Toyota Highlander

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2006 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a crossover vehicle that shares the same platform with the Toyota Camry. Configurations come in 5 and 7-seater and available in three trims: Base, Sport and Limited. The Sport model is new for 2006. The Highlander was introduced as a 2001 model in North America to fill in the segment between the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota 4Runner.

The Highlander is available with 3 choices of engines: 3.3L V6, 2.4L 4-cylinder, and 3.3L Hybrid Cars. In addition to the 3.3L engine, V6-powered models were equipped with a new 5-speed automatic transmission which replaced the old 4-speed automatic. The 4-cylinder models continue to use the 4-speed automatic transmission.

Also new in 2004 was the option of a third row seat. To accommodate the optional third row seating a depression had to be made in the trunk floor. On models without third row seating, the depression in the floor was made into a storage compartment. Prior to 2004 the spare tire was accessible from inside the vehicle where the third row seats are located, but beginning in 2004 the spare tire was relocated underneath the vehicle.

The Highlander is available with front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. Hybrid models are available with a part-time four-wheel drive system which Toyota refers to as 4WD-i.

Recent Changes

• Changes to the 2006 model include the introduction of the Hybrid version. Also a new Sport trim is available.
• For 2004 the Highlander received a new V6 borrowed from the Lexus RX330. The new 3.3L V6 makes 230-HP, 10 more than it's predecessor. The new 2.4L engine gets a 5-HP increase to 160. All 2004 Highlanders get four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as well as a tire pressure monitoring system. A new option is the navigation system and the rear DVD entertainment system. There is also an available 3rd row seat and curtain airbags.
• For 2003 a full-size spare tire was standard. Limited models come with automatic climate control, power driver seat, and alloy wheels.
• For 2002 Toyota added a standard rear-seat armrest, cabin air filtration, and a redesigned center console. Models were differentiated by Base and Limited.

Engines:

• 2006-present 3.3L 268-HP Hybrid motor
• 2004-present 3.3L V6, 230-HP
• 2004-present 2.4L I4, 160-HP
• 2001-2003 3.0L V6, 220-HP
• 2001-2003 2.4L I4, 155-HP

Styles and Major Options

The Highlander comes in the Base, Limited, and Hybrid versions. The Base and Limited are available in 2WD and 4WD with the choice of a 4 cylinder or V6 engine. The Hybrid uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology coupled with an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for optimum fuel economy. An optional touch-screen DVD navigation system is available on the Limited and Hybrid versions only. Also available are leather seats, power sunroof, rear seat entertainment, side curtain airbags, and heated front seats.

Pricing

Today's actual prices for the Toyota MODEL can be found at CarsDirect.

Highlander Trims
Base FWD	Base AWD	V6 FWD	V6 AWD	V6 AWD w/ 3rd Row	Sport V6 FWD	Sport V6 AWD	Limited V6 FWD	Limited V6 FWD w/ Nav. & 3rd Row	Limited V6 AWD	Limited V6 AWD w/ Nav. & 3rd Row
MSRP
$24,530	$25,930	$25,590	$26,990	$27,840	$27,765	$29,235	$30,460	$32,460	$31,860	$33,860
Invoice
$21,831	$23,077	$22,773	$24,019	$24,776	$24,710	$26,018	$27,108	$28,808	$28,354	$30,054

Gas Mileage

EPA estimates

• 4 Cylinder 2WD 22/27
• 4 Cylinder 4WD 21/25
• V6 2WD 19/25
• V6 4WD 18/24
• Hybrid 31/28

Reliability

MSN Autos rates
8.0/10.0

Safety

All Highlanders come with:

• vehicle stability control
• traction control
• anti-lock brake system
• driver and front passenger air bags
• front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones
• side-impact door beams
• child protector rear door locks
• 3-point shoulder belts in all seating positions
• child restraint system top tether anchors for all rear seating positions

Photos

Highlander photos

Colors

• Super White
• Millennium Silver Metalic
• Sonora Gold Pearl
• Salsa Red Pearl
• Oasis Green Pearl
• Bluestone Metallic
• Indigo Ink Pearl
• Black

Main Competitors

• Honda Pilot
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Nissan Murano
• Mazda CX-7

Hybrid Models

Toyota introduced the Highlander Hybrid in July 2005 as a 2006 model. It uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive Technology, similar to the one in the Prius.
The 2006 Hybrid starts at $33,030.

Worldwide

The Highlander is called the Kluger outside of the U.S.

Awards

• The Highlander was named the "Best Eco-Friendly" (2006) for the Hybrid version by MotorWeek
• "Best Overall Value" (2005) by IntelliChoice
• Named "Best Midsized SUV" by Consumer Reports (2002)
• Recieved "Initial Quality Study Award" J.D. Power and Associates (2002)
• Car and Driver's "Best Large SUV" (2001)

See Also

• Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Nissan Murano
• Honda Pilot

External Links

• Toyota North America website
• Toyota Japan website
• Highlander prices
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid specifications and features