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2013 Toyota Highlander Limited V6 FWD

The 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited V6 FWD is a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 SUV with a 5-speed ect-i automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $37,950 MSRP and is rated at 20 mpg combined.

It makes 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).

The Highlander measures 188.4 inches long on a 109.8-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,255 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$37,950 ($52,935 *)
MSRP with Destination$38,795 ($54,113 *)
Destination Charge$845
Engine
Engine Type2GR-FE 3.5L DOHC 24-valve Dual VVT-i V6
Displacement3.5 L
Horsepower270 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque248 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24-valve Dual VVT-i
Bore and Stroke94 x 83
Injection TypeSequential multi-port EFI
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed ECT-i automatic
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined20 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Brakes
Front Brake Disc12.9 in. ventilated disc
Rear Brake Disc12.2 in. solid disc
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front19 in.
Wheels Rear19 in.
Tires FrontP245/55R19
Tires RearP245/55R19
Dimensions & Weight
Length188.4 in
Width75.2 in
Height69.3 in
Wheelbase109.8 in
Front Track64 in
Rear Track64.2 in
Ground Clearance8 in
Cargo Volume10.3 ft³
Curb Weight4,255 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.7 in
Headroom Rear40.1 in
Legroom Front43.2 in
Legroom Rear38.3 in
Shoulder Room Front59.7 in
Shoulder Room Rear59.5 in
Hip Room Front56.7 in
Hip Room Rear56.5 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (17.4 % risk)
Tested variant: 2013 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2013 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD: 4 ★ overall

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Toyota HIGHLANDER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 27, 2014 · SEATS

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."

Consequence: If the seat does not lock into the seat track, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second row left hand seat so that it will lock into the seat track, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

NHTSA campaign 14V148000

Apr 9, 2013 · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

NHTSA campaign 13V123000

Jan 16, 2013 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

NHTSA campaign 13V014000

212 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2013 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Owner Complaints

212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Toyota HIGHLANDER (26 mention a crash, 12 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Steering46
Engine32
Vehicle Speed Control31
Electrical System26
Unknown Or Other24
Structure19
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 18, 2026 · Engine
“I purchased a 2013 Toyota Highlander in 2018 or.2019 with 64,000 miles. I was told to go 5000 miles before changes. My oil was gone many times when I did this. I reported this to Toyota dealership.I…”
Sep 3, 2026 · Electrical System
“The factory Blizzard Pearl paint on this vehicle is experiencing severe chemical delamination down to the bare primer and sheet metal on multiple body panels. This structural failure aligns exactly…”
Jul 2, 2026 · Unknown Or Other
“This is related to the Faulty Spiral Cable Assembly (HORN) that on line evidence suggests should have been a Toyota Recall item for this year and model. In 2014, Toyota issued a recall for 97,000…”
May 4, 2026 · Service Brakes
“After a hard braking session because of a car that pulled quickly in front of me the ABS light and check engine light came on with a code of C1391 - Abnormal leak in Accumulator. A warning message…”
Sep 24, 2025 · Unknown Or Other
“2013 Toyota Highlander Limited sunroof drains continue to back up and dump water into the front and rear cabin, causing electrical issues and mold if not addressed immediately. Also the…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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