2009 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews

First Impressions

Written by: George on 10/31/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Pros: Very sharp looking SUV. Nice lines. Paint and trim seem to be above par. Quiet when driving and it has a great sound system with the JBL 6 Disc. Very smooth shifting vehicle with plenty of power from the V6. Cons: Front seats are not designed for men. I'm 6'1" tall and find it hard to get into a comfortable driving position. Seats are also way too hard and do not offer enough leg support. The Sport model rides rough on uneven surfaces. However, it is very smooth on even highway roads. Currently experiencing an odd shutter at light throttle use. This is a random event and may go away with time once the computer learns our driving habits. Overall: Nice vehicle for my wife.

Favorite Features

JBL Sound system, Wheels, Sunroof, V6 power. Lighting package.

Suggested Improvements

More then one MP3 port. Bad location of MP3 port. Door side moldings to protect the doors. Mud flaps standard. Power passenger seat on the Sport model. Seat memory. Bigger front seats for men. Dual exhaust with chrome tips. Split third row seat. Second row needs a real seat in the middle.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Comfy family vehicle for all events

Written by: Jeffrey on 10/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought for more than 7 months and like it more every day. Blind spots was a concern at first but big rear mirrors ease the worry. A great highway cruiser as my main purpose to buy. Drive is smooth but not sporty even good power V6. Leans quite a bit in sharp turn but secure with light steering, low road feel and average steering response. The keyless start and power hatch are great plus for every day use. Most materials used are good quality except some textured hard plastic. Better than FORD and GM comparable models. Truck space is tight when 3rd row seat is up, which is not split and has tight leg room. Center on the 2nd row is too small but outside seats are comfy.

Favorite Features

Backup camera in navi screen. Large rotary knobs for temp control and stereo. Keyless start, power hatch door. Clear instrument dials and no reflection under the sun. Foldable 2nd row center seat and hide away for 3rd row entry. Puddle lamps to enter and exit the car.

Suggested Improvements

NAVI lacks speak of street name which my <$200 portable unit can. Narrow and short 2nd row center seat for long trip. No split 3 row for carrying long item with 2-3 passengers. Quicker and heavier steering; 6-sp Tranny for V-6; more space behind the 3rd row.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive

Written by: Yiwen on 10/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

It's an amazing upgrade from my 98 Madza MPV all-sport. Drives like a sedan. Sometimes I felt it's even quieter than my wife's 04 Camry. The engine is powerful and quiet even when driving up the Cottonwood canyon mountain resorts. Well designed interior controls, which are large and easy to reach. Storage is plenty with many cup-holders. I consistently get 21 mpg (city/highway combined) for my commute to work. Trip to California in July on highway and gets consistent 24 mpg. View isn't as good as my MPV (maybe I'm still trying to get used to it).

Favorite Features

Interior controls, storage, leg room on all rows, powerful engine and quiet ride.

Suggested Improvements

Need to have split 3rd-row.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Wonderful Car

Written by: Krishna on 10/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A)

Review

I'm very happy about my decision. I was looking for a SUV to replace my VW Passat which is economical and could satisfy my SUV Dreams. I'm happy that I purchased this base model highlander. For my regular commute it give 24 in average and for longer trips it give 26.5mpg. Handling is very good and very very comfortable. Dealer converted the seats to leather for $1099 with heated seats (front and second row). I will recommend this car to anyone without any regret.

Favorite Features

Safety and fuel efficient 4 cylinder. Second Row air conditioner vents.

Suggested Improvements

Trunk door should be powered by default. It is a little bit heavy to close. Antenna should be internal. The second row center seat should be wider in case of two row models. Exterior looks could be improved little bit.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Highlander 4cyl with 3rd seat

Written by: luvthetoyotas on 10/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A)

Review

I purchased the car this weekend. Hard to find a 4cyl with the third seat. Drove ~300 miles to pick it up, so I got a little highway time and have driven it around town some. I drove both the 6cyl and 4cyl models and really like the balance of the 4 with the 6 speed transmission. Sure, it won't win any drag races, but the performance is very good. If you want a sports car, buy one. I got ~26mpg on a brand new motor driving 75 mph. Mileage will only improve once it's broken in. So far - love the Highlander. Rated reliability high from my experience with my other Toyota products.

Favorite Features

Interior, exterior, gas mileage. Love the little LED that just barely illuminates the console area. Second row seats are fantastic.

Suggested Improvements

Would like a trip computer and outside temperature on the base model - even my $16K Scion has that...

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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BMW traded for Family Car

Written by: Canuck on 10/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Well, traded in a 4 year old BMW 3 series for the highlander and I love it. More headroom, baby can actually fall asleep in the plush ride, and change her diaper in the car. Third row is used when grandparents are riding with us. But that means cargo capacity is down and the stroller can't fit with the third row up. Need to get smaller stroller or kick a grandparent out. Wanted a smooth floating boat with lots of room and that is the Highlander. It's fast too, but takes longer to rev up.

Favorite Features

Soft, Plush ride. Super cold air conditioner. Many large storage areas. It's as fast if not faster than the BMW 325. Headroom for driver. Tilting second row seat.

Suggested Improvements

Can't put baby seat in the middle second row. Stroller won't fit with third row up.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great ride, but noisy engine poor MPG

Written by: Rick on 09/24/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Rides like a sedan and accelerates quickly but the engine screams trying. Fit and finish is good as well as good legroom/headroom for a 6'4" guy. I expected better mileage than 22 MPG since my previous Sequoia, with a V8, got 20.5 MPG. The sticker stated 24 MPG on the highway and it doesn't come close.

Favorite Features

Keyless entry, push to start, and touch screen navigation with blue tooth.

Suggested Improvements

Include tow hitch with tow package and cross bars on roof rack.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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#3 is the best

Written by: John Agnew on 09/17/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

My 3rd Highlander Limited...each prior vehicle was driven 60,000 miles (Leased)...bought this one...in the first 2 months drove 8,500 miles exploring the country...average 23 MPG at 65-80 mph on Interstates...a real pleasure to drive...10 hour days on the road are very comfortable, especially with heated leather seats...smart key and power tailgate are slick...this one is a keeper!

Favorite Features

Workmanship (Built in Japan)...quality is tops...extremely comfortable driving position...plenty of interior space...V6 has more than enough power

Suggested Improvements

Raise the center arm rest and pad it...everything else is fine.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Nice Wheels - Typical Toyota Part 2

Written by: Love Findlay on 09/14/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Almost four months with our new Highlander and no issues since we drove it off the dealer lot. 5000 miles and averaging 19 mpg consistently....22 for hghwy trips. My wife loves the push button start and key fob that unlocks the vehicle for her. Vehicle is still quiet, smooth and has very comfortable seats. The seat heaters feel great on the lower back even during the summer and the JBL sounds great. The rear seat is roomy, comfortable and the rear climate control is as comfortable as the front...nice.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy, comfort/luxury feel of limited interior. JBL stereo with bluetooth is awesome the handsfree is huge safety feature and worth expense. Rear camera is fantastic and wife loves security when backing the vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Bring down the cost of the hybrid option. Nothing else.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Small & Quick

Written by: SLOJO on 08/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

It's new. Rides great. Maneuvers well. Plenty of get up and go. Has all the bells and whistles. Fit and trim are excellent. First non-"big three" we have owned. Center dash w/navigation/CD combined is too delicate and complex. Steering wheel controls good/dash controls unnecessarily confusing. Owners Manual near useless - WAY TOO LONG. More comfortable than competitors especially for someone over 6'2" and 250 lbs. Cargo area is good w/3rd seat down.

Favorite Features

Back up camera is a good safety feature. Love the glove box-holds everything the wife throws in and then has room for what belongs there. Auto tailgate and the simplified fold down seat controls are my favorites. Keyless ignition nice. Ride is excellent. For Mid-Atlantic region FWD is all you need.

Suggested Improvements

Heated seats are too cool. Vehicle lines from 06-07-08 were sharper than 09 model. Roof rack should include cross members. More comfortable front bucket seats. Emergency tow hook is a joke. Antennas embedded in the glass.

14 out 14 people found this review helpful

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