Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2006 Toyota Highlander Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Toyota Highlander Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Toyota Highlander Full Review
7.
8.
2006 Toyota Highlander Review
Midyear addition of a Sport model highlights 2006 for this car-type SUV. Highlander shares its basic design with the more-expensive RX SUV from Toyota's premium Lexus division, and like the RX, offers gas and gas/electric hybrid models. Highlander seats up to seven and comes with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. Conventional-powertrain Highlanders come in base, Limited, and new Sport models. Base models are available with a 155-hp 4-cyl engine or a 215-hp V6. Sport and Limited use the V6. The Hybrid also comes in base and Limited trim, but both team a gas V6 with an electric motor for 268 hp. Like Toyota's other Hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Other Highlanders have conventional automatic transmissions.
Standard on Hybrids and optional for other Highlanders are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The curtain airbags include rollover deployment but cover just the first two seating rows. All Highlanders have ABS and traction/antiskid control. Options include a sunroof and DVD entertainment. An optional navigation system is exclusive to Limited and Limited Hybrid. The Sport has a sport suspension.
Standard on Hybrids and optional for other Highlanders are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The curtain airbags include rollover deployment but cover just the first two seating rows. All Highlanders have ABS and traction/antiskid control. Options include a sunroof and DVD entertainment. An optional navigation system is exclusive to Limited and Limited Hybrid. The Sport has a sport suspension.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
The midseason Sport model helps carry Highlander to its first redesign. Reportedly on tap for 2008, the makeover employs a platform derived from that of Toyota's latest midsize Camry sedans. This should mean a somewhat longer and wider SUV with more interior room and easier 3rd-row access. Look for styling to be butched up some, but not so macho as Toyota's truck-based 4Runner.
2006 Toyota Highlander Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Instruments/controls | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Four-cyl models are sluggish on takeoff, marginal for passing and merging even lightly loaded. Conventional V6s have good all-around power. Test AWD Limited did 8.1 sec 0-60 mph. Hybrid among the quicker midsize SUVs; test RX 400h timed 7.3 sec. Responsive CVT helps, though gas-electric powertrain prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions. Maximum towing capacity is 3000 lb for 4-cyl, 3500 lb for V6 and Hybrid.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Four-cyl models are sluggish on takeoff, marginal for passing and merging even lightly loaded. Conventional V6s have good all-around power. Test AWD Limited did 8.1 sec 0-60 mph. Hybrid among the quicker midsize SUVs; test RX 400h timed 7.3 sec. Responsive CVT helps, though gas-electric powertrain prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions. Maximum towing capacity is 3000 lb for 4-cyl, 3500 lb for V6 and Hybrid.
Fuel Economy
Test AWD 4-cyl Highlanders averaged 19.6 mpg. Test Limited AWD averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly city use, including gas-eating performance runs. Test 2WD Hybrid averaged 26.4 mpg. Test AWD Hybrids averaged 22.8-23.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for 4-cyl Highlanders, premium for the others.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 3.8 |
Test AWD 4-cyl Highlanders averaged 19.6 mpg. Test Limited AWD averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly city use, including gas-eating performance runs. Test 2WD Hybrid averaged 26.4 mpg. Test AWD Hybrids averaged 22.8-23.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for 4-cyl Highlanders, premium for the others.
Ride Quality
Among the best in class. Highlander has firmer suspension than RX, registers more bumps, but is never jarring.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Among the best in class. Highlander has firmer suspension than RX, registers more bumps, but is never jarring.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Pleasant, though not car agile. Cornering lean evident, but fine overall control abetted by standard antiskid system. Highlander's AWD less capable off-road or in deep snow than true 4WD. Some testers complained of overly sensitive brake pedal in one test Hybrid.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Pleasant, though not car agile. Cornering lean evident, but fine overall control abetted by standard antiskid system. Highlander's AWD less capable off-road or in deep snow than true 4WD. Some testers complained of overly sensitive brake pedal in one test Hybrid.
Quietness
Four-cyl sounds coarse at full throttle. V6s always quiet, refined, but electric-motor whine noticed in Hybrid. Well-muffled road noise in any model, only moderate wind rush at highway speeds. More than expected wind rush from sunroof in one test Highlander.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Four-cyl sounds coarse at full throttle. V6s always quiet, refined, but electric-motor whine noticed in Hybrid. Well-muffled road noise in any model, only moderate wind rush at highway speeds. More than expected wind rush from sunroof in one test Highlander.
Controls
Handy, smooth-working switchgear, but some labels not obvious. Shift lever sprouts from dashboard, is easy to knock into Neutral by mistake. Large, clear gauges. Hybrid replaces tachometer with a "power" meter that isn't too informative. Navigation system is fairly intuitive, but complicates some audio and climate adjustments. Hybrid's navigation screen can display power-flow and fuel-economy graphics that can be distracting. Cabin has quality materials, exemplary workmanship, but decor isn't that fancy. Cupholders too large to secure soda cans.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Handy, smooth-working switchgear, but some labels not obvious. Shift lever sprouts from dashboard, is easy to knock into Neutral by mistake. Large, clear gauges. Hybrid replaces tachometer with a "power" meter that isn't too informative. Navigation system is fairly intuitive, but complicates some audio and climate adjustments. Hybrid's navigation screen can display power-flow and fuel-economy graphics that can be distracting. Cabin has quality materials, exemplary workmanship, but decor isn't that fancy. Cupholders too large to secure soda cans.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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. Entry/exit requires modest step-in vs. higher-riding truck-type SUVs.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 7 | 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. Entry/exit requires modest step-in vs. higher-riding truck-type SUVs.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Ample 2nd-row space for two adults, three in a pinch. Narrow door bottoms impede entry/exit. Third-row seat cramped and hard to access for adults, but OK for preteens.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Ample 2nd-row space for two adults, three in a pinch. Narrow door bottoms impede entry/exit. Third-row seat cramped and hard to access for adults, but OK for preteens.
Cargo Room
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, also folds easily, but its seatbacks don't lie fully flat. Ample interior storage.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.3 |
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, also folds easily, but its seatbacks don't lie fully flat. Ample interior storage.
Value within Class
Any Highlander is a family focused SUV offering great practicality, solid quality, and Toyota's deserved reputation for reliability and high resale value. Versions with the conventional V6 engine best represent Highlander's Best Buy status. The 4-cyl models are too slow and noisy. Hybrids are the costliest versions, and their price premium may take years to offset in fuel savings. But they also are the quickest Highlanders, and their value calculation also takes into account emissions benefits.
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
Any Highlander is a family focused SUV offering great practicality, solid quality, and Toyota's deserved reputation for reliability and high resale value. Versions with the conventional V6 engine best represent Highlander's Best Buy status. The 4-cyl models are too slow and noisy. Hybrids are the costliest versions, and their price premium may take years to offset in fuel savings. But they also are the quickest Highlanders, and their value calculation also takes into account emissions benefits.
Total Score
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
| 60 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 56.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2006 Toyota Highlander Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/23/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $24,530 | $21,831 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $25,930 | $23,077 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base V6 4-door wagon | $25,590 | $22,773 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder w/3rd-row seat 4-door wagon | $25,380 | $22,586 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base V6 w/3rd-row seat 4-door wagon | $26,440 | $23,530 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Base V6 w/3rd-row seat 4-door wagon | $27,840 | $24,776 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base Hybrid 4-door wagon | $33,030 | $29,561 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Base Hybrid 4-door wagon | $34,430 | $30,814 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Sport 4-door wagon | $27,765 | $24,710 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Sport 4-door wagon | $29,235 | $26,018 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Sport w/3rd-row seat 4-door wagon | $28,615 | $25,467 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Sport w/3rd-row seat 4-door wagon | $30,085 | $26,773 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Limited 4-door wagon | $30,460 | $27,108 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Limited 4-door wagon | $31,860 | $28,354 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Limited Hybrid 4-door wagon | $37,890 | $33,944 | $605 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Limited Hybrid 4-door wagon | $39,290 | $35,198 | $605 |
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
Base
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder or 3.3-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission (4-cylinder), 5-speed automatic transmission (V6), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
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, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map light, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 225/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Base w/3rd-row seat adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
3rd-row folding seat, rear heater.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Base Hybrid adds to Base w/3rd-row seat:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Front side airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power driver seat, heated power mirrors, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: tachometer.
Roof rails, trailer-wiring harness, 225/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Sport adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, sport suspension, 225/65R17 tires, polished alloy wheels.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Sport w/3rd-row seat adds to Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
3rd-row folding seat, rear heater.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited adds to Base w/3rd-row seat:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, JBL sound system, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, wiper deicer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited Hybrid adds to Limited:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Front side airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover sensor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, wood interior trim, power sunroof, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: tachometer.
Roof rails, trailer-wiring harness, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
Limited
|
$1,400
|
$1,120
|
|
Leather upholstery. Std. Hybrid.
|
||
|
Preferred Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$665
|
$532
|
|
Sport
|
$255
|
$204
|
|
8-way power driver seat, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, theft-deterrent system. Std. Hybrid.
|
||
|
Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,453
|
$1,003
|
|
Running boards, rear spoiler, exhaust tip, tow hitch. NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
Value Pkg.
|
||
|
Limited
|
$560
|
$504
|
|
Power sunroof, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Base V6
|
$910
|
$728
|
|
Base V6 w/3rd-row seat
|
$600
|
$480
|
|
Rear privacy glass, mud guards, alloy wheels. NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, Sport
|
$60
|
$48
|
|
Heated power mirrors, wiper deicer. NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
Package 1
|
||
|
Base Hybrid
|
$1,770
|
$1,391
|
|
Power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls, fog lights, rear spoiler.
|
||
|
Towing Prep Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, Base w/3rd-row seat, Limited
|
$160
|
$128
|
|
Heavy-duty radiator and fan, transmission-oil cooler, trailer wiring. Std. Hybrid.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
|
||
|
Base, Sport
|
$680
|
$583
|
|
Base/Sport w/Leather Pkg., Limited
|
$650
|
$559
|
|
Includes front side airbags, rollover deployment. Base, Sport include illuminated visor mirrors. Std. Hybrid.
|
||
|
Daytime running lights
|
||
|
Base, Sport
|
$40
|
$32
|
|
Std. Hybrid.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Limited, Limited Hybrid
|
$2,000
|
$1,700
|
|
Includes AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
|
||
|
8-way power driver seat
|
||
|
Base
|
$410
|
$328
|
|
Std. Hybrid.
|
||
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
Base, Base w/3rd-row seat, Limited, Sport, Sport w/3rd-row seat
|
$440
|
$352
|
|
Requires Leather Pkg. NA Base Hybrid.
|
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
Base, Base w/3rd-row seat, Sport, Sport w/3rd-row seat
|
$900
|
$720
|
|
Base requires alloy wheels. NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
Base, Base Hybrid, Base w/3rd-row seat, Limited, Limited Hybrid, Sport, Sport w/3rd-row seat
|
$1,770
|
$1,416
|
|
Base, Sport, Limited require power sunroof. Base requires alloy wheels, optional radio. Base Hybrid requires Package 1. Sport requires optional radio.
|
||
|
JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
|
Base, Sport
|
$475
|
$356
|
|
Base requires Leather Pkg. or steering wheel radio controls. Sport requires Leather Pkg. 3rd-row seat models require rear privacy glass. NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
Base, Sport
|
$675
|
$506
|
|
Limited
|
$200
|
$150
|
|
Base requires Leather Pkg. or steering wheel radio controls. Sport requires Leather Pkg. 3rd-row seat models require rear privacy glass. NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
Steering wheel radio controls
|
||
|
Base
|
$50
|
$40
|
|
Requires Leather Pkg., optional radio. NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Fog lights
|
||
|
Base
|
$110
|
$88
|
|
NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
Glass breakage sensor
|
||
|
Limited, Limited Hybrid
|
$165
|
$112
|
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
Base, Base Hybrid, Sport
|
$200
|
$160
|
|
Side steps
|
||
|
Base, Limited
|
$439
|
$275
|
|
Rear privacy glass
|
||
|
Base, Sport
|
$310
|
$248
|
|
Std. Base/Sport w/3rd-row seat, Limited, Hybrid.
|
||
|
Mud guards
|
||
|
Base
|
$80
|
$64
|
|
NA Hybrid.
|
||
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$520
|
$416
|
|
Std. Hybrid.
|
||
|
|
||
2006 Toyota Highlander Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota Highlander 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 184.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3748 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 80.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| 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 | dohc V6/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 3.3 /202 | 3.3 /201 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 155 @ 5700 | 215 @ 5600 | 268 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 162 @ 4000 | 222 @ 3600 | 212 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 4-speed automatic | 21/25 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 18/24 | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 31/27 |
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 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| 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 | For Highlander Hybrid, Prius: 5/60,000 on powertrain, 8/100,000 on hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance. |
| 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
|
Tester's Comments
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Major Options: Touch-Screen DVD Navigation System, Carpet/Cargo Mat Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 26.39 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Kirk Bell I've driven other Highlanders before and have come away unimpressed, but I like to drive this one. Throttle response is much better, handling feels more direct and responsive, and fuel economy is up. The brakes are awfully touchy and the price is high at $40K ($2000 for nav when they need a screen for the hybrid flowchart anyway seems like profit taking), but with its pluses the Highlander Hybrid makes sense to me. I just wish you didn't have to spend so much money to save money. Mark Bilek Introduced in 2001, Highlander is getting a bit long in the tooth. Still it is hard to fault. It's comfortable, easy to drive, and roomy. The hybrid model offers consumers an interesting option as well. I'm not so sure it is a good idea in this case. In a test of a 4-cylinder model last year I averaged 20 mpg. This hybrid averaged 30 mpg. Given the $2.60 per gallon cost of gasoline today that's a $500 per year difference in fuel costs. Given this hybrid costs about $10,000 more than a similarly equipped 4-cylinder, it would take 20 years to make up the cost difference in fuel savings alone. Rick Cotta Though the Hybrid's extra cost might never be recouped in fuel savings, it's quicker than even the V6 model while getting about the best mileage of any SUV on the planet. Besides, it adds a lot of features along with the hybrid drivetrain, so the extra cost isn't as much as it might seem. And since the Highlander is among my favorite SUVs of any stripe, the hybrid drive just makes it the best of the best. Tom Appel $41,000. $41,000--that's the hurdle. I accept that this Highlander is more truck than a non-Hybrid...but it costs $5000 more too. Fuel economy is good, but not great. So...come for the power, stay for the improved mileage. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Major Options: Preferred Accessory Package (carpet/cargo mat set, cargo net, first aid kit, VIP glass breakage sensor), Towing Receiver Hitch, Exhaust Tip by Valor Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 22.87 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Tom Appel Though a capable highway buddy, the hybrid system does little to boost open road economy. Immediate passing power and (mildly) improved around-town mileage are this rigs strong suits. I'm still put off by the $41,000 price tag, though. |
|||
|
|
Also in the 2006 Toyota Highlander Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Toyota Highlander Full Review
7.
8.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by: