Car Review: Highlander a reliable people hauler
May 21—Toyota sweetens the deal this year with a two-year, 24,000-mile maintenance plan on its Highlander, besting rivals in the process. For 22 years, the three-row alternative to the minivan has been transferring families and their cargo around the globe.
The midsize SUV gets a more efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine replacing a V-6 powerplant that sauntered off the line. With 265 horsepower, the new engine has less ponies than the outgoing model but more torque that remedies the pokiness.
Large dual digital screens are now standard on upper trims and available with mid-range trims. Seating for up to eight can be accommodated with rear bench seats while four adults can ride in near luxury with oodles of space and 48 cubic feet of cargo. For hauling big box items, the Highlander offers 84 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.
There are other SUVs that have come on the market challenging Highlander's features in the mid-size segment including the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
On our test track, the Highlander reached 60 miles per hour in a respectable 7.1 seconds, comparable with rivals. Those shopping this segment should compare Toyota's reliability factor over decades, standard safety suite of driver assist features and a lengthy list of standard equipment.
Highlander is offered in six trim levels — L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum — with power delivered to its front wheels. All-wheel drive is available. Prices range from the mid $30,000s to mid $50,000s. Our Limited tester for the week stickered at $50,210 including $1,335 in fees and delivery charges.
Interior space provides generous room for first and second row passengers, and there is additional storage in the center console bin as well across the lower dashboard for small items such as phones, laptops, power cords and munchies.
Also included is a 360-degree surround top view captured on the center screen, an 11-speaker JBL sound system with subwoofer and amplifier and a nifty digital rearview mirror that allows full vision out back while fully loaded. The large touchscreen is divided into categories accessed by sliding and pinching like a smartphone. While the larger screen was useful, the navigation screen was not adjustable to full screen size.
All trim levels include Toyota's suite of technology including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, front emergency braking and steering assists, road sign readings and automatic headlights. Upper trim levels add pedestrian detection, blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert and star safety system.
Our Highlander achieved 24 miles per gallon in combined driving matching EPA estimates. For those wanting more, the hybrid Highlander will satisfy with 36 mpg in city and highway travel for similar coin.
We found the Highlander to be an ideal family car hauling the kids to soccer practice or taking a night on the town with friends. The engine mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission delivering smooth acceleration. Floor the pedal though and the Highlander gets loud.
Be sure to include the Highlander on your short list of test drives.