One engine – that’s all she wrote
Because our tester was the basic Highlander model, it had to make due with a 4-cylinder engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a conventional front-wheel-drive system. Forget about a sporty ride or AWD: the entry-level Highlander is a family-oriented vehicle that aims to satisfy both your road trip and city driving needs. It succeeds in both cases.
True, the journalist and racer in me would have appreciated a few extra ponies and a little more zing on start-up considering the vehicle’s weight, but the 2.7-litre, 187-hp engine’s primary goal is to keep the car going on as little fuel as possible.
Again, mission accomplished. It easily zips through traffic in the city, and even on the interminable Route 401 between Montreal and Toronto, the Highlander easily conveyed a few adults and their equipment to their destination without ever showing signs of fatigue. Except, of course, when attempting a lively passing manoeuvre. Here, the Highlander seemed to run out of steam and growled in annoyance, but managed to pass in the end.
Obviously, as a family vehicle first and foremost, the Highlander plays the comfort and space card. Driving dynamics? A lost cause.
Conclusion
Efficient and sober, the entry-level Toyota Highlander fills the role it was assigned, that of an affordable, easy-to-drive vehicle that won’t give its skipper any headaches or thrills.
Neither sporty nor really flexible, the Toyota Highlander is more of a big family hauler than a true sport model. In fact, it’s just a Camry that received the SUV treatment.
photo:Philippe Champoux
Because our tester was the basic Highlander model, it had to make due with a 4-cylinder engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a conventional front-wheel-drive system. Forget about a sporty ride or AWD: the entry-level Highlander is a family-oriented vehicle that aims to satisfy both your road trip and city driving needs. It succeeds in both cases.
 |
| Our tester was the basic Highlander model, it had to make due with a 4-cylinder engine. |
True, the journalist and racer in me would have appreciated a few extra ponies and a little more zing on start-up considering the vehicle’s weight, but the 2.7-litre, 187-hp engine’s primary goal is to keep the car going on as little fuel as possible.
Again, mission accomplished. It easily zips through traffic in the city, and even on the interminable Route 401 between Montreal and Toronto, the Highlander easily conveyed a few adults and their equipment to their destination without ever showing signs of fatigue. Except, of course, when attempting a lively passing manoeuvre. Here, the Highlander seemed to run out of steam and growled in annoyance, but managed to pass in the end.
Obviously, as a family vehicle first and foremost, the Highlander plays the comfort and space card. Driving dynamics? A lost cause.
Conclusion
Efficient and sober, the entry-level Toyota Highlander fills the role it was assigned, that of an affordable, easy-to-drive vehicle that won’t give its skipper any headaches or thrills.
Neither sporty nor really flexible, the Toyota Highlander is more of a big family hauler than a true sport model. In fact, it’s just a Camry that received the SUV treatment.
 |
| The Highlander plays the comfort and space card. |
photo:Philippe Champoux
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