2005 Toyota Highlander Review

Specifications

It Just Fits

Sometimes you drive a vehicle, and like a pair of well-worn Hush Puppies, it just fits. I dont mean in size, but rather in lifestyle support and overall form and function. Such a fit doesnt necessarily involve expensive vehicles with lavish interiors and high-performance engines.

So it was for me with the Highlander, Toyotas midsize car-based SUV, which can be configured in front-wheel drive (FWD) powered by a thrifty four-cylinder powerplant, or in full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) powered by a heartier V6 arrangement. Also available with the V6 is optional third-row seating.

My first encounter with the Highlander 4WD came last year during a Toyota media event, which saw journalists sampling the Tundra, 4Runner and Highlander on a series of back roads through the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Although it was the under-achiever when the testing found us challenging the rigs off-road in deep snow, because of its smooth ride and ease of operation, it was my personal favorite on the pavement.

The Highlander is a car-based SUV, sharing much of its architecture with the Camry. Moderate ground clearance combined with an absence of low-range gearing and skid plates precludes it from achieving mountain goat status. But thanks to Toyotas advanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) technology, plus a boost in ponies for 2005, these impediments dont detract from the Highlanders tremendous capability in less arduous undertakings.

My 4WD tester was powered by Toyotas 3.3-liter (202 cu in), 24-valve DOHC V6 with variable valve timing, capable of dispensing 230 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. Given its light-for-an-SUV curb weight of 3,880 pounds, the 4WD V6 Highlander is reasonably powered, with crisp acceleration off the line and adequate passing performance in all circumstances.

Toyota placed an emphasis on ensuring the Highlanders drivetrain would be as smooth and refined as that propelling the Camry. They reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) by the use of sound-absorbing and vibration-damping materials. And on V6-equipped models, specially engineered Active Control Engine Mounts cancel-out engine vibration during idle. Its this type of attention to mechanical function that imparts a sense of quality in the Highlanders operation beyond what I have experienced in some competing brands.

Toyotas penchant for driveline smoothness extends to the Highlanders five-speed automatic transmission as well, which only comes bolted to the V6. The 2.4-liter I-4 engine, which I have not yet tested, produces 160 horsepower and arrives connected to a four-speed autobox. The five-speed transmission makes very efficient use of the V6 power, but I found on occasion it tried too hard to be smooth, resulting in protracted first-to-second gear upshifts under nominal acceleration.

Toyota has a stellar reputation for dependability and build quality. Although the Highlanders boxy exterior styling doesnt raise my pulse rate, its pleasing enough to look at and is accurately assembled. The same holds true for its interior real estate. Most of the materials used, especially when the optional leather is selected, are of high tactile quality given its mid-range pricing. That said, I am not a fan of the dash layout, but I admire its straightforward functionality. The large HVAC controls are a good example of this. They are butt-ugly black plastic but the pinnacle of ease to operate.

Headroom and legroom in the front and second row seating is generous, especially when one considers that the Highlander is 4.6 inches shorter in length overall than its Camry cousin. To meet family demands, Toyota began offering a third-row seat in 2004. My tester wasnt so equipped; however, I can tell you from last years Highlander test, the third-row is not advisable for large adults. Itll do in a pinch, but expect complaints to increase concurrent with the distance driven.

Visibility from the drivers post is excellent, yet not as commanding as SUVs with higher step-in, but its from this lower position one can fully appreciate the Highlanders stable, comfortable ride. The vehicle is nearly as nimble as a sedan and only slightly firmer in response to bumps and potholes, none of which cause its rigid body structure to rattle or shudder. The Highlanders fully independent suspension setup utilizes Macpherson struts, coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar, as well as an anti-vibration subframe at both ends to achieve a pleasant balance between ride refinement and handling gusto.

Stopping the Highlander is quite an arresting affair. Thanks to its light weight and standard-equipment four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, the midsize SUV feels matched to its Camry cousin when the binders are locked-on. Stops are short, straight and free of fuss, with pedal sensitivity feeling just right for this class of vehicle. Also standard are driver and front passenger frontal airbags. Front seat side-airbags are available to further protect those up front, while side-curtain airbags are available to enhance safety both front and rear, excluding the optional third-row.

In base form, Toyota has loaded the Highlander with a generous helping of comfort and convenience elements, such as air conditioning, cruise control, front captains chairs, power windows, locks and mirrors, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD, cargo cover and roof rack. A variety of option packages will add, among other spoils, leather seating, heated front seats, a navigation system, premium audio with steering wheel-mounted controls, power drivers seat, power sunroof, privacy glass and rear DVD entertainment.

While I may not find the Highlander full of visual flash and flair, and its nowhere near a rugged V8-powered off-roader, I like its refined character immensely. It offers just about the perfect blend of comfort, accommodation, economy and all-weather performance. As I said, it just fits.