Toyota Highlander Wheelbase
The Toyota Highlander has a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. This is an important spec to consider in terms of the SUV’s handling and safety.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a 112.2-inch wheelbase. This measurement from the front axle to the rear axle is an important spec to take into account when you consider your SUV’s handling and safety. With 112.2 inches, the Highlander is the second-largest SUV available in the Toyota lineup.
When you compare an SUV with a coupe, you know there’s bound to be a difference. But what exactly do all the different specs mean? Horsepower and towing capacity may jump off the page, but measurements like wheelbase offer a nuanced look into your vehicle’s capabilities.
Scouring the web for all these different measurements may leave you confused and overwhelmed. That’s why we've put together this easy guide to the Toyota Highlander’s wheelbase, what it means for your SUV, and how it compares to other makes.
What is the wheelbase of a Toyota Highlander?
Regardless of trim or drivetrain, the Toyota Highlander has a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. This length wheelbase gives the mid-size SUV stable handling and room enough for its three rows. With a Car and Driver rating of 8/10 and a
hybrid option
to reduce fuel costs, the Toyota Highlander is a worthy contender for your next family vehicle.So the Highlander’s wheelbase is big enough to accommodate a driving party of seven to eight, but what else does this mean for the SUV? Keep reading to find out.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Why is wheelbase important?
A vehicle’s wheelbase is the distance between the center points of its front wheel axle and rear wheel axle. This is not the entire length of your car, but it plays a major role in how much of your car's length is weight-bearing.
A wheelbase measurement can give you a rough idea of whether or not you’ll fit in that parallel parking space. More importantly, it heavily influences your vehicle’s handling and steering capability, along with how much legroom you’re working with.
Vehicles with longer wheelbases are less likely to pitch and roll during an emergency stop or abrupt braking. You can also easily use wheelbase to compare comfortability between cars in the same class. For example, a three-row SUV with less than 112.2 inches of wheelbase will feel more cramped than the Toyota Highlander would.
On the flip side, vehicles with shorter wheelbases have an easier time maneuvering sharp turns at high speeds. That said, you probably shouldn’t seek any G-force thrills with the Highlander’s lengthy wheelbase.
Key Takeaway Wheelbase has a major influence on your vehicle’s safety, comfort, and handling.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How has the wheelbase changed over the Toyota Highlander model years?
The Highlander has more than earned its place as a Toyota titan, with four generations and over 20 years of production under its belt. Its wheelbase has only changed twice, and it’s grown a little over 5 inches since its debut for the 2021 model year.
Here’s how the Toyota Highlander’s wheelbase evolved throughout its generations:
- First generation (2001 to 2007): 106.9 inches
- Second generation (2008 to 2013): 109.8 inches
- Third generation (2014 to 2019): 109.8 inches
- Fourth generation (2020 to 2022): 112.2 inches
The first generation of the Highlander was originally available as a five-seater with an optional third row added in 2004. The wheelbase extension for the 2008 model year saw the three-row Highlander become the standard as the five-seat option was dropped completely. The second wheelbase extension in 2020 remedied criticism for the third row being too cramped.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander is getting an upgraded engine, touchscreens, and liftgate option, but at this time there’s no word on changes to the wheelbase. Considering it’s still a fourth-generation model year, this Highlander will likely stick with the 112.2-inch trend.
How does the Toyota Highlander wheelbase compare to other models?
The SUVs in the manufacturer’s lineup follow a convenient trend of sharing wheelbase lengths across trims—the Highlander included—so you can easily compare models regardless of trim preference. Just remember to take the number of rows into account when you compare wheelbases across these different Toyota models:
Model | Rows of Seating | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|
Toyota Sequoia | Three | 122.0 inches |
Two or Three | 109.8 inches | |
Two | 105.9 inches | |
Two | 105.9 inches |
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.717k Ratings5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Long wheelbase vs. short wheelbase: which is better?
A short wheelbase has a few perks when it comes to fitting that tight space and zipping around town. Longer wheelbases typically equate to luxury, higher safety ratings, and utility. Here are some of the advantages of a longer wheelbase:
- There’s more room for passenger comfort and luxury amenities.
- Evenly spread out weight distribution makes the car more stable.
- Bumps in the road are less disruptive, allowing for an extra smooth ride.
At the end of the day, your personal preference dictates which end of the wheelbase spectrum is better for you. A longer wheelbase is the way to go if your priorities are comfort and safety.
How to save money on car insurance for your Toyota Highlander
The long wheelbase of the Toyota Highlander may provide some additional safety, but it's not the end-all-be-all of your SUV’s protection. No matter how your Toyota is made, you need a solid
car insurance
policy to increase your defenses against pricey repairs.Download the
Jerry
app, and see how easy it is to find the best coverage for your Highlander in no time at all. Just complete a quick, 45-second signup, and Jerry will generate competitive quotes from the nation's top insurance providers.Then, all you have to do is choose your favorite! Jerry’s team of insurance experts will secure your new policy and help cancel your old (and more expensive) one right there in the app. This is the fastest way to insure your Highlander, and the average Jerry user saves over $800 a year!
“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We usedJerryfor some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
