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Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is a crossover vehicle which shares its 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. 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.
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
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 for-wheel drive system which Toyota refers to as 4WD-i.
Current Model Year (2006)
Changes to the 2006 model include the introduction of the Hybrid version. Also a new Sport trim is available.
Recent Changes
- 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.
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
$24,530 - $39,290
Today's actual prices by city can be found at CarsDirect.
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
Colors
- Super White
- Millennium Silver Metalic
- Sonora Gold Pearl
- Salsa Red Pearl
- Oasis Green Pearl
- Bluestone Metallic
- Indigo Ink Pearl
- Black
Main Competitors
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.
Unique Attributes
Resale Values
Worldwide
The Highlander is called the Kluger outside of the U.S.
Design quirks and oddities
Awards
- MotorWeek's "Best Eco-Friendly" (2006) for Hybrid version
- IntelliChoice's "Best Overall Value" (2005)
- Consumer Reports' "Best Midsized SUV" (2002)
- J.D. Power and Associates' "Initial Quality Study Award" (2002)
- Car and Driver's "Best Large SUV" (2001)
