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2013 Toyota Highlander Limited: A Premium Family SUV for Discerning Buyers

For those seeking a luxurious yet practical midsize SUV with a proven track record of reliability, this 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5L V6 5-Speed Automatic 2WD with third-row seating stands out as a compelling option. With just 106,000 miles, this two-owner vehicle features a clean Carfax report, 14 service records, no accidents, and a clean title, reflecting careful ownership and maintenance. Adorned in the sophisticated Cypress Pearl exterior—a shimmering green hue—with a premium black leather interior, it accommodates up to seven passengers comfortably, making it perfect for family outings, daily errands, or long drives. As the top-tier trim in the second-generation Highlander lineup, the Limited offers upscale amenities that elevate it above base models, all while upholding Toyota’s hallmark durability. This summary delves into its essential details, generational history, performance metrics, standout features, reliability, and safety ratings to guide your purchasing decision.

Essentials:

• Model and Trim: 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited, featuring a 3.5L DOHC V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive (2WD), with third-row seating for up to seven passengers.
• Mileage and Ownership: 106,000 miles, two-owner vehicle with a clean Carfax, 14 documented service records (including regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections), no accidents, and a clean title, indicating consistent care.
• Exterior and Interior: Cypress Pearl paint with black leather interior, offering heated front seats, perforated leather-trimmed surfaces, and flexible seating configurations like 40/20/40 split-folding second-row and 50/50 split third-row.
• Engine Performance: 3.5L V6 delivering 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, ensuring smooth and responsive power for highway travel and light hauling.
• Fuel Economy: EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined, providing efficient operation for a V6 SUV in its class.
• Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, ideal for towing small trailers, boats, or campers, with features like hill-start assist for added control.
• Safety Ratings: NHTSA overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, including 4 stars for frontal crash (4 for driver, 5 for passenger), 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
• Dimensions and Capacity: Wheelbase of 109.8 inches, overall length of 188.4 inches, maximum cargo space of 95.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and a 19.2-gallon fuel tank for longer trips.
• Standard Features: Includes navigation system, JBL premium audio, power moonroof, rearview camera, tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, and 19-inch alloy wheels for a refined driving experience.
• Reliability and Value: Equipped with Toyota’s durable 2GR-FE V6 engine, renowned for exceeding 200,000 miles; this low-mileage example with strong service history offers exceptional value in the pre-owned market.

History of the Second-Generation Toyota Highlander

The second-generation Toyota Highlander, designated as the XU40 series, spanned from the 2008 model year through 2013, representing a pivotal evolution in Toyota’s midsize SUV offerings. Unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, it was built on an extended Toyota Camry platform, incorporating elements from the Avalon for enhanced ride comfort and interior space. Production took place primarily at Toyota’s facility in Princeton, Indiana, with some units assembled in Japan for international markets. This generation emphasized greater versatility, increasing overall dimensions for more passenger and cargo room while introducing advanced powertrains and safety features. A mid-cycle refresh in 2011 brought updated styling, improved infotainment, and refined handling. By 2013, its final year, the Highlander had become a top seller in the segment, blending crossover efficiency with SUV capability and paving the way for the more modern third-generation model in 2014.

Performance: Fuel Economy, Horsepower, Torque, and Towing Ratings

Equipped with a potent 3.5L V6 engine, this 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited produces 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, delivering confident acceleration for merging, passing, and carrying a full load of passengers or gear. The 5-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, contributing to a refined driving experience. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined for the 2WD V6 configuration, striking a solid balance between performance and efficiency—often achieving real-world averages of 19-21 mpg with mixed driving. Towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds when outfitted with the appropriate hitch and equipment, making it suitable for light-duty tasks like pulling a small boat or trailer, supported by stability-enhancing features such as hill-start assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Overall, this setup provides versatile performance for everyday use without sacrificing practicality.

Best Features and Standout Aspects of This Particular Highlander

The 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited distinguishes itself with premium features that cater to comfort, technology, and convenience, setting it apart from lower trims. Key highlights include perforated leather-trimmed heated front seats, a power moonroof with tilt/slide function, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a navigation system integrated with a touchscreen display and voice recognition. The JBL premium audio system with nine speakers delivers immersive sound, while the power liftgate, keyless entry and start, rearview camera, and 19-inch alloy wheels add everyday luxury. Additional conveniences like Bluetooth connectivity, USB/auxiliary inputs, and a multi-information display enhance usability, with flexible cargo options expanding to 95.4 cubic feet for hauling needs.

This specific vehicle stands out due to its lower mileage of 106,000—well below average for its age—and a history of attentive ownership, as evidenced by the Carfax report showing the first owner in California averaging 15,412 miles per year from 2013 to 2019, followed by the second owner at just 5,254 miles annually. The 14 service records detail routine maintenance like oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and inspections, with recent entries including an emissions test in 2023 and vehicle servicing in 2025, ensuring it’s in prime condition. The Cypress Pearl exterior offers a unique, eye-catching green metallic finish that ages gracefully, paired with durable black leather that’s easy to maintain and resistant to wear.

At the heart of its appeal is the reliable 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engine, celebrated for its longevity, often surpassing 200,000-300,000 miles with standard maintenance like regular oil changes. This engine marks a substantial upgrade over the previous generation’s 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6, which powered the first-generation Highlander from 2001-2007. The 2GR-FE introduces a maintenance-free metal timing chain, eliminating the need for periodic belt replacements (typically every 90,000 miles on the 3MZ-FE, which could cause expensive failures if overlooked). It also boosts output with 270 horsepower compared to around 230 in the 3.3L, alongside improved torque delivery and better fuel efficiency through advanced variable valve timing and a higher compression ratio, resulting in smoother performance and lower long-term costs. Common issues are minimal, such as occasional timing cover oil leaks, but overall, the 2GR-FE’s robust design and low repair frequency make it one of Toyota’s most dependable V6s, contributing to the Highlander’s high resale value even at this mileage.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The 2013 Toyota Highlander earns commendable safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. In frontal crash tests, it achieves 4 stars overall, breaking down to 4 stars for the driver and 5 stars for the front passenger. Side crash protection is outstanding at 5 stars for both front and rear occupants. Rollover resistance, crucial for an SUV, is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, bolstered by standard electronic stability control and traction control. The vehicle includes Toyota’s Star Safety System, featuring anti-lock brakes, brake assist, and smart stop technology, along with seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag) and active headrests. These ratings underscore its family-focused safety, though a professional inspection is recommended for any used vehicle.

This 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited combines luxury, versatility, and Toyota’s legendary reliability into a package that’s ideal for modern families or active lifestyles. With its premium features, low mileage, and spotless history, it promises years of dependable service beyond its current 106,000 miles. If you’re prioritizing a refined SUV that excels in comfort and longevity without excessive maintenance demands, this example merits serious consideration. Arrange a test drive and pre-purchase inspection to experience its capabilities firsthand—for a vehicle this well-preserved, it could be a rewarding investment.