2002 Toyota Highlander

The 2002 Toyota Highlander is a crossover SUV that seats five people. It’s engaging family transportation with generous cargo space, ideal for big shopping trips and driving the kids to school.

The Highlander is more or less the Toyota Camry of SUVs. It rides smoothly, handles effortlessly, and offers a choice of a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower or a stronger, smoother 3.0-liter V6 with 220 horses. A 4-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) are standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the V6 engine.

Toyota Highlander Changes for 2002

• No major changes.

Where the Highlander Sits in the 2002 Toyota Lineup

The Highlander is part of Toyota’s 2002 fleet of SUVs, which also includes the compact RAV4 crossover, the midsize 4Runner, and the full-size Land Cruiser and Sequoia truck-based models.

2002 Toyota Highlander vs. the Competition

Crossover SUVs were a recent addition to automakers’ lineups at the turn of the century, with these models competing against the Highlander:

• Buick Rendezvous: Buick’s car-based SUV delivers a smooth ride and a roomy cabin.

• Nissan Murano: Five-seat crossover with polarizing styling and V6 power.

• Subaru Outback: The original crossover SUV, based on the Legacy station wagon.

What’s the Best 2002 Toyota Highlander Trim for You?

Which Trim Is the Best Value?

The base 2002 Toyota Highlander is a good value, coming standard with the 4-cylinder engine,  FWD, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining rear seats, cruise control, and power windows, locks, and mirrors.

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Best Trim for Fuel Economy

A FWD Highlander with the base 2.4-liter engine affords the best fuel economy in the line for 2002, earning an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined city/highway.

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Best Trim for Cargo Space

The 2002 Toyota Highlander has 38.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind its backseat, expanding to 81.4 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded.

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Best Trim for Off-Roaders

Though it can be fitted with AWD, the 2002 Highlander is not engineered to traverse rugged off-road trails. It is, however, perfectly capable of tackling dirt roads and unpaved inclines if needed.

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Top-of-the-Line Trim

The top, Limited trim of the 2002 Toyota Highlander adds the V6 engine, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights, fog lights, a JBL audio system, and leather and wood interior trim.

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Should I Buy an Older Toyota Highlander Instead?

The 2002 Highlander is part of the vehicle’s original generation, which debuted for 2001 as a car-based alternative to traditional truck-underpinned SUVs. It was redesigned for 2008. A pre-owned model can make for an amenable and inexpensive used SUV, provided it passes a mechanic’s inspection and title search.

You can find a used Toyota Highlander with Carfax used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the Highlander from other model years