2009 Toyota Highlander Base 2WD 3.5L V6 5-Spd 3rd Row 103K
One-Owner Clean Carfax With 12 Service Records & Only 103k Original Miles!

For buyers seeking a reliable, spacious, and well-maintained midsize SUV with family-friendly versatility, this 2009 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5L V6 2WD with 3rd row seating is an exceptional choice. With only 103,000 miles, a single-owner history, and a clean title, this vehicle has been meticulously cared for, as evidenced by its clean Carfax report with no accidents and 12 service records, mostly from Tustin Toyota of Tustin, CA, reflecting consistent dealer-level maintenance. Finished in the elegant Blizzard Pearl with a practical ash cloth interior, it offers a premium look paired with everyday functionality. Powered by a 3.5L V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission, this Highlander delivers robust performance and efficiency. As part of the second-generation Highlander, it combines practicality with durability and seating for seven. This summary covers its history, specs, safety ratings, standout features, and a 10-point essentials list to highlight why this Highlander Base is a standout in the used midsize SUV market.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
Safety is a key strength of the 2009 Toyota Highlander, as reflected in its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings for the 2WD model:
- Frontal Crash (Driver): ★★★★★
- Frontal Crash (Passenger): ★★★★☆
- Side Crash (Front Occupants): ★★★★★
- Side Crash (Rear Occupants): ★★★★★
- Rollover: ★★★★☆
Equipped with seven airbags (including front, side, side curtain, and driver’s knee airbag), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, and hill-start assist, the Highlander earns top marks in side crash tests. The 4-star rollover rating is solid for an SUV of this era, providing confidence for family use. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also rated the 2009 Highlander highly, earning a “Good” score in most categories, further affirming its safety credentials.
History of the Generation and When It Was Produced
The 2009 Toyota Highlander Base is part of the second generation of this popular midsize SUV, produced from 2008 to 2013. Launched in 2007 as a 2008 model, this generation marked a significant redesign for the Highlander, introducing a larger footprint (188.4 inches long), more powerful engines, and standard three-row seating to better compete in the family SUV market. Assembled in Princeton, Indiana, the second-gen Highlander became a bestseller, blending crossover practicality with minivan-like space. The 2009 model year was part of this generation’s run, featuring the upgraded 3.5L V6 as standard and enhanced safety systems like standard side curtain airbags. This generation solidified the Highlander’s reputation as a dependable family vehicle, with its Camry-derived platform ensuring car-like handling and efficiency. This specific Highlander Base, with its low mileage and extensive service record, exemplifies the generation’s legacy of reliability and family utility, making it a rare find for buyers needing a spacious, capable SUV.
Fuel Economy, Horsepower and Torque Ratings, and Tow Ratings
The 2009 Toyota Highlander Base 2WD is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (2GR-FE) with Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i), producing 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, it offers smooth and spirited performance, achieving a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds—among the quickest in its class, as noted in historical Edmunds reviews. Fuel economy is rated at 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, with a combined 20 MPG, which is competitive for a V6-powered midsize SUV with 3rd row seating, especially in 2WD configuration. The 19.2-gallon fuel tank provides a decent range for long trips. With the towing package, this Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for hauling trailers, boats, or campers—a strong capability for family adventures or light work, as highlighted in Kelley Blue Book data. These figures showcase its balance of power and practicality, ideal for both daily commuting and weekend getaways.
Best Features of the Vehicle and Standout Aspects
The 2009 Toyota Highlander Base 2WD offers a practical suite of features, blending family-friendly utility with everyday comfort, making it ideal for commuters and small families. The ash cloth interior is durable and easy to clean, paired with the Blizzard Pearl exterior for a premium, timeless look. Key features include air conditioning, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input, power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and a 40/20/40-split second-row seat with a removable center section for easy third-row access. The 3rd row seating expands capacity to seven passengers, though it’s best for children due to limited legroom, as noted in Edmunds reviews. Cargo space expands from 10.3 cubic feet (behind the third row) to 95.4 cubic feet (with all rear seats folded), ideal for gear or groceries. The 3.5L V6, an upgrade from the first-gen’s 3.3L V6, delivers 270 hp (vs. 230 hp) and 248 lb-ft of torque (vs. 242 lb-ft), with improved efficiency (18/24 MPG vs. 17/23 MPG). A key advantage is its metal timing chain, which never needs replacement, unlike the 3.3L’s timing belt requiring service every 90,000–100,000 miles (a $500–$800 job). This upgrade, combined with the engine’s robust design, enhances longevity, with owners on ToyotaNation forums reporting 200,000–300,000 miles with routine maintenance. The Highlander’s upscale interior, with high-quality materials and a quiet cabin, elevates it above its competitors, offering a true luxury experience.
Essentials
Mileage: 103,000 miles—low for a 2009 model, with potential for many more.
- Ownership: One owner with a clean Carfax and no accidents.
- Service History: 12 service records from Tustin Toyota of Tustin, CA.
- Condition: Clean title, Blizzard Pearl exterior, and ash cloth interior in great shape.
- Engine: 3.5L V6 with 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque for robust performance.
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic for smooth driving.
- Safety: NHTSA 5-star frontal (driver) and side ratings (★★★★★), 4-star rollover (★★★★☆).
- Fuel Economy: 18 MPG city / 24 MPG highway, 20 MPG combined—competitive for V6 SUV.
- Features: Base trim with 3rd row seating, power windows/locks, and premium audio.
- Towing: Up to 5,000 lbs, suitable for trailers, boats, or campers.
Why This Highlander Stands Out
This 2009 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5L V6 2WD is a standout with its low 103,000 miles, single-owner history, and clean title, reflecting exceptional care backed by 12 service records from Tustin Toyota of Tustin, CA, and a clean Carfax with no accidents. The Blizzard Pearl finish and ash cloth interior offer a premium, family-friendly package, and the base trim’s practicality, with features like power windows, cruise control, and a tilt steering wheel, makes it ideal for daily use. The 3.5L V6, an upgrade from the previous generation’s 3.3L with more power (270 hp vs. 230 hp), better fuel economy (18/24 MPG vs. 17/23 MPG), and a metal timing chain that never needs replacement—unlike a timing belt requiring service every 90,000–100,000 miles (a $500–$800 job)—saves significant maintenance costs and is known to last 200,000–300,000 miles with proper care, as reported in Consumer Reports.
This upgrade, combined with the engine’s robust design, enhances longevity. In its era, this Highlander stacked up well against the Honda Pilot (240 hp, 17/23 MPG) and Ford Explorer (210 hp, 14/20 MPG), offering better efficiency and reliability than the Explorer’s V6 issues and matching the Pilot’s family focus with superior power. The Highlander’s car-like handling and quiet cabin made it a standout, often outranking competitors in owner satisfaction surveys from that era.
For a prospective buyer craving a midsize SUV with reliability, power, and a well-documented history, this 2009 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5L V6 2WD with 3rd row seating is a perfect match. Its low mileage, extensive service history, and top NHTSA safety ratings make it a trustworthy companion, while the base trim’s practical features and upgraded 3.5L V6 enhance its appeal. Whether you’re drawn to its efficient V6 performance, spacious interior with 3rd row seating, or the second generation’s refined design, this Highlander delivers. It’s a testament to the Highlander’s popularity—reliable, practical, and built to last. Take it for a test drive to experience why this 2009 model remains a beloved choice over a decade and a half later, ready to serve its next owner with the same dependability it’s always offered.







2009 Toyota Highlander base v6 2wd
JTEDS41A992068594
| VINJTEDS41A992068594 | MakeToyota | ModelHighlander | Year2009 | TrimBase 2WD |
| Style/BodySPORT UTILITY 4-DR | Engine3.5L V6 DOHC 24V | Manufactured inKyushu, Japan | Age17 years | |
| Transmission5-Speed Automatic | VIN ValidationCheck Digit is Correct | History DataRecords Found |
Overview
| Model Year | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander |
| Trim Level | Base 2WD |
| Manufactured in | Kyushu, Japan |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SPORT UTILITY 4-DR |
| Vehicle Type | MPV |
Engine Specifications
| Engine Type | 3.5L V6 DOHC 24V |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 3.5 liter |
| Engine Shape | V6 |
|---|
Drivetrain
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
|---|---|
| Driveline | FWD |
| Steering Type | R&P |
| Front Suspension | Independent |
| Rear Suspension | Independent |
|---|---|
| Front Spring Type | Coil |
| Rear Spring Type | Coil |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Fuel Type | GAS |
|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.20 gallon |
| Fuel Economy City | 18 miles/gallon |
|---|---|
| Fuel Economy Highway | 24 miles/gallon |
Safety & Driver Assistance
Anti-Brake System: 4-Wheel ABSFront Brake Type: DiscRear Brake Type: DiscChild Safety Door LocksVehicle Anti-TheftoptABS BrakesElectronic Brake AssistanceTraction ControlVehicle Stability Control SystemDriver AirbagFront Side AirbagPassenger AirbagSide Head Curtain AirbagTire Pressure Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
Power Door LocksKeyless EntryAir ConditioningCruise ControlTachometerTilt SteeringTilt Steering ColumnLeather Steering WheeloptTelescopic Steering ColumnPower Trunk LidoptPower Windows
Audio & Infotainment
AM/FM RadioCD PlayerCD Changeropt
Interior Features
Interior Trim
Ash Cloth Interior
Sand Beige Cloth Interior
Standard Seating: 7Optional Seating: 5Driver Multi-Adjustable Power SeatoptSecond Row Folding SeatSecond Row Removable SeatThird Row Removable SeatCargo Area CoveroptCargo Area Tiedowns
Ash Cloth Interior
Sand Beige Cloth Interior
Standard Seating: 7Optional Seating: 5Driver Multi-Adjustable Power SeatoptSecond Row Folding SeatSecond Row Removable SeatThird Row Removable SeatCargo Area CoveroptCargo Area Tiedowns
Exterior Features
Exterior Color
Black
Blizzard Pearl
Blue Streak Metallic
Classic Silver Metallic
Cypress Pearl
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Salsa Red Pearl
Sandy Beach Metallic
Waveline Pearl
Power SunroofoptManual SunroofoptAutomatic HeadlightsDaytime Running LightsoptFront Air DamRear SpoilerHeated Exterior MirroroptPower Adjustable Exterior MirrorDeep Tinted GlassInterval WipersRear Window DefoggerRear Wiper
Black
Blizzard Pearl
Blue Streak Metallic
Classic Silver Metallic
Cypress Pearl
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Salsa Red Pearl
Sandy Beach Metallic
Waveline Pearl
Power SunroofoptManual SunroofoptAutomatic HeadlightsDaytime Running LightsoptFront Air DamRear SpoilerHeated Exterior MirroroptPower Adjustable Exterior MirrorDeep Tinted GlassInterval WipersRear Window DefoggerRear Wiper
Interior Dimensions
| Front Headroom | 40.60 in. |
|---|---|
| Rear Headroom | 40.10 in. |
| Front Legroom | 43.20 in. |
| Rear Legroom | 38.30 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.70 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.50 in. |
|---|---|
| Front Hip Room | 56.70 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.50 in. |
| Passenger Volume | 145.70 cu.ft. |
| Cargo Volume | 10.30 cu.ft. |
Exterior Dimensions
| Turning Diameter | 38.70 in. |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 188.40 in. |
| Overall Width | 75.20 in. |
| Overall Height | 68.10 in. |
| Wheelbase | 109.80 in. |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 8.10 in. |
| Track Front | 64.00 in. |
| Track Rear | 64.20 in. |
Tires & Wheels
Tires: 245/65R17Alloy WheelsFull Size Spare Tire
Weights & Towing
| Curb Weight-automatic | 4050 lbs |
|---|---|
| Standard Towing | 2000 lbs |
| Maximum Towing | 3500 lbs |
| Standard GVWR | 5500 lbs |
|---|---|
| Maximum GVWR | 5500 lbs |
| GVWR Class | D |
Pricing & Costs
| Dealer Invoice | $24,840 USD |
|---|---|
| Destination Charge | $745 USD |
| MSRP | $27,600 USD |
|---|
Warranty & Coverage
| Basic Duration | 36 months |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Duration | 60 months |
| Corrosion Duration | 60 months |
| Basic Distance | 36,000 miles |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Distance | 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Distance | Unlimited miles |


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