2009 Toyota Highlander: Now Seating Seven

What's New About the Highlander:
The Toyota Highlander is basically a carryover from 2008. Last year the vehicle grew. The Highlander is now capable of carrying seven passengers. And for this model year Toyota added a new 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine along with an innovative and versatile seating package. While Chrysler has the industry’s first stow-a-way seats in its popular minivans, Toyota has stepped up the industry’s game for crossovers, offering 40-20-40 second row seats with the industry’s first center stow seat or exchangeable center stow center console. You can actually swap out the optional second-row consoles in the vehicle and stow away the one not being used in the front center console.

Must Have Goodies:
While the Highlander we reviewed wasn’t fully optioned with leather heated seats, a sunroof, a nav system or other high-end tech gadgets we’ve come to expect in most vehicles these days, we were impressed with some of the basic standard features available on Toyota’s 7-passenger crossover such a power windows, power door locks, a manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and an AM/FM radio with a CD player. If you’re looking for a crossover capable of seating seven, with the optional third-row package, and the ability to achieve 20 miles in the city and 27 miles on the highway, you should consider opting for the 4-cylinder engine. For a 4-cylinder engine the transmission not only shifts smoothly, but it’s peppy, too. Also the second-row captain chairs, which slides back and forth, is a must have option when equipped with the third-row seats, which happens to fold into the floor. In fact, we were surprised to find a 7-passenger 4-cylinder vehicle under $30,000 equipped with an optional tow package - pulling up to 3,500 pounds.

What Rocked:
The child safety mirror also known as a conversation mirror was a standout. How many times have you wanted to make eye contact with the rear occupants (kids) and you couldn’t without turning your head 180 degrees? This nifty features allows you to slide out an extendable mirror from the rearview mirror to engage rear seat occupants. And the sporty looking optional 19-inch wheel/tire package enhances the smooth ride and the profile of the Highlander.

What We Hated:
Like most 7-passenger vehicles, it’s a tight fit to comfortably seat average size adults in the third-row. When the third-row is in use, the driver’s visibility is obstructed due to the rear headrests. Furthermore, when the third row is in use, the cargo area is reduced.

Any Juice:
The Highlander is available in three engine choices: a 4-cylinder, a 6-cylinder and a hybrid. The 6-cylinder produces 270 horses, which is approximately 80 horses more than the base 4-cylinder we reviewed. Stepping up to the thirstier 6-cylinder means that you will sacrifice mileage for the extra power.

Verdict:
Unlike Ford’s new boxy-looking Flex crossover, the Highlander styling looks more like a typical SUV although it really a crossover. The grown-up and roomier Highlander is available in several trim levels as either a 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive crossover. And the vehicle provides a variety of seating arrangements, with its industry-first exchangeable center stow seat and center stow console. Pricing or the Highlander starts at $25,705 and can easily climb up to $38,000, when equipped with a navigation system, leather seats and other high-tech features. And a well-equipped 6-cylinder Hybrid can easily push the vehicle price up to $46,000. As with most vehicles these days, Toyota dealers are willing to deal to help move this vehicle.

Competitors:
Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, Ford Flex and Honda Pilot.

To price out a new Highlander or another new vehicle, visit JeffCars.com's New Car-Buying Guide.