2005 Toyota Highlander: Road Test
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2005 Toyota Highlander ▼
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- MSRP: $24,280 -$31,580
- Invoice: $21,607 -$28,104
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Our road test for the 2005 Toyota Highlander includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Toyota Highlander from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Toyota Highlander, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Toyota Highlander help you decide if a 2005 Toyota Highlander is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
Four-cyl Highlanders lethargic from a stop, but have adequate power for passing, merging. More-powerful V6 versions team with smooth-shifting automatic transmission to deliver performance more appropriate for all-around SUV duty. Test AWD Limited did 8.1 sec 0-60 mph. Hybrid among the quicker midsize SUVs, with impressive throttle response helped by CVT and no odd behavior from its gas-electric technology. No opportunity to time Hybrid, but Toyota pegs AWD version at 7.3 sec 0-60, 2WD at 7.5. Maximum towing capacity is 3000 lb with 4-cyl, 3500 with V6 and Hybrid.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 7 | 3.9 |
Test 4-cyl AWDs averaged 19.2-19.6 mpg in mixed driving. Test V6 AWD averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly city driving and with gas-eating performance runs; expect better in more-balanced driving. No opportunity to measure with Hybrid, but EPA estimates comparable to those of a compact sedan. Toyota recommends premium-grade fuel for Hybrid and conventional V6, regular for the 4-cyl.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Among the best in class. Highlander has firmer suspension than RX, registers more bumps, but is never jarring.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Pleasant, though not car-agile. Cornering lean evident, but fine overall control abetted by standard antiskid system. Hybrid versions have electric steering system that imparts less-natural feel than in other Highlanders. Highlander's AWD less capable off-road or in deep snow than true 4WD.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
The 4-cyl is coarse sounding at full throttle. V6s quiet, refined, with some turbinelike whine noticed in Hybrid. Well-muffled road noise in any model, only moderate wind rush at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.3 |
Handy, smooth-working switchgear, but some labels not obvious. Gear-shift lever sprouts from dashboard, but is easy to use--and easy to knock into Neutral by mistake. Gauges large, clear, but Hybrid trades a tachometer for a power meter that provides little useful information. Navigation mimics other Toyota/Lexus systems; it's pretty intuitive, but complicates some audio and climate adjustments. Hybrid adds power-flow graphics that can be distracting. Cabin has quality materials, exemplary workmanship, but decor is far from fancy.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Ample space, though available sunroof steals some head room. Seats nicely supportive, but maybe too firm for some. Driver gets elevated views with no big blind spots.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Ample 2nd-row space for two adults, three in a pinch, but toe space tight and some may find the bench seat too hard. Narrow door bottoms impede entry/exit. Available 3rd-row seat cramped, hard to access for adults, but OK for kids.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Only grocery-bag space behind 3rd-row seat, but that stows quickly and without removing headrests for more room with a flat floor. The 2nd-row seat is split 60/40, folds easily, too, but its seatbacks don't lie entirely flat. Plenty of storage bins.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 7 | 5.6 |
Any V6 Highlander is among the top choices in a car-type midsize SUV. Four-cylinder models are no consolation prize, trading some power and refinement for improved fuel economy and more-attractive base prices. Toyota's aim with the Hybrid is not necessarily to save gas, but to deliver the acceleration of a large engine with the fuel economy and exhaust emissions of a small one. If that to you is worth its extra cost vs. other Highlanders, it'll be money well spent. That's because all Highlanders do most everything well and have all the expected family focused features. Practicality, solid workmanship, and Toyota's good reputation for reliability are more reasons for Best Buy honors.
Total Score
| AWD Base, 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 64 | 64 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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