Altogether it fit my driving druthers like a well-tailored suit. With complete ease, the Highlander was kept between the lines as the deteriorating road snaked its way into the mountains. I can't say that about some of the other products driven that day. Road feel is nicely transmitted to the driver through the SUV's variable assist, rack and pinion steering mechanism.
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| Toyota has upped the output of the Highlander with a 230-hp 3.3-liter DOHC V6 engine. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
For 2004, Toyota has upped the horsepower with a 3.3-liter DOHC V6 that now puts 230-horsepower to work, alongside 242 foot-pounds of torque. But admittedly, I was a little disappointed in the new engine for a couple of reasons. Firstly I expected to feel more grunt than I did from the 230-horsepower. Acceleration is definitely adequate but not inspiring. The second source of my discontent related to the noise the V6 generates under acceleration. I expected a little more refinement, given that this unit is also used in Lexus models.
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| The V6 engine mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission worked seamlessly and smoothly. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Riding in the passenger seat was Paul Given, a Toyota consultant. So I consulted: "Why is the engine noisier in the Highlander than it is in Lexus applications?" After some discussion, it was decided that the extra bucks for the Lexus applications must buy a whole lot more sound deadening material and engineering. That makes sense. Within normal driving parameters though, the Highlander engine is unobtrusive and reasonably refined.
The V6 engine mates with a 5-speed automatic transmission that in typical Toyota style works seamlessly and smoothly. Downshifts were rapid and well timed. The barely perceptible upshifts occurred at the appropriate point in the acceleration process, regardless of acceleration severity.
