2019 Toyota Highlander: True Cost of Ownership (5-Year Breakdown)
The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV that blends family-friendly practicality with Toyota's legendary reliability, making it a top pick for households needing seating for up to eight without sacrificing comfort or resale value. At a used price around $26,500, it sits in a sweet spot for buyers who want a proven, well-depreciated SUV that still has years of dependable service ahead. It's especially well-suited for suburban families, road-trippers, and anyone who values low long-term ownership costs over flashy features.
Monthly cost breakdown
The 2019 Highlander retains its value exceptionally well for a midsize SUV — Toyota's brand reputation and consistent demand mean it typically loses only about 35-40% of its value over five years from its original MSRP, well below the segment average. Buying at $26,500 means much of the steepest depreciation has already been absorbed by the first owner.
Pros
- Toyota's reliability reputation translates to below-average repair frequency — predicted annual repair costs of roughly $489/year are well under the midsize SUV average of $573
- Excellent resale value means lower effective depreciation cost compared to domestic or European competitors in this segment
- Strong safety scores (IIHS Top Safety Pick) can help lower insurance premiums and reduce at-fault accident risk
- Fuel economy of approximately 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway for the V6 is competitive for a three-row SUV, keeping fuel costs manageable
Cons
- The base 3.5L V6 returns only around 22 mpg combined, which at current national average gas prices (~$3.40/gallon) adds up to roughly $168/month at 12,000 miles/year — not cheap for a family budget
- Insurance costs are moderately high due to the vehicle's size, replacement part costs, and popularity as a theft target in some metro areas
- At $26,500, you're buying a vehicle with likely 50,000-80,000 miles, meaning some deferred maintenance items (coolant flush, spark plugs, brake fluid) may be due soon and should be factored into your budget
- Lacks a hybrid option at this price point — the Highlander Hybrid of this era trades significantly higher at $32,000+, making the more economical powertrain effectively out of reach in this budget
Common problems to watch for
- Oil consumption on the 3.5L V6 engine has been reported by some owners — check oil levels regularly and review service history before purchase
- Transmission shudder or hesitation at low speeds has been noted on some units, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, and may require a fluid change or software update
- Infotainment system (Entune) is considered dated and can be slow or unresponsive compared to competitors — not a mechanical issue but a daily frustration
- Suspension clunks or rattles at higher mileages (80k+) are common, often traced to sway bar links or strut mounts that are inexpensive but routine to replace
- Brake wear can be accelerated due to the vehicle's curb weight (~4,400 lbs), so budget for brake jobs every 40,000-50,000 miles
The verdict
From a pure cost-of-ownership standpoint, the 2019 Highlander is a smart, low-risk buy — you're acquiring a well-depreciated vehicle from one of the most reliable brands in the industry, with predictable maintenance costs and strong resale support if you decide to sell. The main cost watchpoints are fuel and insurance, both of which are inherent to the three-row SUV segment rather than specific Highlander weaknesses. If you can verify a clean service history and have a pre-purchase inspection done, this vehicle offers excellent value for the money.
Best for: The 2019 Toyota Highlander is the ideal buy for a family of five or more who prioritizes long-term reliability and low surprise repair costs over cutting-edge tech or maximum fuel efficiency.
Other model years
Frequently asked questions
How many miles is too many for a used 2019 Toyota Highlander?
Toyota V6 engines commonly run past 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, so up to 80,000-90,000 miles is generally acceptable. Prioritize service records over mileage alone — a 70,000-mile highway-driven example beats a 50,000-mile city vehicle with no maintenance history.
What is the average annual maintenance cost for a 2019 Toyota Highlander?
Expect roughly $489 per year in scheduled maintenance and unplanned repairs based on RepairPal data, which is below the midsize SUV segment average. Major scheduled items like spark plugs and coolant flush typically fall around the 90,000-mile mark.
Does the 2019 Toyota Highlander require premium fuel?
No — the 3.5L V6 runs fine on regular 87-octane gasoline, which helps keep fuel costs lower than competitors that recommend premium. Using regular fuel will not void your warranty or cause engine damage.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Toyota Highlander?
Run a Carfax or AutoCheck report to screen for accidents or title issues, then pay $100-$150 for an independent pre-purchase inspection at a trusted mechanic. Specifically ask them to check for oil consumption, transmission behavior, and suspension wear given the model's known issues.
How does the 2019 Highlander compare to the 2019 Honda Pilot for cost of ownership?
The two are very close, but the Highlander holds a slight edge in resale value and long-term reliability ratings, while the Pilot offers a marginally more modern infotainment system. Insurance and fuel costs are essentially identical, making the Highlander the marginally better financial bet over five years.
Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander AWD worth the extra cost?
AWD models typically command $1,500-$2,500 more on the used market and add a small fuel economy penalty (about 1-2 mpg). If you live in a snowy climate or frequently drive on unpaved roads, the safety benefit justifies the premium — otherwise, the FWD version saves money with minimal real-world compromise.
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Estimates are AI-generated guidance based on typical costs for this year, make and model.