The Highlander is a great looking vehicle. SUV-like in style and stature, rather than the tall wagon shapes of some crossovers,

The Highlander is a great looking crossover. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Toyota’s own Venza and Lexus’ RX included, the Highlander appeals to both men and women, or mothers and fathers in the case of a vehicle that sells mostly to families.

Last year Toyota introduced a new base model simple dubbed Highlander, and it’s the vehicle being reviewed here. Still looking just as stylish as the V6-powered machine, the new entry-level trim package, priced at $33,250, includes a 2.7-litre four-cylinder good for 187 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, which at first glance doesn’t look like a lot of get up and go for such a large vehicle. After all, the 3.5-litre V6 makes a maximum of 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, so you’d think that the smaller engine would move the 1,840-kilo (4,050-lb) CUV like a slug, but not so.

Maybe

It's big, but doesn't feel big when behind the wheel. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

it’s the 6-speed automatic transmission, the V6 only gets a 5-speed unit, or possibly the Highlander’s agile suspension and general “light-on-its-toes” feeling that just makes it feel fast, or possibly the extra 55 kilos (128 lbs) that gets tacked on when stepping up to the V6 that also includes all-wheel drive (the four only comes with front-drive), but it’s certainly no slouch and has no problem keeping up with high-speed freeway traffic. The bonus to you is enhanced fuel consumption at 10.4L/100km in the city and 7.3 on the highway for the four compared to 12.3L/100km and 8.8 for the six. Interestingly, the Highlander Hybrid, while much more efficient in the city at 7.4L/100km, actually uses more fuel on the highway at 8.0L/100km, so if your daily grind happens to be more highway than byway, you might want to consider saving the extra coin needed for the Hybrid and

The Highlander looks great and is ergonomically ideal for most body types. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

going base. Another bonus is that all Highlander models use regular fuel, saving even more at the pump.

When thinking base, images of numerous “place holder” buttons on the dash and “dual-zone climate control” via manual roll-down windows come to mind, but such is not the case with the Highlander. Nothing less than a standard eight-way power driver's seat, new for 2010, joins air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, power windows with driver's auto up/down, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, power remote heated mirrors, a CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input, variable intermittent wipers, a rear washer/wiper, three rows of seats for

A full load of features is available. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

seven-occupant capability, the second of which features 40/20/40 foldable seatbacks and the latter row folding flat into the floor. Additionally, the base Highlander sports a conversation mirror for keeping tabs on the kiddies, privacy glass to keep the sun off the little ones and prying eyes from checking out valuables, a windshield deicer, front and rear splash guards, 17-inch alloy wheels riding on 245/65R17 all-season tires, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction and stability control, and a full assortment of airbags including one for the driver’s knees.

Overall the interior is nicely laid out with an attractive interior design, while plastics quality is about average for this class. This said a number of other mainstream brand crossover makers do a nicer, more premium-like job of “perceived quality,” especially in cabin plastics, and Toyota is well aware of this with plans to upgrade in the future, according to discussions I’ve had recently with a couple of Toyota’s project team leaders. Just the same, adding softer touch plastics won’t make the Highlander any more serviceable.

To call the Highlander midsize is like calling the RAV4 compact, neither is the case despite these vehicles being priced in the same league as comparative midsize and compact crossovers respectively, while delivering similar fuel economy. For the sake of those who might get out a measuring tape and scratch their CUV’s beautiful paint job, the Highlander stretches 4,785 mm (188.4 inches) nose to tail, spans

Six-speed automatic optimizes fuel economy while benefiting performance. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

1,910 mm (75.2 inches) side to side, is 1,760 mm (69.3 inches) tall, and rides on a 2,790 mm (110.0 inch) wheelbase.

Sure there’s only 291 litres (10.3 cu ft) of cargo space behind the third row, not unusual for a three-row crossover, but the Highlander boasts 1,197 litres (42.3 cu ft) behind the second row and a gargantuan 2,701 litres (95.4 cu ft) behind row one! That’s a full 238 litres (8.4 cu ft) more than the Honda Pilot and a dwarfing 786 litres (48.7 cu ft) more than the best-selling midsize Dodge Journey; then again the Chevy Traverse numbers read 691 litres (24.4 cu ft) behind the third row, 1,948 litres (68.8 cu ft) behind the second row and 3,296 litres (116.4 cu ft) behind the first row. Ok, let’s compromise and call the Highlander a large midsize.

If your

Great room in the second row. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

need is towing, you might want to step up to a V6 depending on the weight of your trailer. The base Highlander is capable of dragging 1,587 kilos (3,500 lbs) behind its backside, the same as the Hybrid, but the V6 is good for 2,268 kilograms (5,000 lbs). The four-cylinder is a little more capable than the Hybrid from a payload perspective, at 658 kg (1,450 lbs) compared to 544 kg (1,200 lbs), but once again the V6 is much more competent with the ability to haul anywhere from 762 kg (1,679 lbs) to 826 kg (1,822 lbs) of cargo depending on trim.

If off-roading is your thing you might want to consider one of Toyota’s traditional sport utility vehicles with bull-low gearing and all the other goodies 4x4 aficionados need.

Third row seating is spacious. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Just the same, the Highlander has a lot of ground clearance at 206 mm (8.1 inches) and can go further into the woods than you might think, as long as the road isn’t too rough and you’re not attempting to trudge through deep snow or mud. Just remember that the four-cylinder base model being tested can only be had in front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive might be a better option if you frequent a cabin in the woods only accessible via a road of questionable serviceability. A bonus if you’re planning some light duty treks into God’s country is the aforementioned traction and stability control, that even in front-drive trim can get you out of some pretty sticky situations. With all-wheel drive it can do wonders.

On

Cavernous! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

paved roads where you’re more likely to drive it, mind you, the Highlander is truly top-level. Its ride is smooth and comfortable, handling surprisingly good for such a large vehicle, and overall agility excellent for this class. It’s a great traveling companion too, with a relaxed demeanor enhanced by wonderful seats. Yet what impresses most is its maneuverability in locales with limited space such as parking lots, thanks to a relatively tight turning circle and the aforementioned lightness of feet. A number of rival crossovers feel heavy and almost cumbersome in comparison, despite weighing about the same, so it comes down to general balance and engineering.

Toyota might like to think that such engineering triumphs are the reasons you buy its

Handling is great! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Highlander so readily, or that you’re wooed by the automaker’s generally better than average reliability, despite what recent news stories try to portray, and while the popular crossover’s drivability and usability is as good as the genre gets, it’s styling that will pull in more buyers than such tedious details. Yes, like I mentioned in the beginning of this review, the Highlander looks great, and that’s a selling point that can only be overcome by massive discounts at the dealer level. Toyota, traditionally, hasn’t had to do that, although in recent months there are some significant deals to be had.

Deal or no deal, the 2010 Toyota Highlander is an impressive crossover SUV that will probably win you over if you give it a chance. Just make sure to try out the four-cylinder model before deciding on the V6, as it might serve your purposes to a T, and save you a pile of initial and ongoing cash in the process.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc