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Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen) (2021-present) reliability

Not enough data

Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen) built around 2021: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen) models built around 2021 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2021-presentSUVHYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 1,072 tests of Highlander models registered 2021+.

About 1 in 10 hybrid electric Highlander cars registered in 2022 (10.4%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 357 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

XU70 (4th gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
63411.4%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
43811.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 3 years old.

How the Highlander XU70 (4th gen) compares

At each age below, see how the Highlander XU70 (4th gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 122,776 tests across 17 Toyota models, built around 2021 (4 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateToyota average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
63411.4%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
43811.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Visibility

Worth checking

Inspect the visibility carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Highlander XU70 (4th gen).

  1. 1

    Lexus UX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.7%
    Dangerous
    1.8%

    Lower fail rate: 6.0%, against 11.0% for the Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen), both built around 2021.

    4,973 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    5.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.5%
    Dangerous
    1.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 5.1%, against 11.0% for the Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen), both built around 2021.

    1,784 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  3. 3

    Suzuki Vitara

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.5%
    Dangerous
    2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.9%

    Lower fail rate: 7.5%, against 11.0% for the Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen), both built around 2021.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,708 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

  4. 4

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.8%
    Dangerous
    1.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 11.0% for the Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen), both built around 2021.

    4,750 MOT tests on cars built around 2021

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

10 recalls in all

8 of the 10 Highlander XU70 (4th gen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 8 recalls

Top concerns

  • 2nd seat spring replacement on Highlander
  • 2nd row rear seat back frame on certain toyota Highlander
  • On affected vehicles minor impact to the lower front bumper cover could break the mounting tabs resulting in the lower b

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

XU70 (4th gen) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Toyota Highlanders of this age

This list covers every Toyota Highlander built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the XU70 (4th gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    17.5%
    Advisory: 111Fail: 7 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    8.0%
    Advisory: 58Fail: 7 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    5.2%
    Advisory: 20Fail: 5 (20% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    4.8%
    Advisory: 19Fail: 9 (32% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Major

    Wiper does not clear the windscreen properly

    4.3%
    Advisory: 6Fail: 18 (75% of the times it was found)

Based on 439 tests

Looking at a Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2021 (4 years old), the Toyota Highlander XU70 (4th gen) (2021-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 438 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,072 MOT tests on Toyota Highlanders first registered from 2021. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.