2004 Toyota Highlander: Road Test
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2004 Toyota Highlander ▼
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- MSRP: $24,080 -$31,380
- Invoice: $21,429 -$27,926
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota Highlander includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota Highlander from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota Highlander, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota Highlander help you decide if a 2004 Toyota Highlander is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.8 |
Test V6 AWD ran 8.1 sec 0-60 mph. New 5-speed automatic transmission is a smooth operator. An additional 5 hp isn't going to keep the 4 cyl from continuing to feel underpowered.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.8 |
Test V6 AWD averaged 15.1 mpg in city driving with performance testing; expect better in normal use. Toyota recommends premium fuel for the V6, regular grade for the 4 cyl. Rear suspension changes to accommodate 3rd-row seat reduce fuel-tank volume by about 1 gal for '04.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.5 |
Highlander has firmer suspension than RX 330, registers more bumps, but is never jarring.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.7 |
Pleasant, though not car-agile. Cornering lean evident, but fine overall control. Steering a bit overassisted, but road feel good. Standard antilock brakes with full-power brake assist give stable, fairly quick stops, but pedal action mushy. Cheers for newly standard antiskid/traction-control system, a plus for slippery conditions. AWD less capable off-road or in deep snow vs. traditional 4WD.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.4 |
Engine seldom intrudes. There's little road noise and only moderate wind noise at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.2 |
Handy, smooth-working switchgear, but some icons not obvious. Gearshift lever sprouts from dashboard, but is easy to use--and easy to accidentally knock into Neutral. Cupholders too large to secure soda cans. Optional navigation mimics other Toyota/Lexus systems; it's pretty intuitive, but complicates some audio and climate adjustments. Cabin decor slightly bland, but interior exhibits quality materials, exemplary workmanship.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.4 |
Generous, though sunroof housing steals a little head room. Seats nicely supportive, but maybe too firm for some. Driver gets elevated views with no big blind spots. Entry/exit requires just slight extra effort vs. higher-riding truck-type SUVs.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.6 |
Ample 2nd-row space for two adults, three in a pinch, but toe space is tight and some may find the bench seat hard. Narrow door bottoms, highish stance impede entry/exit. Newly available 3rd-row seat is a convenience, but not fit for adults, and a strain to enter or leave except for the kids for whom it's designed.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.8 |
New 3rd-row seat leaves just grocery-bag space behind, but stows quickly without removing headrests, makes a flat floor, and doesn't change total cargo volume. The 60/40 2nd-row seat folds easily too, but seatbacks don't lie ruler flat. Plenty of storage bins.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 5.1 |
Toyota has done all the right things to make this popular crossover wagon even more class competitive. Factor in high refinement, solid workmanship, and Toyota's good name, and the Highlander is a bona fide Best Buy.
Total Score
| AWD Limited V6 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 65 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 65
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