Importing a Toyota Highlander from the USA: generations, model years and what to check

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row (7-seat) midsize SUV — spacious, reliable and ideal for families. In Georgia it is in demand with buyers who need a big cabin and all-wheel drive. It appears in large numbers on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). Below are the generations, model years, engines and what to check before you buy. One important detail: the Highlander often has a 3.5L V6, so engine displacement is decisive at customs.

Generations and model years

Early generations (XU20/XU40), 2001–2013

The first two generations are now old and rare at auction; in 2026 they all fall under the triple excise. Most imported Highlanders are the 3rd and 4th generation below.

3rd generation (XU50), 2014–2019

A 3.5L V6 with a 6-speed auto (a 2.7L four was the base), three rows standard. The 2017 facelift brought a new 295 hp V6 and an 8-speed auto. Reliable, but over 6 years old in 2026 — and the big engine raises the excise.

4th generation (XU70), 2020–2024

Built on TNGA-K. A 295 hp V6 (through 2022), a 2.5L hybrid (243 hp), and from 2023 a 2.4L turbo-four (265 hp). The most popular generation to import.

Grand Highlander, 2024+

A larger three-row sibling launched for 2024 — more cargo and third-row space. Just appearing at auction, priced high.

Highlander year by year — 2014 to 2024

Below, each model year is covered separately — what changed that year and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026 (especially engine size and age).

Highlander 2014

Start of the 3rd generation (XU50). A new 3.5L V6 (270 hp) with a 6-speed auto, a 2.7L four in the base, and a standard third row — 7 seats. In 2026 it is over 6 years old → the triple excise, and the large V6 pushes that figure higher still.

Highlander 2015

A carryover of 2014 with no major changes; the V6 tows up to ~5,000 lb. Reliable, but over 6 years old — the excise (rate × big displacement) is high.

Highlander 2016

Minor updates and a Special Edition. The last pre-facelift XU50 year. Over 6 years old in 2026.

Highlander 2017

A major facelift — an all-new 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS, D-4S, 295 hp) with an 8-speed auto, restyled front, the SE trim and Toyota Safety Sense standard. If you want an XU50, 2017+ is the best mechanically. Over 6 years old.

Highlander 2018

The post-facelift year with more standard safety. A dependable, well-equipped used car. Over 6 years old → higher excise.

Highlander 2019

The final XU50 year — the most refined of this generation. In 2026 it is nearing 7 years, so the triple excise applies; but it is cheap at auction. Importing a Highlander 2019 from the USA is the best budget XU50 option.

Highlander 2020

An all-new 4th generation (XU70) on TNGA-K: a 3.5L V6 (295 hp) with an 8-speed auto and a new 2.5L hybrid (243 hp). Bigger screens. Importing a Toyota Highlander 2020 from the USA is popular, but it turns 6 in 2026 — the excise is borderline, so confirm with the calculator.

Highlander 2021

The sporty XSE trim was added (V6). In 2026 it is under 6 years, so the excise is low — one of the more accessible XU70 years.

Highlander 2022

The final year of the 3.5L V6 in the standard Highlander; the Bronze Edition was added. If you want the V6, 2022 is the last chance. Under 6 years → cheap to clear.

Highlander 2023

A big change — the V6 was replaced by a 2.4L turbo-four (265 hp, 309 lb-ft); a new 12.3″ digital cluster and updated multimedia. A smaller engine means a slightly lower excise than the V6. The larger Grand Highlander launched the same year. Under 6 years.

Highlander 2024

The sorted turbo era and the newest XU70. The lowest excise (well under 6 years) plus the smallest engine. Within budget, the best balance of recency and cost.

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules or use the calculator.

Engine and drivetrain — which to choose

• 3.5L V6 (2014–2022): strong and reliable, but the large displacement means a higher excise and more fuel.
• 2.5L Hybrid (2020+): excellent economy for a big SUV, and under 6 years a low excise.
• 2.4L turbo (2023+): the V6's replacement — less displacement, more torque, a lower excise.
• 2.7L four (2014–2016 base): front-wheel drive only and underpowered — rare at auction.

What to check before bidding

• Damage history: most Highlanders come with a salvage title — check the damage type and frame.
• Hybrid battery: on hybrid versions, battery health matters.
• AWD system: confirm the all-wheel drive works.
• Third row and cabin: on the 7-seat version, test the third row and power doors/tailgate.
• Recalls: some years have known recalls — a VIN check is essential.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

The Highlander is one of the most reliable SUVs, but each generation has known weak spots:

• XU50 (2014–2019): the 3.5L V6 is very durable; occasionally an A/C condenser or minor infotainment glitches. Test the A/C.
• XU70 V6 (2020–2022): mostly reliable; early cars had infotainment software bugs (fixed by updates).
• 2.4L turbo (2023+): too new for long-term data; with direct injection, watch for carbon buildup over the long run.

Fuel economy and mileage

The 3.5L V6 uses about 12–13 L/100 km in the city and ~9 on the highway. The 2.5L hybrid is excellent for a big SUV — 6.5–7.5 L/100 km in town. The 2.4L turbo does ~10–11. The Highlander is known for longevity: with proper care, 300,000+ km is normal. At auction, 100,000–150,000 km (60,000–90,000 miles) is a good balance between price and remaining life.

Highlander vs the rivals — Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride

The Highlander's main edge is legendary Toyota reliability and strong resale value. The Honda Pilot is also a spacious, reliable three-row, but a little cheaper on the used market. The Ford Explorer is more powerful and sporty, but costs more to maintain. The Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade are well-equipped and modern, yet the Highlander leads on longevity and resale. If you need a three-row family SUV that holds its value, the Highlander leads.

Why the Highlander is popular in Georgia

The 7-seat cabin is ideal for a large family, and all-wheel drive handles Caucasus roads and mountain regions. Toyota parts are available and service is cheap, and the Highlander resells quickly at a high price. That is why it stays one of the most in-demand family SUVs to import.

Customs and price

The Highlander often has a large engine (3.5L V6), so the excise depends on two things — engine displacement and age. A model under 6 years with a smaller engine (hybrid or 2.4 turbo) is much cheaper to clear. See the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.