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2009 Toyota Highlander Bottom Line

December 14, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

 The experts at TheCarConnection.com read the latest road tests to write this comprehensive review of the 2009 Toyota Highlander. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Toyota Highlander, along with all the other popular family utility vehicles, to offer you a definitive opinion. As such, this review also compares the 2009 Toyota Highlander with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Quiet ride
  • Clever second-row seat
  • Torquey, smooth V-6
  • Economical four-cylinder alternative
  • "Light" off-road capabilities

Dislikes:

  • Numb steering feel
  • Too-soft suspension
  • Cramped third-row seat
  • Hesitant transmission

Buying Tips:


TheCarConnection.com’s editors recommend the Sport model for most buyers. Whether it’s because of suspension differences or a matter of wheels and tires, the Sport just feels better on the road in most types of driving without a penalty in ride comfort.

The Toyota Highlander was completely redesigned for 2008 and grew a full size larger than the previous version. Its styling grows even more rounded but less distinctive, and while the interior feels like a quality piece, it's not a style standout either.

Toyota makes great use of the added space inside the 2009 Highlander. Two rows of seats are standard, but a three-row arrangement is optional. American-sized adults can fit just fine in the second row, especially when the second-row room proved ample for American-sized men, especially when the standard rear bench seat was configured like individual buckets. The second-row arrangement is more versatile than is typical for mid-size utility vehicles. A Center Stow Seat provides a spot for a third (small) behind, but when stowed (an action that takes less than 15 seconds) in a rattle-free cubby under the front console, the space between the outboard bucket seats is wide enough to provide access to the two-person foldable third-row bench. While an adult wouldn't want to be in the third row for more than a few miles, the space is plenty large for the kids that will be crawling back there for their ride to soccer.

While we’re still big fans of the smooth, torquey 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, a new 187-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is now standard on the base models of the 2009 Toyota Highlander and provides acceptable performance with better fuel economy, even if it isn’t quite as silky and responsive. A five-speed automatic handles shifting duties, but even though Toyota calls it the "Super Intelligent Electronically Controlled Transmission," its lethargic downshifts, even in manual mode, drains some zest out of the big V-6.

The 2009 Toyota Highlander certainly won’t appeal to driving enthusiasts; dynamically, the Sport makes an effort, but base and Limited editions are too softly sprung to be interesting on a twisty road. Plus, the electric steering offers zero feedback, and the springs and dampers feel mushy—though not queasy like the cars of yore.

Off-road ability isn’t expected from carlike utility vehicles such as the Highlander, but with its more traditional appearance comes modest trail chops. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and available full-time four-wheel drive (with a 50/50 torque split), the Highlander has the goods to get through a muddy driveway or deep snow, along with rutted trails.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2008 Toyota Highlander, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2009 Toyota Highlander competes in the heart of the SUV market, against mid-size offerings that range from more traditional off-road-ready ones to those that are essentially just tall-roofed wagons. If passenger space is a priority, you might want to consider the Chevrolet Traverse or Taurus X. The new-for-2009 Honda Pilot is dynamically refreshing, and it offers seating for eight. If you don't need room for seven, consider the Ford Edge or even Toyota's own RAV4. Lastly, if you're unlikely to ever venture off-road, consider the Mazda CX-9, one of TheCarConnection.com's favorite crossovers.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Toyota Highlander's mass appeal has grown even more massive with the addition of a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine for base models.

 The experts at TheCarConnection.com read the latest road tests to write this comprehensive review of the 2009 Toyota Highlander. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Toyota Highlander, along with all the other popular family utility vehicles, to offer you a definitive opinion. As such, this review also compares the 2009 Toyota Highlander with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:Quiet rideClever second-row seatTorquey, smooth V-6Economical four-cylinder alternative"Light" off-road capabilitiesDislikes:Numb steering feelToo-soft suspensionCramped third-row seatHesitant transmissionBuying Tips: TheCarConnection.com’s editors recommend the Sport model for most buyers. Whether it’s because of suspension differences or a matter of wheels and tires, the Sport just feels better on the road in most types of driving without a penalty in ride comfort. The Toyota Highlander was completely redesigned for 2008 and grew a full size larger than the previous version. Its styling grows even more rounded but less distinctive, and while the interior feels like a quality piece, it's not a style standout either. Toyota makes great use of the added space inside the 2009 Highlander. Two rows of seats are standard, but a three-row arrangement is optional. American-sized adults can fit just fine in the second row, especially when the second-row room proved ample for American-sized men, especially when the standard rear bench seat was configured like individual buckets. The second-row arrangement is more versatile than is typical for mid-size utility vehicles. A Center Stow Seat provides a spot for a third (small) behind, but when stowed (an action that takes less than 15 seconds) in a rattle-free cubby under the front console, the space between the outboard bucket seats is wide enough to provide access to the two-person foldable third-row bench. While an adult wouldn't want to be in the third row for more than a few miles, the space is plenty large for the kids that will be crawling back there for their ride to soccer. While we’re still big fans of the smooth, torquey 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, a new 187-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is now standard on the base models of the 2009 Toyota Highlander and provides acceptable performance with better fuel economy, even if it isn’t quite as silky and responsive. A five-speed automatic handles shifting duties, but even though Toyota calls it the "Super Intelligent Electronically Controlled Transmission," its lethargic downshifts, even in manual mode, drains some zest out of the big V-6. The 2009 Toyota Highlander certainly won’t appeal to driving enthusiasts; dynamically, the Sport makes an effort, but base and Limited editions are too softly sprung to be interesting on a twisty road. Plus, the electric steering offers zero feedback, and the springs and dampers feel mushy—though not queasy like the cars of yore. Off-road ability isn’t expected from carlike utility vehicles such as the Highlander, but with its more traditional appearance comes modest trail chops. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and available full-time four-wheel drive (with a 50/50 torque split), the Highlander has the goods to get through a muddy driveway or deep snow, along with rutted trails. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2008 Toyota Highlander, also consider:Chevrolet TraverseHonda PilotTaurus XFord EdgeMazda CX-9Reason Why:The 2009 Toyota Highlander competes in the heart of the SUV market, against mid-size offerings that range from more traditional off-road-ready ones to those that are essentially just tall-roofed wagons. If passenger space is a priority, you might want to consider the Chevrolet Traverse or Taurus X. The new-for-2009 Honda Pilot is dynamically refreshing, and it offers seating for eight. If you don't need room for seven, consider the Ford Edge or even Toyota's own RAV4. Lastly, if you're unlikely to ever venture off-road, consider the Mazda CX-9, one of TheCarConnection.com's favorite crossovers. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Toyota Highlander's mass appeal has grown even more massive with the addition of a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine for base models.  The experts at TheCarConnection.com read the latest road tests to write this comprehensive review of the 2009 Toyota Highlander. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Toyota Highlander, along with all the other popular family utility vehicles, to offer you a definitive ...

Other Choices:

The 2009 Toyota Highlander competes in the heart of the SUV market, against mid-size offerings that range from more traditional off-road-ready ones to those that are essentially just tall-roofed wagons. If passenger space is a priority, you might want to consider the Chevrolet Traverse or Taurus X. The new-for-2009 Honda Pilot is dynamically refreshing, and it offers seating for eight. If you don't need room for seven, consider the Ford Edge or even Toyota's own RAV4. Lastly, if you're unlikely to ever venture off-road, consider the Mazda CX-9, one of TheCarConnection.com's favorite crossovers.

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See the Toyota Highlander in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Comments (1 total)

  1. By stuart lanson #1, Posted: 6/13/2009

    I just took a 1000 mile drive in my new 2009 Highlander 4 cyliner from Arizona to Kansas and cannot believe how happy I am with this car. I was skeptical at first that there would be enough power to climb mountain roads, run my AC and allow me to pass cars. Well, it does all that and without much problem. I am passing cars at 80-90 mph without difficulty. The six speed transmission is meshed with this 4 cylinder engine perfectly as I am not aware of the changing gears as we climb mountain roads. Gas mileage is better than the advertised 27 on the highway. I checked it three times at 30, 28, and 28.2 mpg driving average speed of 70mph. Never used cruise as it is in the breakin period. I have a Tahoe I am selling which always shimmed at high speed and waved a bit as we passed semis. This car is like an arrow on the highway, smooth, quiet, and effortless. Really a dream to drive even passing semis.The negatives are no compass or thermometer in the mirror with the base model. No bells and whistles which are not really needed, and usually break with time requiring expensive maintenance. Will upgrade the mirror. Got the satellite radio installed and love listening to music anywhere. Over all grade A. Great choice compared to the hybrid or the standard V6 since it will never go off road and front wheel drive is just fine. Besides it has a snow selector for preventing wheel spin on slippery pavement and traction control as well. Tahoe had leather seats, this has cloth. Less hot in the Arizona sun but you cannot slide in the seat. Seats are comfortable but use manual adjustments which work fine.

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