Toyota Highlander Review

2008 Toyota Highlander Limited SUV Shown

The Toyota Highlander was one of the first midsize "crossover" sport-utilities to appear on the scene. With its carlike unibody design, the original Highlander provided a variety of benefits over Toyota's more traditional SUVs, such as better handling, less cabin noise, improved crashworthiness and easier entry and exit for passengers.

Like most crossovers, the Toyota Highlander appeals to consumers who want an SUV image, cargo-carrying versatility and carlike driving characteristics. Think of the Highlander as an elevated, oversize Camry wagon dressed for the great outdoors, and you've got the general idea.

Redesigned for the 2008 model year, the current Toyota Highlander is a bit larger than its predecessor and features updated styling, a more powerful V6 engine and other new features. But even the first-generation Highlander remains one of the better values for individuals and families who need a comfortable, easy-to-drive vehicle that can carry a fair amount of cargo, handle occasional snow and ice during the winter months and still turn in adequate fuel economy.

Current Toyota Highlander

The current Toyota Highlander debuted as a 2008 model. It's significantly bigger than the previous model in nearly every way, adding shoulder room, hiproom and legroom all around. Cargo capacity has increased too, from 81.6 cubic feet to 95.4. An optional power liftgate eases rear access.

The third-row seat is also more accommodating than before, thanks to easier ingress and egress as well as the Highlander's increased size. Moreover, the middle section of the Highlander's 40/20/40 second-row bench folds away into its own receptacle, leaving you with a pair of captain's chairs -- just like in a minivan. Toyota calls this handy innovation "Center Stow."

Bigger dimensions usually mean a bigger number at the scales, and the Highlander is no exception. To compensate for the couple hundred or so extra pounds it's packing, the Highlander is now available only with V6 power. That V6 is Toyota's ubiquitous 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter engine, which is both powerful and respectably efficient.

Like its predecessor, the current Highlander is offered in three trim levels: base, Sport and Limited. Base models have an impressive array of standard features that will satisfy many consumers, while stepping up to the Sport nets bigger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some added luxury and convenience items. The Highlander Limited receives softer suspension tuning than the Sport as well as leather upholstery and a decadent assortment of interior accoutrements.

On the road, our editors have found that the Highlander delivers an agreeable combination of comfort and control, though the Highlander ultimately favors ride quality over handling. Drivers looking for a slightly more precise cornering attitude will want to check the Sport version, which has modestly firmer suspension tuning.

Past Toyota Highlander Models

The first-generation Toyota Highlander debuted for the 2001 model year. It was powered by either a 155-hp four-cylinder engine or a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard. In 2004 the V6 was bumped up to 3.3 liters and 230 hp, and models so equipped received a five-speed automatic transmission, while four-cylinder models soldiered on with the four-speed unit (and 5 extra hp). Available trim levels were base, Sport and Limited.

Base models came equipped with a respectable amount of equipment, including air-conditioning, power accessories, cruise control and a CD player. The Sport trim spiced things up with 17-inch alloys, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, a power driver seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The Limited added heated outside mirrors, power front seats, a fold-flat third-row seat (as of 2004) and an upgraded JBL sound system. Popular options included leather seating, an in-dash CD changer, a towing package and -- on the Limited model only -- a navigation system.

Shoppers interested in a used Toyota Highlander might want to confine their search to 2004 models and newer, not just because of the power increase, but also because a third-row seat and rear DVD entertainment system were newly available, enabling the Highlander to remain competitive with the strengthening crop of midsize crossover SUVs. Other significant changes for '04 included the addition of stability control and a tire-pressure warning system as standard equipment, as well as newly optional side curtain airbags for the first and second rows, which became standard on '07 models.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.