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Acceleration
"Four-cyl Highlanders lethargic from a stop, just adequate for passing, merging.
More-powerful V6 versions team with smooth-shifting automatic transmission to
deliver performance more appropriate for all-around SUV duty. Test AWD Limited
did 8.1 sec 0-60 mph. Hybrid among the quicker midsize SUVs, with impressive
throttle response helped by CVT and no odd behavior from its gas-electric technology.
No opportunity to time Hybrid, but Toyota pegs AWD version at 7.3 sec 0-60, 2WD
at 7.5. Maximum towing capacity is 3000 lb with 4-cyl, 3500 with V6 and Hybrid."
Value
"Any V6 Highlander is among the top choices in a car-type midsize SUV. Four-cylinder
models are no consolation prize, trading some power and refinement for improved
fuel economy and more-attractive base prices. Toyota's aim with the Hybrid is
not necessarily to save gas, but to deliver the acceleration of a large engine
with the fuel economy and exhaust emissions of a small one. If that to you is
worth its extra cost vs. other Highlanders, it'll be money well spent. That's
because all Highlanders do most everything well and have all the expected family
focused features. Practicality, solid workmanship, and Toyota's good reputation
for reliability are more reasons for Best Buy honors."
Ride
"Among the best in class. Highlander has firmer suspension than RX, registers
more bumps, but is never jarring."
Economy
"Test 4-cyl AWD averaged 19.6 mpg in mixed driving. Test V6 AWD averaged 15.1
mpg in mostly city driving and with gas-eating performance runs; expect better
in more-balanced driving. No opportunity to measure with Hybrid, but EPA estimates
comparable to those of a compact sedan. Toyota recommends premium-grade fuel
for Hybrid and conventional V6, regular for the 4-cyl."
Noise
"The 4-cyl is coarse sounding at full throttle. V6s quiet, refined, with some
turbinelike whine noticed in Hybrid. Well-muffled road noise in any model, only
moderate wind rush at highway speeds."
Comfort - Front
"Ample space, though available sunroof steals some head room. Seats nicely supportive,
but maybe too firm for some. Driver gets elevated views with no big blind spots.
Entry/exit requires just slight extra effort vs. higher-riding truck-type SUVs."
Comfort - Rear
"Ample 2nd-row space for two adults, three in a pinch, but toe space tight and
some may find the bench seat too hard. Narrow door bottoms impede entry/exit.
Available 3rd-row seat cramped, hard to access for adults, but OK for kids."
Controls
"Handy, smooth-working switchgear, but some labels not obvious. Gearshift lever
sprouts from dashboard, but is easy to use--and easy to knock into Neutral by
mistake. Gauges large, clear, but Hybrid eschews a tachometer for a power meter
that provides little useful information. Navigation mimics other Toyota/Lexus
systems; it's pretty intuitive, but complicates some audio and climate adjustments.
Hybrid adds power-flow graphics that can be distracting. Cabin has quality materials,
exemplary workmanship, but decor is far from fancy. Cupholders too large to secure
soda cans."
Cargo Room
"Only grocery-bag space behind 3rd-row seat, but that stows quickly and without
removing headrests for more room with a flat floor. The 2nd-row seat is split
60/40, folds easily, too, but its seatbacks don't lie entirely flat. Plenty of
storage bins."
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