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2009 Toyota Highlander Features Review

December 14, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Base Highlander lineup comes fairly well equipped
Car and Driver

Options include a sunroof, DVD entertainment
ConsumerGuide

Stepping up to a Sport or Limited brings a much broader spectrum of add-ons
Kelley Blue Book

Through its extensive research, TheCarConnection.com has discovered that the 2009 Toyota Highlander comes equipped with a wide range of very desirable features. What's more impressive is how many of those features are included as standard fare, especially on the higher trim levels. The 2009 Toyota Highlander is, in the words of Edmunds reviewers, "truly optimized for family use."

According to reviewers at Edmunds, the base version of the Toyota Highlander has "17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, a fold-flat third-row seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack and full power accessories," all as standard. ConsumerGuide adds that Sport models get a "leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls [and] 8-way power driver seat," while the Limited includes "dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery," and "AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer."

As with most vehicles, the really exciting features for the 2009 Toyota Highlander are available as options. Some of the more noteworthy choices include "a navigation system, JBL premium audio, a backseat DVD player, [and] a moonroof," according to Cars.com. For those looking to make a style statement, Car and Driver reports that Toyota offers "optional 19-inch wheels" for the 2009 Toyota Highlander. Kelley Blue Book rounds out the options list by noting that "multi-stage heated leather front seats" and a "power liftgate" are available, along with "Bluetooth phone connectivity."

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota Highlander is suitably tech-drenched even by today's high standards.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Base Highlander lineup comes fairly well equippedCar and DriverOptions include a sunroof, DVD entertainmentConsumerGuideStepping up to a Sport or Limited brings a much broader spectrum of add-onsKelley Blue Book Through its extensive research, TheCarConnection.com has discovered that the 2009 Toyota Highlander comes equipped with a wide range of very desirable features. What's more impressive is how many of those features are included as standard fare, especially on the higher trim levels. The 2009 Toyota Highlander is, in the words of Edmunds reviewers, "truly optimized for family use." According to reviewers at Edmunds, the base version of the Toyota Highlander has "17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, a fold-flat third-row seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack and full power accessories," all as standard. ConsumerGuide adds that Sport models get a "leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls [and] 8-way power driver seat," while the Limited includes "dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery," and "AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer." As with most vehicles, the really exciting features for the 2009 Toyota Highlander are available as options. Some of the more noteworthy choices include "a navigation system, JBL premium audio, a backseat DVD player, [and] a moonroof," according to Cars.com. For those looking to make a style statement, Car and Driver reports that Toyota offers "optional 19-inch wheels" for the 2009 Toyota Highlander. Kelley Blue Book rounds out the options list by noting that "multi-stage heated leather front seats" and a "power liftgate" are available, along with "Bluetooth phone connectivity." ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota Highlander is suitably tech-drenched even by today's high standards.  2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER STYLING | [7 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "Large, easy-to-read gauges and high-mounted audio and climate controls" MyRide.com: "The Highlander Limited is the headturner of the bunch" Kelley Blue Book: "Substantially larger, roomier and more powerful than its ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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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