Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander known as the Kluger in Japan, is a crossover vehicle that shares the same platform with the Toyota Camry. First introduced as a 2001 model in North America to fill in the segment between the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota 4Runner, it comes in 5 and 7-seater configurations and is available in three trims: Base, Sport, and Limited. The Sport model was first added for 2006.

The Highlander is available with two engines: 3.5L V6 and 3.3L Hybrid. A 4-cylinder was available until the 2006 model year, but has been dropped since then. V6-powered models come equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, while Hybrids use a continuously variable transmission.

Since 2004, the Highlander is available with optional third row seating. To accommodate the optional third row seating a depression had to be made in the trunk floor. On models without third row seating, the depression in the floor was made into a storage compartment. Prior to 2004 the spare tire was accessible from inside the vehicle where the third row seats are located, but beginning in 2004 the spare tire was relocated underneath the vehicle.

The Highlander is available with front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. Hybrid models are available with a part-time four-wheel drive system which Toyota refers to as 4WD-i.

See WikiCars' comprehensive Toyota Highlander Review.

Recent Changes

 * The 2010 Moscow Motor Show played host to the unveiling of the first mid-cycle facelift for the Highlander.


 * The Toyota Highlander was completely redesigned for 2008. Larger on the inside and outside, it is available with a 3.5L V6 engine only. The Hybrid remains powered by the previous generation's 3.3l V6.
 * Changes to the 2006 model include the introduction of the Hybrid version. Also a new Sport trim is available.
 * For 2004 the Highlander received a new V6 borrowed from the Lexus RX330. The new 3.3L V6 makes 230-HP, 10 more than it's predecessor.  The new 2.4L engine gets a 5-HP increase to 160.  All 2004 Highlanders get four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as well as a tire pressure monitoring system.  A new option is the navigation system and the rear DVD entertainment system.  There is also an available 3rd row seat and curtain airbags.
 * For 2003 a full-size spare tire was standard. Limited models come with automatic climate control, power driver seat, and alloy wheels.
 * For 2002 Toyota added a standard rear-seat armrest, cabin air filtration, and a redesigned center console. Models were differentiated by Base and Limited.

Engines:
 * 2007-present 3.5L 270-HP
 * 2006-present 3.3L 268-HP Hybrid motor
 * 2004-present 3.3L V6, 230-HP
 * 2004-present 2.4L I4, 160-HP
 * 2001-2003 3.0L V6, 220-HP
 * 2001-2003 2.4L I4, 155-HP

Styles and Major Options
The Highlander comes in the Base, Limited, Sport, and Hybrid versions. The Base, Sport, and Limited are available in 2WD and 4WD, powered by a 3.5 V6 engine. The Hybrid uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology coupled with an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for optimum fuel economy. Options include leather seats, power sunroof, DVD navigation system, rear seat entertainment, side curtain airbags, and heated front seats.

Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Toyota Highlander can be found at CarsDirect or here.

Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance
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If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability

 * Autos.com ranks the Toyota Highlander sixth (4.6 out of 5 stars) amongst popular mid-size SUVs on the market today.


 * The Highlander Hybrid comes in first for fuel economy and the Highlander comes in fifth.


 * The Highlanders come in fouth for comfort and are tied for first for safety.

RECALL ALERT: Toyota Australia will be recalling 17,582 Klugers built between May 2003 to November 2005 for brake fluid. If the car uses brake fluid that doesn't contain polymers or a small amount, the brake fluid will dry the rear brake seal and gradually leak fluid. 

Safety
All Highlanders come with:
 * vehicle stability control
 * traction control
 * anti-lock brake system
 * driver and front passenger air bags
 * front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones
 * side-impact door beams
 * child protector rear door locks
 * 3-point shoulder belts in all seating positions
 * child restraint system top tether anchors for all rear seating positions

Colors
Exterior colors on the Toyota Highlander include:
 * Blizzard Pearl
 * Classic Silver Metallic
 * Sandy Beach Metallic
 * Salsa Red Pearl
 * Cypress Pearl
 * Blue Streak Metallic
 * Waveline Pearl
 * Black

Interior trims on the Toyota Highlander include:
 * Ivory - fabric or leather
 * Ash - fabric or leather

Main Competitors

 * Honda Pilot
 * Hyundai Santa Fe
 * Nissan Murano
 * Mazda CX-7

Australian market
 * Ford Territory
 * Holden Captiva

Hybrid Models
Toyota introduced the Highlander Hybrid in July 2005 as a 2006 model. It uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive Technology, similar to the one in the Prius.

The 2008 Highlander Hybrid starts at $34,200.

Criticisms

 * "An unnecessarily ride height and soft suspension spoil the fun." CARSguide

Interior
This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.

Resale Values
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Worldwide
The Highlander is called the Kluger outside of the U.S.

Beyond 2010, Toyota Australia would add the Toyota Kluger to produce in its Altona Plant. Currently, the plant builds Camrys and Aurions.

Design quirks and oddities
The Toyota navigation system has a "safety feature" which disables data entry when the car is in motion.

Awards

 * The Highlander was named the "Best Eco-Friendly" (2006) for the Hybrid version by MotorWeek
 * "Best Overall Value" (2005) by IntelliChoice
 * Named "Best Midsized SUV" by Consumer Reports (2002)
 * Recieved "Initial Quality Study Award" J.D. Power and Associates (2002)
 * Car and Driver's "Best Large SUV" (2001)