.
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. 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 AWD |
||
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
Highlander Trim |
|||||
4-Cyl. 2WD |
4-Cyl. 4WD |
V6 2WD |
V6 4WD |
||
MPG |
|||||
22/27 |
21/25 |
19/25 |
18/24 |
The Highlander Hybrid gets roughly 28/31 MPG (City/Highway).
Reliability
- Autos.com ranks the Toyota Highlander sixth (4.6 out of 5 stars) amongst popular mid-size SUVs on the market today.
- The Highlander Hybrid comes in first for fuel economy and the Highlander comes in fifth.
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
Exterior colors on the Toyota Highlander include:
- Super White
- Millennium Silver Metallic
- Sonora Gold Pearl
- Salsa Red Pearl
- Oasis Green Pearl
- Bluestone Metallic
- Indigo Ink Pearl
- Black
Interior trims on the Toyota Highlander include:
- Ivory - fabric or leather
- Ash - fabric or leather
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 Highlander Hybrid starts at $33,030.
Unique Attributes
Resale Values
Highlander Model Year |
|||||
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
Resale Values |
|||||
$24,530 - $33,860 |
$24,700 - $27,975 |
$21,025 - $25,575 |
$19,450 - $23,800 |
$17,725 - $21,850 |
$15,975 - $20,075 |
Worldwide
The Highlander is called the Kluger outside of the U.S.
Design quirks and oddities
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
External Links
- Toyota North America website
- Toyota Japan website
- Highlander prices
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid specifications and features