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2009 Toyota Highlander Overview

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

Bottom Line

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit Editor

 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 ...

Read the Bottom Line

Full Review

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit Editor

The 2009 Toyota Highlander is virtually indistinguishable from last year's model, which was the first year of the second-generation Toyota Highlander. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com prove that the design is a bit uninspiring, but like most Toyota models, it certainly won't...

Read the Full Review

Select a Trim:

Trim MSRP / Invoice Fuel Econ
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Base (Natl) $27,600 / $24,840 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Base (GS) $27,600 / $24,840 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Base (SE) $27,600 / $24,840 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Sport (Natl) $30,000 / $27,000 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Sport (GS) $30,000 / $27,000 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Sport (SE) $30,000 / $27,000 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Limited (Natl) $33,070 / $29,762 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Limited (GS) $33,070 / $29,762 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr V6 Limited (SE) $33,070 / $29,762 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Base (Natl) $29,050 / $26,145 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Base (GS) $29,050 / $26,145 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Base (SE) $29,050 / $26,145 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Sport (Natl) $31,450 / $28,305 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Sport (GS) $31,450 / $28,305 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Sport (SE) $31,450 / $28,305 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Limited (Natl) $34,520 / $31,067 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Limited (GS) $34,520 / $31,067 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: 4WD 4dr V6 Limited (SE) $34,520 / $31,067 City: 17
Hwy: 23
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr L4 Base (Natl) $25,705 / $23,134 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr L4 Base (GS) $25,705 / $23,134 City: 18
Hwy: 24
2009 Toyota Highlander: FWD 4dr L4 Base (SE) $25,705 / $23,134 City: 18
Hwy: 24

2009 Toyota Highlander Related News

See More 2009 Toyota Highlander Related News

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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