The new Highlander 4WD V6 7-passenger model is the latest and greatest addition to the Highlander lineup. In addition,
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| The Highlander is now available with a more powerful and refined V6 engine, the same one found in the Lexus RX 330. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
two other trims are offered: the Highlander FWD and the 4WD V6. Also new is the more powerful and refined V6. It's the same 3MZ-FE 6-cylinder also found in the
Lexus RX 330 - good company to keep. The 3.3-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 with Variable Valve Timing intelligent (VVT-i) and sequential multi-port fuel injection produces 230 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. I liked the grunt of the Highlander's V6. It delivered ample power to get me around town efficiently, especially with the kids chirping away in the back seat. They enjoyed themselves as I chauffeured them to T-ball and school. The all-leather interior definitely made the ride more comfortable and
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| The all-leather interior definitely made the ride more comfortable for all. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
fun for all of us - ever try to clean up junk food set into cloth seats? Sitting up front, however, I almost felt guilty about not letting them know about the heated seats - not. Oh how I love those heated seats. It wasn't particularly cold and I don't think it was really necessary to have them on, but the heat just feels so nice on my tired and sore back. I also found it nice to take a brake from shifting gears. Harnessing the added power of the V6 engine is the new 5-speed Super ECT (electronically controlled) automatic transmission. The Super ECT was designed to manage shift decisions based on engine speed and load, making changing gears smooth and seamless. Again, if it's good enough for Lexus then... oh well, enough said.
