2005 Toyota Highlander Review

Specifications

Bridging the Gap between Cars and SUVs

If youre looking for “the style, handling and comfort of a premium sedan with the space, functionality and driving confidence of a sport-utility vehicle” look no further than the 2005 Toyota Highlander. From its polished exterior lines to its refined interior, the Highlander offers its driver, and passengers, a comfortable and capaciously cool ride.

The Highlander experience is one of class mixed with convenience. As of the 2004 model year, the popular SUV conveniently offers two engines, either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a 3.3-liter V6, and three trim levels, a 4-cylinder FWD, a V6 4WD and a V6 4WD with seven-passenger seating.

My test Highlander came with the five-speed Super ECT (electronically-controlled) automatic transmission and the 3.3-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 engine producing 230 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm - ample power whether passing on the highway or driving up to the ski hill. And even with its nicely endowed V6 and relatively large SUV classification, the Highlander is certified as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).

Also an attribute, the Highlander is easy to drive. As mentioned earlier, it could be described as having the “handling of a premium sedan.” Its fully-independent suspension uses McPherson struts and an anti-vibration subframe, plus coil springs with gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, to make the ride firm but smooth. When behind the wheel, it almost felt like I was gliding across the pavement, its just that smooth.

Equipped with engine speed-sensing rack-and-pinion steering with variable power assist, the Highlanders handling is tight, but then again not so much that I felt beat up in tricky turns. I often had to remind myself that I was in an SUV because it felt so comfortable on city streets.

Whether taking the tricky turns in dry, wet or snowy weather, the P225/70R16 all-season radial tires cleaved unto the pavement, or what was left of it. And when they could cleave no more, the Highlanders four-wheel drive system, along with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), took action.

A trip up to a local ski hill let me test out its different systems, especially the ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes with ABS. The VSC system works in conjunction with the ABS and TRAC to enhance cornering stability using both throttle intervention and brakes to correct oversteer and understeer. When put to the test, all systems were a go. I felt comfortable and in control even in the slick and slippery conditions.

The comfort, not only offered by the peace-of-mind the Highlanders safety systems provide, is also felt in the interior. My test vehicle featured the leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power drivers seat, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, along with exterior features such as wheel locks, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a full-size spare tire. The cabin is nicely finished with slick silver trim, an easily readable instrument cluster plus easy-to-use buttons and knobs.

Something that is not often found in vehicles these days is a cassette player. The Highlanders AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers
comes standard with one. To some, that might not mean that much. Besides, who still uses cassettes anyways? Well, I do. I use a tape adaptor for my IPod that enables me to listen to all of my choice tunes with the click of a button. Its always nice to be able to play my music without dragging my CD collection along with me. This small detail definitely enhances the Highlander experience.

If theres one thing that sets the Highlander apart from its competitors, its not the cassette player, its the visibility, which I found to be the best in its class. Often times, SUVs tend to have a shallow and angled rear window, making it a challenge to parallel park. However, the Highlanders rear window was deep, and enabled me to see optimally when parallel parking and backing up. Seeing clearly out of an SUV is almost more than I could ever ask for.

What I could ask for out of an SUV is better fuel economy. But I really cant complain about the Highlander as its V6 benefits from a fuel consumption rating of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is quite good for an engine of that size, thanks in part to the VVT-i system. Also, it wont be long until Toyota introduces the 2006 Highlander Hybrid, which has estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg hwy.

Whether its sedan-like handling or SUV versatility youre looking for, the 2005 Toyota Highlander has it all. Did I mention it has a cassette player too?