The refreshed 2017 Toyota Highlander is best recognized by its extended trapezoidal grille and flashier LED taillights. But significant changes underneath justify this three-row SUV’s modest price jumps across its 17 (!) trim levels.
New prices start at $31,570 for a front-wheel drive LE (up $140) and range all the way to $47,200 (up $1270) for the all-wheel-drive Limited Platinum. Those prices include the $940 destination charge, but if you buy a Highlander in certain southern and southwestern states, Toyota’s privately owned distributors charge $10 to $55 above the standard destination charge.

We don’t recommend the base LE due to its underpowered and inefficient 185-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. All other Highlander trim levels come with a 3.5-liter V-6?now with both port and direct injection that bring an extra 25 horsepower, to 295, and 15 pound-feet of torque, to 263?and a new eight-speed automatic. Auto stop/start is new, and EPA estimates are also up for all V-6 models. All 2017 Highlanders now come standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision alert, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beams?features that many competitors reserve for upper trim levels or bundle in option packages for thousands of dollars. The LE Plus ($36,000) adds three-zone climate control, a power liftgate, an eight-way power driver’s seat, softer fabric for a...