And when I say all, I mean you and four or six members of your entourage. The Highlander is a dedicated soft-roader crossover ideally suited for active family life. In fact, this vehicle began life, if you will, as a Camry wagon sharing platforms and powertrains in 2001. Today, the Highlander has been undercut by the Venza size-wise, but the Highlander's reason for being remains the same.
A hairier chest
The actual Highlander was introduced as a 2008 model-year product. Knowing full well that the Venza was coming, Toyota grafted more prominent and angular lines to the vehicle's otherwise smooth flowing body. The more upright grille and larger available wheels are indicative of the attempt at bringing the Highlander closer in style to the 4Runner. And it works.
Without being exciting in any way, the Highlander is handsome and its more dynamic stance voids any thinking that this is a typical boring Japanese product. The lodgings are similar in the way that there is a sense of purpose in the way the dashboard and seat functionality are presented. For the base Hybrid, there are five spots. The middle fifth seating position can be transformed using the reclining, foldable armrest which can be removed and stored under the armrest of the front centre console, creating second-row seats.
Speaking of the places to sit, the Highlander's are cajoling and comfortably carry their cargo over long distances in a quiet environment. The Hybrid Limited gets an extra bench in the trunk, capable of holding two smaller occupants with relative care. Fit, finish and general levels of equipment are good, however I found it deplorable that Bluetooth connectivity is an option in a $43,000 vehicle while it is standard in a $13,700 Kia Rio. Trunk space is generous and well appointed.
Hybrid power
The Highlander Hybrid used to share its powertrain with the Lexus RX but that has now changed. The 2010 RX features the family's 3.5L V6 as opposed to the older 3.3L. In the Toyota, the peak combined horsepower is 270, which is plenty for this vehicle's convictions. Combining with the V6 to generate motion is a highly efficient, high-speed electric motor. Between the front wheels and the powerplant is a continuously variable transmission.
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| The Highlander ride's is comfortable and its suspension setup is aptly able to soak up reasonably-sized potholes. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |
A hairier chest
The actual Highlander was introduced as a 2008 model-year product. Knowing full well that the Venza was coming, Toyota grafted more prominent and angular lines to the vehicle's otherwise smooth flowing body. The more upright grille and larger available wheels are indicative of the attempt at bringing the Highlander closer in style to the 4Runner. And it works.
Without being exciting in any way, the Highlander is handsome and its more dynamic stance voids any thinking that this is a typical boring Japanese product. The lodgings are similar in the way that there is a sense of purpose in the way the dashboard and seat functionality are presented. For the base Hybrid, there are five spots. The middle fifth seating position can be transformed using the reclining, foldable armrest which can be removed and stored under the armrest of the front centre console, creating second-row seats.
Speaking of the places to sit, the Highlander's are cajoling and comfortably carry their cargo over long distances in a quiet environment. The Hybrid Limited gets an extra bench in the trunk, capable of holding two smaller occupants with relative care. Fit, finish and general levels of equipment are good, however I found it deplorable that Bluetooth connectivity is an option in a $43,000 vehicle while it is standard in a $13,700 Kia Rio. Trunk space is generous and well appointed.
Hybrid power
The Highlander Hybrid used to share its powertrain with the Lexus RX but that has now changed. The 2010 RX features the family's 3.5L V6 as opposed to the older 3.3L. In the Toyota, the peak combined horsepower is 270, which is plenty for this vehicle's convictions. Combining with the V6 to generate motion is a highly efficient, high-speed electric motor. Between the front wheels and the powerplant is a continuously variable transmission.
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| The presentation of the dashboard and seating functionality are successful. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |