2017 Toyota Highlander AWD LE
The 2017 Toyota Highlander AWD LE is a SUV. It has a 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine producing 295 hp (220 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 7.9 seconds and top speed is 113 mph (182 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AWD LE
The 2017 Toyota Highlander AWD LE is the all-wheel-drive, V6-powered entry point to the updated third-generation Highlander. For 2017 the Highlander’s 3.5-litre V6 gained Toyota’s D-4S direct and port fuel injection, raising output to 295 hp and 263 lb-ft, and it was paired with a new eight-speed automatic.
The 2017 update
As well as the new powertrain, which added engine stop-start, the 2017 Highlander received a restyled front end and made the Toyota Safety Sense P package standard on every trim. That means even this LE has pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
All-wheel drive
The AWD system sends power to the rear wheels when the front wheels start to slip, which helps in rain and snow. It adds a little weight and fuel consumption compared with the front-wheel-drive version. Our drivetrain guide explains how AWD compares with other layouts.
Practicality
The Highlander has three rows of seats and, with the V6, can tow up to 5,000 lb (about 2,270 kg). The third row is best for children, but the cabin is spacious and practical.
Rivals
Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Toyota | Model | Highlander AWD LE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2017 | Version / Trim | Toyota 2017 Highlander AWD LE |
| Body Style | SUV | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 7 | Ext. Colour | Blizzard Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Salsa Red Pearl, Toasted Walnut Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Japan |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 3.5L 6-cyl | Engine Size | 3,500 cc |
| Power | 295 hp / 220 kW | Torque | 357 Nm / 263 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 7.9 sec | Top Speed | 113 mph (182 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 20 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,860 kg (4,101 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2017 SUVS
Compared with other 2017 SUVs in our database, its 295 hp is close to the average for a 2017 SUV (289 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.5 seconds slower than average.
| 2017 Toyota Highlander AWD LE | Average 2017 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 295 hp | 289 hp (90 cars) | +2% |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 369 Nm (89 cars) | -3% |
| 0–60 mph | 7.9 s | 7.4 s (94 cars) | +7% |
| Top speed | 113 mph | 120 mph (94 cars) | -6% |
| Kerb weight | 1,860 kg | 1,866 kg (97 cars) | — |
| Engine size | 3,500 cc | 2,935 cc (89 cars) | +19% |
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 2017 SUVs with similar power to the 2017 Toyota Highlander AWD LE.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Highlander AWD LE | 295 hp | 7.9 s | 1,860 kg |
| 2017 Lexus RX 350 | 295 hp | 7.5 s | 1,985 kg |
| 2017 BMW X3 xDrive35i | 300 hp | 6.5 s | 1,730 kg |
| 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD | 290 hp | 7.8 s | 1,780 kg |
| 2017 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD | 284 hp | 7.0 s | 1,960 kg |