Toyota Highlander IV 3.5 V6 (295 HP) AWD Automatic

The Toyota Highlander is one of those cars that doesn't need a positive review to sell. One glance at the sales figures reveals that it's a best-seller in the three-row midsize SUV segment. Available with a naturally-aspirated 295-horsepower V6 or a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, the Highlander caters to a broad audience. Since its introduction two decades ago, the Highlander hasn't moved away from its successful recipe. It's not the most inspiring to drive, but you get lots of safety equipment, a compliant ride, and legendary Toyota build quality. Still, the midsize crossover segment is tough, and in the wake of the recent economic onslaught over the last few years, people are more careful with their money. The Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot both offer more vehicle for less money, and in one of the largest segments in the US automotive industry, you can throw a stone and hit a different rival every time.

Toyota has launched a special-edition Highlander Hybrid for 2022, but we assess the hybrid separately in its own review. As for the normal Highlander models covered here, they continue on essentially the same as last year, with a few exceptions. All trims from the XLE upward now receive an eight-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat. There have been some changes to the paint palette too.

Toyota's Highlander isn't especially noteworthy in the design department. The front end is Lexus-like, featuring an aggressive grille that toes the line between acceptable and gratuitous. L, LE, and XLE models get a black grille with a silver-painted surround, while Limited and Platinum models get a chrome-plated surround. Uniquely, the new XSE has a black mesh front grille and a lower front spoiler. All models are equipped with LED projector lights, and top-end models get 20-inch alloy wheels, whereas cheaper variants ride on smaller 18-inch wheels. The rear is generic SUV, but Toyota claims this Highlander features greater aerodynamic efficiency and reduced wind noise. A power tilting-and-sliding moonroof is fitted to higher-spec models, but even this does little to separate the Highlander from the rest of the crowd.

Toyota's Highlander is available in a range of humdrum, inoffensive exterior colors. A total of nine are available, but not on all models. The base L model is only available in Magnetic Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Opulent Amber, Blueprint, and Wind Chill Pearl, which is the only extra-cost option at $425 and replaces last year's Blizzard Pearl. The LE and XLE get access to two more colors, namely Ruby Flare Pearl and Moon Dust at $425 each. The XSE's color palette is limited to the options that work well with its darker exterior accents, so this trim isn't compatible with Opulent Amber and Moon Dust. A new color, Cement, is only available on the new Hybrid Bronze Edition.

The Toyota Highlander SUV is available in two flavors: a naturally-aspirated V6 and a more efficient hybrid. The 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft gas V6 is a smooth, relaxed powertrain. It's available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, both using an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you add the available towing package, the gas Highlander is capable of towing 5,000 lbs. In hybrid format, the Highlander uses a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The combination puts its power down via a CVT transmission. It's available in FWD, in which case the electric motor is part of the gearbox assembly, or in AWD hybrid form where there is no mechanical coupling between the front and rear axle. The engine powers the front wheels, while a single electric motor takes care of the rear. Hybrid models have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

Toyota doesn't claim performance figures, but independent tests have shown that the gas model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 6.7 seconds. In our review of the Toyota Highlander, we found its acceleration to be good. The hybrid is slightly slower, taking 7.3 seconds to do the same. There are more powerful hybrid options out there. Ford's Explorer is a prime example, as it's both faster and can tow more. Toyota's focus appears to be fuel efficiency, however. In this particular segment, the latter makes more sense to us.

The Highlander's brief is quite simple: keep it comfy. We find the XSE model and its sportier suspension a bit odd, but even that particular model errs on the side of comfort. Since this is essentially a family car, it only needs to go forwards, backwards, and sideways without falling over. Preferably, the passengers should be comfortable as well.

Toyota hits the mark perfectly. The damping is spot-on, ensuring all passengers enjoy a ride smoother than a tall glass of warm milk. It does have a Sport mode, however, which is an oddity in a vehicle like this. Push the button and the throttle response is more aggressive. You can chuck it around a bit, and you'll be surprised at how agile it is - for a family carrier, that is - but it's still no Mazda CX-9. While it can hustle, it doesn't feel particularly happy about it. You get the feeling that it's going to call the PTA and report you for irresponsible driving. Cruising at the top legal speed in the USA is effortless and seems to be within the Highlander's comfort zone.

The suspension is also perfectly happy in mild off-road situations. It copes with a gravel road very well. You can load the whole family and explore the gravel roads in your area. You'd be surprised at the hidden gems you'll find on such trips. The only limiting factor is ground clearance, but since the Highlander doesn't have a transfer case or low-range, it was never built to do more than drive down a pleasant gravel road. The 4Runner caters to that segment.

The Highlander's interior isn't much of a surprise as function takes priority over form. Hard-wearing plastics are used over softer, more fragile materials. This isn't a criticism, considering what the Highlander will be used for. Some kids can reduce a car to its basic components within hours, but their attempts will be moot here. Its old-fashioned dashboard layout lets down the Highlander. It almost looks as if they loaded a blunderbuss with buttons and emptied it on the center console, making for a much busier dashboard design than you'd find in the likes of the Kia Telluride. Over time, the driver will learn the basic layout of the controls, but initially, there will be a lot of time spent not looking at the road ahead. Standard features include three-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and dynamic radar cruise control.

Price Range (MSRP):$35,405 - $49,710.