The entry-level front-drive, four-cylinder Toyota Highlander has been dropped for 2006 and the remaining models have seen their stickers go up, which will raise the entry-level price for the four-by-four wagon by almost $5,000.
Until just recently (or maybe even still, if you look around), Toyota Canada dealers carried an FWD model with a $32,900.
With that model gone, the entry-level Highlander for 2006 is the 4WD V6 five-passenger model at $37,855, which is up from $36,900 in 2005. The seven-passenger 4WD V6 Highlander starts at $38,905, up from $37,950 in 2005.
If you're interested in getting slightly better fuel economy in a Highlander, there are also a pair of hybrid models available -- a five-seat model for $44,205 and an all-singing version for $53,145.
It must be noted that the non-hybrid 2006 Highlander models will also get more standard equipment for the money, including 16-inch alloy wheels with a full-sized spare, fog lamps and wheel locks.
The equipment list varies by price, of course, but every Highlander does include a goodly list of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, cruise control, a six-speaker AM/FM/Cassette/CD sound system, a tilt-adjust steering wheel, accessory power outlets, an engine immobilizer, front and rear splashguards, privacy glass, a roof rack, wheel locks, and fog lamps.
If you go to Option Package "B" on either five- or seven-seat model you also get heated front leather seats with headrest-vertical and tilt adjustments, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, simulated leather door trim, and a power driver's seat.
A five-seater with the "B" Package lists for $40,130, while a seven-seater is $41,855.
Buyers of the seven-seat model can go even farther with the Limited package for $46,730, which includes everything from the "B" package and a bunch of stuff you didn't know you needed until someone told you it was available. That would include an integrated garage door opener, automatic air conditioning with an outside temperature gauge, an even better stereo, more airbags, a one-touch, tilt and slide power moonroof with jam protection, simulated woodgrain trim, an auxiliary rear heater, an anti-theft system, automatic lights and dimming interior mirror, and 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/65R17 tires. There's also a rear spoiler, which is only useful on certain race cars on certain tracks.
Whichever model you choose, says Tony Wearing, who is one of three managing directors at Toyota Canada, "Highlander is an open invitation to a family road trip." He says the wagon "provides a roomy, secure environment with lots of comfort, convenience features and generous cargo space. It offers the on-road confidence that befits an SUV, without sacrificing the ride comfort and amenities of a premium sedan."
The non-hybrid models runs on a 3.3-litre, DOHC, 24-Valve V-6 that produces 215 hp at 5,600 rpm and 222 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm and sends it to all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.
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| 2006 Toyota Highlander (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
With that model gone, the entry-level Highlander for 2006 is the 4WD V6 five-passenger model at $37,855, which is up from $36,900 in 2005. The seven-passenger 4WD V6 Highlander starts at $38,905, up from $37,950 in 2005.
If you're interested in getting slightly better fuel economy in a Highlander, there are also a pair of hybrid models available -- a five-seat model for $44,205 and an all-singing version for $53,145.
It must be noted that the non-hybrid 2006 Highlander models will also get more standard equipment for the money, including 16-inch alloy wheels with a full-sized spare, fog lamps and wheel locks.
The equipment list varies by price, of course, but every Highlander does include a goodly list of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, cruise control, a six-speaker AM/FM/Cassette/CD sound system, a tilt-adjust steering wheel, accessory power outlets, an engine immobilizer, front and rear splashguards, privacy glass, a roof rack, wheel locks, and fog lamps.
If you go to Option Package "B" on either five- or seven-seat model you also get heated front leather seats with headrest-vertical and tilt adjustments, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, simulated leather door trim, and a power driver's seat.
A five-seater with the "B" Package lists for $40,130, while a seven-seater is $41,855.
 |
| 2006 Toyota Highlander (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Whichever model you choose, says Tony Wearing, who is one of three managing directors at Toyota Canada, "Highlander is an open invitation to a family road trip." He says the wagon "provides a roomy, secure environment with lots of comfort, convenience features and generous cargo space. It offers the on-road confidence that befits an SUV, without sacrificing the ride comfort and amenities of a premium sedan."
The non-hybrid models runs on a 3.3-litre, DOHC, 24-Valve V-6 that produces 215 hp at 5,600 rpm and 222 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm and sends it to all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.