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2002 Toyota Highlander Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2002 Toyota Highlander Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Toyota Highlander Full Review
7.
8.
2002 Toyota Highlander Review
Toyota's car-based midsize SUV is an underskin sibling to the Lexus RX 300. Both are built on the Toyota Camry sedan platform, but Highlander has a 4-inch longer wheelbase than the costlier RX 300. Highlander has 5-passenger seating only; no 3rd-row seat is available. Four-cyl or V6 models are offered, both with 4-speed automatic transmission and choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. The top-line Limited version includes automatic climate control, power driver seat, and alloy wheels. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and 16-inch wheels are standard. An antiskid system and front side airbags are optional. Other options include sunroof, running boards, and, on Limiteds, heated front seats and leather upholstery. For 2002, Highlander gains a standard rear-seat armrest, cabin air filter, and a redesigned center console.
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 Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
News
Highlander is only into the second year of a likely 4- or 5-year design cycle. No major changes are forecast during that time.
Toyota expected to sell 50,000 Highlanders during calendar 2001, but moved well over 63,000 in just the first nine months. The projection for 2002 and beyond is 75,000 a year. From the results so far, we think that may be conservative. In any case, Highlander is a hot item now, so discounts should be few and far between until demand starts to slacken.
Toyota expected to sell 50,000 Highlanders during calendar 2001, but moved well over 63,000 in just the first nine months. The projection for 2002 and beyond is 75,000 a year. From the results so far, we think that may be conservative. In any case, Highlander is a hot item now, so discounts should be few and far between until demand starts to slacken.
2002 Toyota Highlander Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only V6 models made available for test so far. V6 AWD is best-selling version, and did 0-60 mph in a pleasing 8.5 sec in our test. Still, a fully loaded Highlander feels a bit lazy off the line and in midrange passing, despite smooth, responsive automatic transmission.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.7 |
Only V6 models made available for test so far. V6 AWD is best-selling version, and did 0-60 mph in a pleasing 8.5 sec in our test. Still, a fully loaded Highlander feels a bit lazy off the line and in midrange passing, despite smooth, responsive automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
V6 AWD models averaged 16.4 mpg in mostly city driving, 17.6 including performance testing, and 19.0 in a mix of urban/suburban commuting. All are good figures for a midsize SUV. Toyota recommends premium fuel for the V6, regular-grade for the 4 cyl.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.8 |
V6 AWD models averaged 16.4 mpg in mostly city driving, 17.6 including performance testing, and 19.0 in a mix of urban/suburban commuting. All are good figures for a midsize SUV. Toyota recommends premium fuel for the V6, regular-grade for the 4 cyl.
Ride Quality
A firmer suspension than in the RX 300 lets most every bump register, but Highlander's ride is not jarring, always composed, and without the side-to-side motion that afflicts some SUVs.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 |
A firmer suspension than in the RX 300 lets most every bump register, but Highlander's ride is not jarring, always composed, and without the side-to-side motion that afflicts some SUVs.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Pleasant, maneuverable, stable. Body leans in turns, but overall control is among the best of any midsize SUV. Steering with fine road feel helps, despite being slightly over-assisted. Standard ABS with brake assist furnishes acceptable performance, but pedal action is mushy, and nosedive is evident in hard stops. Optional antiskid system provides appropriate corrections in slippery corners. AWD not as capable off-road or in deep snow as 4WD.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 3.5 |
Pleasant, maneuverable, stable. Body leans in turns, but overall control is among the best of any midsize SUV. Steering with fine road feel helps, despite being slightly over-assisted. Standard ABS with brake assist furnishes acceptable performance, but pedal action is mushy, and nosedive is evident in hard stops. Optional antiskid system provides appropriate corrections in slippery corners. AWD not as capable off-road or in deep snow as 4WD.
Quietness
Engine seldom intrusive. Wind noise rises with speed, and coarse-pavement tire drone causes rear-seaters to raise voices.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 |
Engine seldom intrusive. Wind noise rises with speed, and coarse-pavement tire drone causes rear-seaters to raise voices.
Controls
Main gauges set deeper in "coves" than ideal, and not sufficiently illuminated to be easily read in sunlight. Gear shift sprouts from dashboard as in RX 300; it's inviting to use, but can get knocked into Neutral by a driver's hand returning from cupholder to steering wheel. Cupholders too large to secure a soda can. Controls placed conveniently, move smoothly, though audio and climate system graphics aren't always obvious. Cabin solidly assembled from durable materials, but ambience is middle-market austere, even with leather.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 |
Main gauges set deeper in "coves" than ideal, and not sufficiently illuminated to be easily read in sunlight. Gear shift sprouts from dashboard as in RX 300; it's inviting to use, but can get knocked into Neutral by a driver's hand returning from cupholder to steering wheel. Cupholders too large to secure a soda can. Controls placed conveniently, move smoothly, though audio and climate system graphics aren't always obvious. Cabin solidly assembled from durable materials, but ambience is middle-market austere, even with leather.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Generous, though sunroof housing eats into head room. Seats nicely supportive but unexpectedly firm. Driver gets elevated view of road, with scene over long dashtop more minivan than SUV. Entry/exit requires slight extra effort due to SUV-like ground clearance.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.2 |
Generous, though sunroof housing eats into head room. Seats nicely supportive but unexpectedly firm. Driver gets elevated view of road, with scene over long dashtop more minivan than SUV. Entry/exit requires slight extra effort due to SUV-like ground clearance.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Spacious head, shoulder, knee clearance, but tight toe space tarnishes advantages of virtually flat floor. Seat is too firm if you equate deep cushioning with comfort. Depriving Highlander of 3rd-row seating is a questionable decision by Toyota. As in front, ingress/egress requires conscious step-up/down.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.1 |
Spacious head, shoulder, knee clearance, but tight toe space tarnishes advantages of virtually flat floor. Seat is too firm if you equate deep cushioning with comfort. Depriving Highlander of 3rd-row seating is a questionable decision by Toyota. As in front, ingress/egress requires conscious step-up/down.
Cargo Room
Absence of 3rd-row seat creates tall, wide cargo hold. Rear seat is split 60/40, moves down and forward to form nearly flat load floor. With headrests removed, front seatbacks fold rearward for sleeper-ready versatility. Plenty of storage bins.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 8 | 7.7 |
Absence of 3rd-row seat creates tall, wide cargo hold. Rear seat is split 60/40, moves down and forward to form nearly flat load floor. With headrests removed, front seatbacks fold rearward for sleeper-ready versatility. Plenty of storage bins.
Value within Class
Aside from slightly elevated ground clearance, Highlander doesn't really do anything better than an AWD minivan would, sacrificing in the bargain such agreeable features as space-efficient sliding side doors and 7-passenger seating. That said, Highlander is a far smarter buy than a truck-based SUV for most people, and its all-around competence, pricing, and Toyota design make it more than a match for midsize SUVs of any stripe. It's an easy Best Buy value.
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 10 | 4.5 |
Aside from slightly elevated ground clearance, Highlander doesn't really do anything better than an AWD minivan would, sacrificing in the bargain such agreeable features as space-efficient sliding side doors and 7-passenger seating. That said, Highlander is a far smarter buy than a truck-based SUV for most people, and its all-around competence, pricing, and Toyota design make it more than a match for midsize SUVs of any stripe. It's an easy Best Buy value.
Total Score
| AWD, V6 | Class Average |
| 65 | 49.5 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2002 Toyota Highlander Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/27/2001
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $23,880 | $21,251 | $510 |
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| AWD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $25,280 | $22,497 | $510 |
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| 2WD V6 4-door wagon | $25,460 | $22,658 | $510 |
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| AWD V6 4-door wagon | $26,860 | $23,904 | $510 |
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| 2WD Limited 4-door wagon | $29,395 | $26,159 | $510 |
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| AWD Limited 4-door wagon | $30,795 | $27,405 | $510 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
4-cylinder
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front captain chairs, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map light, variable intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, intermittent rear wiper/washer, remote fuel door release, automatic-off headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
V6 adds to 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
3.0-liter dohc V6 engine.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited adds to V6:
Safety
Daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, JBL sound system, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, outside-temperature indicator, cargo cover, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rack, rear spoiler, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg.
|
||
|
4-cylinder, V6
|
$645
|
$516
|
|
8-way power driver seat, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm. 4-cylinder requires Quick Order Pkg. V6 requires Convenience Pkg.
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||
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Quick Order Pkg. QO
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||
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4-cylinder
|
$630
|
$504
|
|
Remote keyless entry, cargo cover, rear privacy glass.
|
||
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Convenience Pkg.
|
||
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V6
|
$320
|
$256
|
|
Remote keyless entry, cargo cover.
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Appearance Pkg.
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||
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V6
|
$910
|
$728
|
|
Rear privacy glass, mud guards, alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Preferred Accessory Pkg.
|
||
|
4-cylinder, Limited, V6
|
$458
|
$284
|
|
Floormats, cargo mat, cargo net, glass breakage sensor, first aid kit, wheel locks.
|
||
|
Towing Prep Pkg.
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$160
|
$128
|
|
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Powertrain |
||
|
Limited-slip differential
|
||
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AWD
|
$390
|
$322
|
|
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Safety |
||
|
Front side airbags
|
||
|
4-cylinder, V6
|
$250
|
$215
|
|
Antiskid system
|
||
|
4-cylinder, Limited, V6
|
$650
|
$559
|
|
Includes traction control. NA w/limited-slip differential.
|
||
|
Daytime running lights
|
||
|
4-cylinder, V6
|
$40
|
$32
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
Limited
|
$1,070
|
$856
|
|
Leather upholstery.
|
||
|
8-way power driver seat
|
||
|
4-cylinder, V6
|
$390
|
$312
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
Limited
|
$440
|
$352
|
|
Requires Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
4-cylinder, V6
|
$900
|
$720
|
|
4-cylinder, V6 require alloy wheels.
|
||
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Heated power mirrors
|
||
|
4-cylinder, V6
|
$30
|
$24
|
|
JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
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Requires Limited Pkg.
|
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JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
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Limited
|
$200
|
$150
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
4-cylinder, Limited, V6
|
$179
|
$109
|
|
Preferred Accessory Pkg.
|
||
|
4-cylinder, Limited, V6
|
$256
|
$162
|
|
Floormats, cargo mat, cargo net, first aid kit.
|
||
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Running boards
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||
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4-cylinder, Limited, V6
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$625
|
$405
|
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Rear privacy glass
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$310
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$248
|
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Roof rack
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$220
|
$176
|
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Mud guards
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4-cylinder, V6
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$80
|
$64
|
|
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Tow hitch and converter
|
||
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4-cylinder, Limited, V6
|
$290
|
$232
|
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Requires Towing Prep Pkg.
|
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Alloy wheels
|
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4-cylinder, V6
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$520
|
$416
|
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2002 Toyota Highlander Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota Highlander 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 184.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3715 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 3.0 /183 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 155 @ 5600 | 220 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 163 @ 4000 | 222 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 19/24 | 18/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota Highlander 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | 3/36,000 on Prius. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Toyota Highlander Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Toyota Highlander Full Review
7.
8.
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