Highlanders come with three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and roadside-assistance warranties. The hybrid model's unique components are warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Why would you pick a Highlander out of the Toyota sport/ute lineup, which will soon number a total of six? Simply put: It rides like a midsize wagon and has more room inside than the sprightly RAV4. In other words, it's a reasonable way to get SUV space and seating without the excess.
A 2005 IntelliChoice Best Overall Value winner, the Highlander is a great choice for many people, especially small families and recreation-minded urbanites. Consumers who plan on rock-crawling, or at least seeking adventure off the beaten path, however, should probably look into something truck-based like a Toyota 4Runner. Still, the V-6 Highlander can be outfitted to tow up to 3,500 pounds--enough to easily pull a U-Haul trailer to college.
Always a prudent choice, the Toyota Highlander is a safe, refined midsize vehicle with none of the compromises required with a traditional sport/ute.
What's Hot
Carlike ride and economySUV-like space and visibilityLots of standard safety featuresWhat's Not
Bland stylingOptions can quickly boost priceLong lines for purchasing hybridThe socially responsible Highlander hybrid promises improved mileage and performance while showing off the owner's save-the-planet ideology. Upgrades for all 2005 Highlanders include standard keyless entry, roof rails, and a rear tonneau cover.
If your pocketbook can handle nearly $3,000 tacked on to the Highlander's price, we'd recommend springing for Option Combination B, which brings side and side-curtain air bags, heated outside rear-view mirrors, and a sunroof. The Tow Prep Package is useful, too.