Lee Toyota of Topsham

The Toyota Highlander crossover sport utility vehicle continues to showcase Toyota value for 2010 by adding new options to Base grade models. The base four-cylinder model, which was added to the lineup for 2009, now offers a power tilt/slide moonroof, and the Base V6 model now offers a backup camera with a monitor in the multi-information display.  

 

The second-generation Highlander is significantly larger, roomier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces, yet still has excellent fuel efficiency. The new-generation Highlander is noticeably quieter and more spacious with enhanced versatility and ride comfort. It is among the leaders in providing standard active and passive safety equipment in a segment where safety is at the top of purchase considerations.

 

The 2010 Highlander is available in Base, Sport and Limited grades in both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) models. The four-cylinder engine is standard on the Base grade with 2WD. All Highlander Hybrid models are equipped with four-wheel-drive with intelligence and available in Base and Limited grades.

Performance and Efficiency
The Toyota Highlander offers three distinct types of performance: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine joined the line in 2009, offering an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in highway driving. The new 2.7-liter engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of peak torque while providing excellent fuel efficiency. The engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. Both of these technologies help give the new 2.7-liter engine a broad torque curve for strong response at all engine speeds. The new four-cylinder engine is teamed exclusively with a standard six-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission.

 

Standard on Highlander Sport and Limited grades and optional on the Base grade is the 3.5-liter V6 that produces 270 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 RPM. This engine, also, is equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. The V6 Highlander has an EPA estimate of 24 MPG in highway driving (2WD). Each engine is mated to a five-speed electronically controlled transmission (ECT), which offers fully automatic shifting as well as selectable manual sequential shifting.

 

The Highlander Hybrid continues with Hybrid Synergy Drive, which was extensively upgraded and refined for the second generation for both power and fuel economy. The system pairs a 3.3-liter V6 engine with its high-torque electric drive motor-generator and uses a second rear-mounted motor to provide automatic on-demand four-wheel drive with intelligence traction. The output of the Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain is 270 net horsepower, while delivering impressive fuel economy ratings. The 2010 Highlander Hybrid receives EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 27 MPG city/25 MPG highway/26 MPG combined. The combined figure is about 30 percent higher than the conventional V6 Highlander models.

Handling and Ride
The 2009 Highlander builds on the previous-generation model's excellent reputation for providing agile handling and a smooth, quiet ride. Four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear suspension system. Sport-tuned suspension on the Sport grade sharpens handling responses. Base Highlander models are equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/65 R17 tires. Sport and Limited models get standard 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/55 R19 tires. A direct tire pressure warning system is designed to alert the driver if pressure in a tire drops to critical levels. All Highlander models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. On conventional Highlander 4WD models, full-time four-wheel drive is available on all grades.

As with all Toyota SUVs for the last five years, Highlander comes standard with Toyota's Star Safety System?, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA).

Safety
Highlander comes standard with a total of seven airbags.  These include advanced driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Roll-sensing side curtain airbags help to protect the occupants of all three rows in the event of certain side collisions or vehicle rollovers. Additionally, all Highlander models are now standard equipped with front active headrests.

 

Comfort and Convenience
Standard features on all Highlander models include air conditioning; front seats with height-adjustable active head rests and eight-way (10-way on Limited) adjustable driver's seat; power door locks and windows with driver's window jam protection and auto-up/down feature; cruise control; multi-function keyless entry system; UV-reduction windshield and rear privacy glass; digital clock; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors and sliding extensions; conversation mirror; illuminated entry system; manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel; scheduled maintenance indicator light; full-size spare tire; and much more.

Options
A variety of options and accessories are offered, including a power rear door that can be opened and closed with a key fob; a voice-activated touch screen navigation system with an eight-inch screen; JBL premium audio with a four-disc changer, nine speakers and Bluetooth® technology and satellite radio capability, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen; three-zone air conditioning; JBL premium audio with six-disc changer, nine speakers and Bluetooth® technology and satellite ready capability; leather seat trim and multi-stage heated seats, and a power tilt/slide moonroof.

 

Exterior Design
The new-generation Highlander moves away from traditional SUV styling cues. Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif. sculpted clean, crisp lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours to give Highlander an advanced, contemporary, assertive and dynamic personality.

The Base grade Highlander could be mistaken for an upgrade model with its six-spoke 17-inch machined alloy wheels, color-keyed power remote outside mirrors, silver-painted front grille, silver-painted rear license plate garnish, a black rear lower bumper cover and black rear step bumper cover.

 

The Highlander Sport can be identified by its 19-inch five-spoke machined alloy wheels with a dark silver-painted insert finish, dark-silver painted roof rails, smoked chrome front grille surround and inserts, dark silver-painted rear license plate garnish, chrome exhaust tip, sport-styled rear spoiler, fog lamps, smoked head lamp and tail lamp lenses, color-keyed rear lower bumper cover and sport badging.

The upscale Limited looks the luxury part with chrome grille and inserts, chrome door handles, puddle lamps, fog lamps, light silver-painted roof rails, chrome grille surround and light silver-painted rear license plate garnish, and rear spoiler.

 

Interior Design
The second-generation Highlander provides an open, airy and versatile interior with seating for seven or up to 95.4 cubic feet of total cargo capacity (94.1 for Highlander Hybrid). Compared to the previous-generation Highlander, the new model's interior is more than four inches longer, front-to-back, and is also wider, yielding additional room between each of the three rows of seats. There are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, along with ten cup holders, four bottle holders, two front and one cargo-area 12-volt auxiliary power outlets and cargo area tie down hooks.