2001 Toyota Highlander: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

An underskin sibling to the popular Lexus RX 300, the new Highlander is built on the Toyota Camry sedan platform. It has a 4-inch longer wheelbase than the costlier RX 300, with most of that providing extra cargo room. Highlander is a 5-seater; no 3rd seating row is planned. Toyota pitches the unibody Highlander as an on-road-oriented midsize SUV vs. its trucklike 4Runner. Highlander offers 4-cyl and V6 power, both with a 4-speed automatic transmission and choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. V6s can tow up to 3500 lb. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and 16-inch wheels are standard. An antiskid system and front side airbags are optional. Other options include sunroof, heated mirrors and, on V6 versions, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buy is the car-based Lexus RX 300. Though it lacks a low range in 4WD mode, it's the most carlike to drive and offers all of the versatility of a truck-based model.

Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the best-selling Ford Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the Teutonic Mercedes-Benz M-Class; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.