2001 - 2007 Toyota Highlander review

Overview

Toyota Highlander made its debut in North America in 2001 and soon became the Toyota's best selling SUV. The Highlander is a very comfortable, practical mid-size car-based SUV with great handling and smooth ride; think of it as Toyota Camry in an SUV body. First, only a five-seat model was offered; optional 7-seat version became available from 2004. The Highlander comes as front- or all-wheel drive. It has a unibody construction with a transversely-mounted 3.0L V6 (3.3L V6 from 2004) or 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and a four- or, available from 2004, five-speed automatic transmission. No manual transmission was offered.

2007 Toyota Highlander. Click for larger photo.

2007 Toyota Highlander interior

Third row seat access Check more photos on the second page.

2007 Toyota Highlander seven-seat version

2007 Highlander - second and third row seats fold almost flat Check more photos on the second page.

The hybrid version of the Highlander became available in 2005. The Highlander hybrid 4WD is rated at 31/27 MPG or 7.6/8.7 L/100 km (hwy/city).
Toyota Highlander has an independent suspension with McPherson struts on all four wheels. All four wheels have disk brakes; the ABS is standard. The traction control and vehicle stability control became standard from 2004.
The Highlander's full-time 4WD system is not designed for heavy off-roading, but it is very helpful in a bad weather – we test drove the 2007 4WD Highlander during a heavy winter storm and with the vehicle stability control and winter tires it felt very secure and sure-footed.
Inside, the Highlander is very comfortable, with good quality feel. The instruments are clear and simple; controls are conveniently located and easy to use. The steering wheel tilts, but lacks telescopic adjustment. The tall driving position, wide rear glass and large side mirrors provide good visibility all around. The driver’s and front passenger seats are very comfy and supportive. There is plenty of headroom - at 6'2" I had about two inches above me. The second row space is sufficient. The 60/40 split second-row seat reclines and slides forward or backward. Available from 2004 foldable third-row bench provides seating for two more passengers, although it is more suitable for small people and the access is a bit difficult. The second- and third-row seats fold almost flat. An optional roof rack is available for extra cargo. Check more photos on the second page.
On the road, the Highlander feels very stable. The ride is smooth and fairly quiet; it actually feels more like driving mid-size sedan than an SUV. The steering is light. The soft suspension absorbs road bumps and pot holes very well. The V6 engine is silky-smooth and responsive, although somewhat lacking low-end torque. The 4-cylinder engine provides enough power for daily driving. Overall, the Highlander handles very well for an SUV.
In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2002-2003 Highlander scored four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. The improved 2004-2007 models received five out of five stars in the frontal as well as in the side-impact NHTSA crash tests.
In the frontal offset crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2001-2007 Highlander received "Good" overall rating.

Pros

- Good handling for an SUV
- Smooth car-like ride
- Perfect size, not too small, not too bulky
- Comfortable, practical
- Good visibility
- Available hybrid version
- Good quality
- Reliability
- Holds value well

Cons

- Dashboard design seems a bit too plain
- Rear hatch glass doesn't open separately
- No telescopic adjustment of the steering wheel
- Third-row seat room is limited
- Only tan and gray interior colors are available

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