Before the three-row SUV became a ubiquitous sight in every school parking lot and grocery store aisle, there was a vehicle that helped define the modern, car-based family hauler: the first-generation Toyota Highlander. Known internally as the XU20, this SUV wasn’t designed to conquer Rubicon trails. Its mission was far more ambitious—to conquer the mainstream market by offering a perfect blend of passenger car comfort, SUV space, and Toyota’s legendary reliability. For families fleeing the truck-like ride of body-on-frame SUVs, the Highlander was a revelation. Let’s take a look back at the vehicle that set the standard.
The Blueprint: Smart, Sensible Engineering
Arriving in 2001 for the North American market, the Highlander was a masterclass in platform sharing done right. It was based on the global architecture of the Toyota Camry and Lexus RX, a pedigree that immediately bestowed upon it significant advantages.
- Car-Like DNA: The unibody construction and independent suspension provided a ride quality that was smooth, quiet, and refined—a stark contrast to the jiggly, bouncy experience of truck-based rivals. It handled like a tall sedan, inspiring confidence rather than intimidation.
- Powertrain Prowess: Buyers had two quintessentially Toyota options. The workhorse was the trusty 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE inline-four, producing 155 horsepower—adequate, but not sprightly. The star of the show was the 3.0-liter 1MZ-FE V6, which delivered a far more confident 220 horsepower. Both could be paired with a four-speed automatic, a transmission criticized even then for its lack of gears but praised for its smoothness and durability. The optional all-wheel-drive system was a purely on-road-focused setup, designed for inclement weather rather than off-road adventure.
- Packaging and Interior: The cabin was a lesson in thoughtful, if not luxurious, design. Controls were simple and intuitive. The split-folding rear seat slid and reclined, a feature still appreciated today. With the seats folded flat, it offered a vast, useful cargo area. It was a vehicle designed around errands, road trips, and the messy reality of family life.
The Competitive Arena: A New Class is Born
The Highlander didn’t enter a crowded field; it helped create one. Its key competitors were a mix of established nameplates and fellow newcomers.
- Honda Pilot: The Highlander’s arch-nemesis. The Pilot offered a third row of seats, making it an immediate favorite for larger families. It was similarly refined and reliable, often trading the number one spot with the Toyota.
- Ford Explorer: The Highlander was the anti-Explorer. Where the Explorer was body-on-frame, V8-powered, and ruggedly styled, the Highlander was car-based, efficient, and softly contoured. It represented the shifting tastes of the American family.
- Nissan Murano: A more stylish and sportier alternative, the Murano featured a potent V6 and a controversial, futuristic design. It appealed to those who found the Highlander a bit too anonymous.
- Lexus RX 300: The Highlander’s upscale cousin. Sharing its platform and V6 engine, the RX offered more luxury, a higher price tag, and less interior space, making the Highlander a compelling value proposition.
The Highlander’s winning formula was its uncompromising focus on being a competent, dependable, and easy-to-live-with appliance. It was the sensible choice, and in the family vehicle segment, sensibility often wins.
The DIY Proposition: A Legacy of Reliability and Repair
For the modern owner or prospective used car buyer, the first-gen Highlander remains a compelling DIY candidate. Its reputation for reliability is well-earned, but it’s not without its known quirks.
- The Straightforward Stuff:
- Routine Maintenance: Oil changes (the V6 famously uses a cartridge-style filter on top of the engine), air filter replacements, and spark plug jobs are all well-documented and accessible.
- Brakes and Suspension: Replacing brake pads, rotors, and common wear items like sway bar end links are standard procedures, no different from working on a Camry of the same era.
- The Common Gremlins:
- V6 Oil Sludge: The 3.0L V6 is notorious for oil sludge formation if oil change intervals were stretched. Evidence of poor maintenance is a major red flag.
- Four-Cylinder Oil Consumption: The 2.4L four-cylinder engine is known to burn oil as it accumulates high mileage. Regular level checks are mandatory.
- Dashboard Cracking: Sun exposure often causes the dashboard plastic to become brittle and crack—a common, frustrating, but largely cosmetic issue.
- The «Proceed with Caution» Jobs:
- Timing Belt (V6): This is the single most critical service item. The 1MZ-FE V6 is an interference engine, meaning a broken timing belt will result in catastrophic engine damage. Replacement every 90,000 miles or 7-10 years is non-negotiable.
- A/C Compressor: A common failure point, and a costly repair if done by a shop.
The first-generation Toyota Highlander may not have been the most exciting vehicle on the road, but it was arguably one of the most significant. It successfully translated the attributes of a family sedan into a versatile, desirable package that millions of families grew to trust. Its legacy is evident in every subsequent generation and in the legions of competitors that followed its blueprint. For those seeking a used SUV that prioritizes peace of mind above all else, the original XU20 remains a benchmark of sensible ownership.
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