Handling is also impressive. Although the Highlander is beefy in size, it doesn't drive like a boat. It was stable and
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| Although fairly large in size, the Highlander's handling is impressive thanks to its great suspension. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
maintained composure in twists and turns due to its fully independent suspension incorporating MacPherson struts and an anti-vibration subframe up front, plus coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar at both ends. But aside from handling and the horsepower, whenever I have children in my car safety is the first thing I think about. Does the vehicle have ABS if I need to stop rapidly for some reason? Is it sturdy enough to resist any impacts? Are their airbags? Yes, yes, and yes. While the Highlander featured all the needful safety features, its high quality surroundings also made it feel secure enough to transport kids in. It comes standard with dual
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| Security is my number one priority whenever I have kids in the car, and I am happy to report that the Highlander provides exceptional active and passive safety. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
front airbags, child protector rear door locks, a tire pressure monitoring system for its P225/70R16 all-season radial tires, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and new for the 2004 model year is the vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC). The safety features don't stop there. My test Highlander, as well as all other 2004 Highlanders feature an impact-absorbing body that helps disperse frontal and side impact forces before they reach the occupants, and a high strength structure that minimizes cabin deformation. Like I said, security is my number one priority whenever I have kids in the car and I am happy to say that the Highlander provided exceptional active and passive safety.
