The Toyota Highlander excels at moving people and cargo comfortably and safely--whether that means getting the family safely across town or across the country, The most significant down side is that it offers very little excitement for the driver.
For that, the Mazda CX-9 is a better pick, as it's nearly as comfortable and versatile, but it simply steers and handles better.
The Ford Flex is the winner for visual excitement; most will like its uber-boxy style and pleasing interior materials.
The Honda Pilot has more traditional SUV looks, even though it's also (mostly) a modern crossover; it's very safe and well-laid out for passengers, too.
The Chevrolet Traverse has been spruced up for 2013 and has the most useful third-row seat of the bunch, as well as a more refined feel inside.
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 2013 Toyota HighlanderBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Chevrolet TraverseBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Ford FlexBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Mazda CX-9Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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No matter which facet or dimension you measure--except excitement--the 2013 Toyota Highlander offers competent performance, great space, and good value. |
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse hits a sweet spot for SUV replacers, with none of the flamboyance of a real SUV and more practical gas mileage and interior space. |
With an unmistakable design, strong performance, and a roomy, comfortable interior, the 2013 Ford Flex proves that three-row crossovers don't have to be boring. |
The 2013 Honda Pilot looks tough and truck-like from the outside, yet inside it's one of the better family haulers. |
The 2013 Mazda CX-9 gets a sharper, even sportier look, as well as new active-safety features, and should remain one of the most exciting and engaging vehicles with three rows of seating. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $29,020 | $30,510 | $30,900 | $29,520 | $29,785 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | ||||
| FWD 4-Door I4 (GS) | FWD 4-Door LS | 4-Door SE FWD | 2WD 4-Door LX | FWD 4-Door Sport |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | 4 Door | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2013 Toyota Highlander vs. 2013 Chevrolet Traverse | 2013 Toyota Highlander vs. 2013 Ford Flex | 2013 Toyota Highlander vs. 2013 Honda Pilot | 2013 Toyota Highlander vs. 2013 Mazda CX-9 | |
