicker to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile.

The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander, coded XU70, averages 7.27 seconds from 0-60 mph across 10 tests. The quickest XU70 result is 6.7 seconds, set by the 2020 Platinum. This generation spans 2020 onward and includes gasoline and hybrid powertrains, with naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid setups represented in testing.

The third-generation Toyota Highlander, code XU50, averages 7.26 seconds to 60 mph across 10 tests. Its quickest recorded run is 7.0 seconds from the 2017 Hybrid Limited. This generation covers the 2014 to 2019 model years and includes both gasoline and hybrid versions in verified acceleration testing.

The first-generation Toyota Highlander, code XU20, averages 7.7 seconds from 0-60 mph across five tests. The fastest XU20 is the 2006 Hybrid Limited at 6.6 seconds, which is also the quickest Highlander ever tested. This generation ran from 2001 to 2007 and included naturally aspirated gasoline and hybrid powertrains.

The 2023 Highlander Platinum is quicker than the 2023 XSE. The Platinum reaches 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the XSE takes 8.0 seconds. The Platinum also leads in the quarter-mile, running 15.5 seconds at 92 mph versus 16.1 seconds at 88.3 mph for the XSE.

Across 30 verified Toyota Highlander tests, the average quarter-mile time is 15.67 seconds at 90.3 mph. The quickest quarter-mile run on record is 15.1 seconds at 91.3 mph, set by the 2006 Hybrid Limited. For the 2023 model year, the Platinum ran 15.5 seconds at 92 mph and the XSE ran 16.1 seconds at 88.3 mph.

Sources

Car and Driver

Motor Trend

Motor Week

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Toyota Highlander can do, not a single marketing claim.

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