2002 Toyota Highlander 4WD
The 2002 Toyota Highlander 4WD is an SUV. It features 2.4L 4-cyl producing 155 HP (116 kW) and an Automatic 4-Spd transmission. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with 0–60 mph in 9.5s, top speed of 109 mph.
ABOUT THE 2002 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD
The 2002 Toyota Highlander is an early example of the first-generation Highlander, introduced for the 2001 model year as one of the first car-based mid-size SUVs. Rather than using a truck chassis, it shares its unibody platform with Toyota’s car range, giving it a smooth ride and easy handling. This entry covers the 2.4-litre four-cylinder version, producing 155 hp, with a four-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive.
Four-cylinder or V6?
The Highlander was offered with this four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-litre V6. The four-cylinder is adequate for town driving and slightly cheaper to run, but it feels stretched when the car is loaded or climbing hills; most buyers chose the V6. Early Highlanders seat five — a third row was added from the 2004 model year.
Buying one today
The Highlander has a reputation for reliability, but check the four-cylinder engine for oil consumption, which affected some engines of this family as they aged, and make sure the cooling system and automatic transmission have been maintained. Look underneath for rust and check that all recalls have been completed.
Rivals
Competitors included the Ford Explorer, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot (from 2003) and the closely related Lexus RX 300.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Toyota | Model | Highlander 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2002 | Version / Trim | Toyota 2002 Highlander 4WD |
| Body Style | SUV | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Black, Blizzard Pearl, Pyrite Mica, Shoreline Blue Pearl, Sandy Beach Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Japan |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Engine | 2.4L 4-cyl | Engine Size | 2,400 cc |
| Power | 155 hp / 116 kW | Torque | 220 Nm / 162 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 9.5 sec | Top Speed | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city / 22 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,760 kg (3,880 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2002 SUVS
Compared with other 2002 SUVs in our database, its 155 hp is 18% less than the average 2002 SUV (190 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.5 seconds slower than average.
| 2002 Toyota Highlander 4WD | Average 2002 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 155 hp | 190 hp (55 cars) | -18% |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 239 Nm (55 cars) | -8% |
| 0–60 mph | 9.5 s | 9.0 s (46 cars) | +5% |
| Top speed | 109 mph | 112 mph (46 cars) | -3% |
| Kerb weight | 1,760 kg | 1,774 kg (62 cars) | -1% |
| Engine size | 2,400 cc | 3,138 cc (60 cars) | -24% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2002 SUVs with similar power to the 2002 Toyota Highlander 4WD.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Toyota Highlander 4WD | 155 hp | 9.5 s | 1,760 kg |
| 2002 Honda CR-V 2WD | 160 hp | 9.5 s | 1,445 kg |
| 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD | 149 hp | 9.0 s | 1,620 kg |
| 2002 Nissan Xterra 2WD | 143 hp | — | 1,900 kg |
| 2002 Subaru Forester AWD | 137 hp | 8.0 s | 1,350 kg |