For families shopping for an SUV that will serve their needs, the Toyota Highlander has long been on the list of vehicles to consider, in part because it can hold up to 8 passengers and lots of cargo.

This three-row midsize SUV isn’t the class-leader in all areas (some rivals are more luxurious, and have more third-row space, for example), but collectively it delivers an excellent experience that has led to it being a top seller in the segment for many years.

A full redesign of the Highlander hasn’t happened since 2020, but there was a change in the engine offerings starting with the 2023 model, which carried over to 2024. The new engine is a turbo 4-cylinder instead of the V6 offering that had been offered prior. And the new Highlander features an updated tech system that delivers an excellent user experience.

There are a ton of major vehicles in this segment — including Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and more. Read on to see how the Highlander holds up in this very popular and competitive category of three-row family haulers.

Seemingly everyone wants an SUV these days, and on the domestic front in that battle, there are a few key players leading the charge.

One of those options is the Chevy Traverse, which receives minimal updates for 2021 and is still holding on to the latest full redesign that took place in 2018.

For families, it’s all about space, and that’s one thing the Traverse can claim in spades. With comfortable seating for up to 8 offered and plenty of cargo room, it’s vying for families who seek versatility and space over flash and extreme power.