What are the differences between the 2009 Highlander and the 2011 Highlander?
3 Answers
The differences between the 2009 Highlander and the 2011 Highlander are: 1. Different drivetrain systems: The 2009 Highlander comes with two naturally aspirated engines, a 2.7-liter and a 3.5-liter, across the entire lineup; the 2011 Highlander is equipped with only a 2.7-liter naturally aspirated engine across the entire lineup. 2. Different engines: The 2009 Highlander is powered by a 2.7L 190-horsepower L4 engine; the 2011 Highlander has a 2.7L 188-horsepower L4 engine. The Highlander is a large-sized SUV produced by Toyota, with body dimensions of 4795mm in length, 1910mm in width, and 1760mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2790mm.
As an owner of the 09 model who later upgraded to the 11 model, the first thing I noticed was that the front grille of the 11 model is more three-dimensional, and the headlight design is sharper with a sporty feel, making it highly recognizable on the road. The interior has seen significant upgrades—the 09 model had a strong plastic feel, while the 11 model features softer leather seats, a more responsive center touchscreen, and Bluetooth connectivity for playing music from a phone. Both models have a 3.5L V6 engine, but the 11 model has more linear throttle response, providing smoother driving in traffic compared to the occasional jerks in the 09 model. The interior space is similar, but the 11 model has a flatter rear cargo floor, making it easier to load luggage. In terms of fuel consumption, my daily commute shows the 11 model saves about half a liter of fuel, which the manufacturer attributes to optimized aerodynamics. The heated seats, now standard in the 11 model, are incredibly practical in winter. Overall, upgrading to the 11 model was worth the extra cost for the better driving experience and comfort—the small changes add up noticeably, especially the refined interior details that elevate the overall feel.
I've been into cars for over a decade. The highlights of the 2009-2011 Highlander are its minor exterior facelifts: the 2011 model features a modernized single-bar grille design replacing the previous three-bar layout, with more angular front bumper lines for stronger visual impact. Functionally, the 2011 version upgraded its standard audio system for richer, clearer sound quality and added USB music playback support. The navigation maps were updated to the latest version with a more user-friendly interface and smoother operation. While both share the same V6 engine, the 2011 model's ECU received fine-tuning for smoother acceleration, especially during high-speed gear shifts with improved noise control. Its softer suspension tuning reduces vibrations over speed bumps, enhancing comfort. Details like the optimized rearview camera position provide clearer images with reduced blind spots for better safety. Both share identical off-road capabilities, but the 2011 model uses more wear-resistant premium leather with tighter stitching for better long-term durability. Comparing both reveals the 2011 version's improvements focus on user experience – like redesigned headlights with increased brightness for safer night driving. These subtle refinements make it a more worthwhile purchase.
