2010 Toyota Highlander

Review

At a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $25,705, Toyota Highlander buyers may feel buying the options will be necessary. No need to worry. Odds are the Basic 2010 model already has what they want.

Its exterior has shaken off the typical SUV look and traded it in for clean lines and a more contemporary look. The 17-inch, six-spoke machined alloy wheels; a silver-painted front grille with chrome surround; headlight and taillight lenses with blue tint; and rear spoiler with LED stop lamp are just a few of the striking touches.

With a beefier look, the 2010 Toyota Highlander has a new four-cylinder, 2.7-liter engine that can kick out 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of peak torque while delivering an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in highway-driving fuel efficiency. Helping the engine deliver the goods is a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission that is electronically controlled.

The Highlander handles the road with the ease of a much smaller car. That's because Toyota's Star Safety System offers vehicle stability control with traction control, an anti-lock brake system that has electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. Got a trip to the mountains planned? The start assist control applies braking pressure to the wheels for about two seconds to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward and deliver a smooth start. Downhill assist control keeps downhill speed in check when engine braking is just not enough - even on slick roads. Independent suspension comes from MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link struts in the rear.

All of this makes a smoother riding experience that makes the interior even more comfortable. Compared to the previous-generation Highlander, the new model's interior is more than four inches longer and wider, offering seating for seven or cargo space of up to 95.4 cubic feet. In the second row, the center stow seat can be removed to leave a pair of captain's seats with plenty of extra room. Access to the third row is helped with a walk-in lever under the second row seat. When cargo storage space is preferred, a one-touch lever lets the second-row seats fold forward and flat.

For passenger safety, there are driver and front passenger, front seat mounted side, and driver's knee airbags. Side curtain airbags include roll sensors to protect everyone in case the 2010 Toyota Highlander is hit from the side or rolls over.

If that's not enough, there are also Sport, Limited, and even Hybrid trim levels of the 2010 Toyota Highlander. The Hybrid comes with a 3.3-liter V6 motor that can combine with an electric motor to crank out 270 horsepower. Its fuel economy ratings are 27 miles per gallon in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg combined. The number for combined is 30 percent better than Highlander's conventional V6 models. The hybrid even offers an energy monitor to help the driver get the highest mileage possible for the driving conditions.

Even without the extras, the Highlander lets you make a bold statement no matter where you go.