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2007 Toyota Highlander Full Review
Date Published: 9/24/08
2007 Toyota Highlander Review
Side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard instead of optional for 2007 on all versions of this midsize 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, Sport, and Limited 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 comes in base and Limited trims, 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.

Previously standard only on Hybrids, all Highlanders now have front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover the first two seating rows and include rollover deployment. ABS and traction/antiskid control are also standard. Options include a sunroof and DVD entertainment. A navigation system is optional on Limited and Limited Hybrid.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
News
The first redesigned Highlander is due for 2008. We'd look for an auto-show preview this winter before a summer '07 sales start. A platform upgrade from midsize Camry to full-size Avalon is said to put the new model close in size to the Honda Pilot and Ford Edge. That implies a roomier interior with easier 3rd-row access, but it also implies extra weight, putting a question mark on a 4-cyl version. No matter. V6s account for most Highlander sales. Recent Toyota statements suggest a possible ethanol-capable flex-fuel V6 to answer buyer concerns about SUV fuel economy, but this is strictly our guess. A new Highlander Hybrid is a sure thing, though, and it's likely to offer improved fuel-thrift at a lower price premium. All models may look somewhat more macho, but still far less butch than Toyota's truck-based midsize 4Runner SUV. Keep checking back with us for further developments.
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2007 Toyota Highlander Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Instruments/controls
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
4 5 6 6 5.2

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; a similar test Lexus RX 400h did 7.3 sec 0-60. 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 for V6 and Hybrid.
Fuel Economy

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
5 4 7 6 4

Test AWD 4-cyl Highlanders averaged 19.6 mpg. Test AWD Limited 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. Conventional Highlanders use regular-grade fuel. Toyota recommends premium for Hybrids.
Ride Quality

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.5

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. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.5

Pleasant, though not car agile. Cornering lean evident, but fine overall control abetted by standard traction/antiskid control. 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

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
5 6 6 6 5.6

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

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 6 6 6 6.6

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.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 7 7 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-up vs. higher-riding truck-type SUVs.
Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.1

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

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 7 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, also folds easily, but its seatbacks don't lie fully flat. Ample interior storage.
Value within Class

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
6 8 6 7 5.9

Any Highlander earns our Recommended label as a family focused SUV offering great practicality and solid quality. Versions with the conventional V6 engine best represent Highlander's attributes. The 4-cyl models are slow and noisy. Hybrids are the costliest versions, and their price premium may take years to offset in fuel savings. They are the quickest Highlanders, however.
Total Score

AWD Base 4-cyl AWD Limited w/nav. sys. 2WD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. AWD Limited Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
58 60 62 62 58.4
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
58
High Score
69
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2007 Toyota Highlander Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/08/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon $24,880 $22,141 $645
2WD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $25,730 $22,899 $645
AWD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon $26,280 $23,387 $645
AWD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $26,790 $23,841 $645
2WD Base V6 4-door wagon $25,940 $23,085 $645
2WD Base V6 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $28,190 $25,087 $645
AWD Base V6 4-door wagon $27,340 $24,331 $645
AWD Base V6 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $28,190 $25,087 $645
2WD Base Hybrid 4-door wagon $32,490 $29,076 $645
2WD Base Hybrid 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $33,030 $29,561 $645
AWD Base Hybrid 4-door wagon $33,890 $30,329 $645
AWD Base Hybrid 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $34,430 $30,814 $645
2WD Sport 4-door wagon $28,115 $25,022 $645
2WD Sport 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $28,965 $25,777 $645
AWD Sport 4-door wagon $29,585 $26,328 $645
AWD Sport 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $30,435 $27,086 $645
2WD Limited 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $30,810 $27,421 $645
AWD Limited 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $32,210 $28,667 $645
2WD Limited Hybrid 4-door wagon $34,610 $31,007 $645
2WD Limited Hybrid 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $35,150 $31,490 $645
AWD Limited Hybrid 4-door wagon $36,010 $32,261 $645
AWD Limited Hybrid 4-door wagon w/3rd-row seat $36,550 $32,744 $645
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, front side airbags, front- and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
3rd-row folding seat (w/3rd-row seat), air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front captain chairs, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row 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
Rear privacy glass (w/3rd-row seat), roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 225/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Base Hybrid adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power driver seat, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, wiper deicer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: tachometer.
Rear privacy glass, 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, power driver seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 225/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited adds to Sport:
Safety
Daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, 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.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: sport suspension.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited Hybrid adds to Limited:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: tachometer.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Leather Pkg. LA
Base V6
$1,270
$1,016
Base V6 w/3rd-row seat
$1,620
$1,296
Sport
$1,050
$840
Sport w/3rd-row seat, Limited
$1,400
$1,120
Leather upholstery. Base, Sport require 8-way power driver seat, optional radio. NA Hybrid.
Leather Pkg. LP
Base
$1,935
$1,548
Base w/3rd-row seat
$2,285
$1,828
Sport
$1,305
$1,044
Sport w/3rd-row seat
$1,655
$1,324
Leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat (Base), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls (Base), universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, theft-deterrent system. Requires optional radio. NA Hybrid.
Preferred Pkg.
Base
$665
$532
Sport
$255
$204
8-way power driver seat (Base), universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, theft-deterrent system. NA Hybrid.
Extra Value Pkg. 1/2
Base
$665
$599
Base w/3rd-row seat
$505
$455
8-way power driver seat, illuminated visor mirrors, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, mud guards. NA Hybrid.
Extra Value Pkg. 1
Base Hybrid
$1,350
$1,215
Power sunroof, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls, fog lights, rear spoiler.
Extra Value Pkg. 3/4/5/6
Base V6
$1,175
$1,058
Base V6 w/3rd-row seat
$1,015
$914
Sport
$815
$734
Sport w/3rd-row seat
$655
$590
Power sunroof, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights (Base), rear spoiler, mud guards (Base), alloy wheels (Base). NA Hybrid.
Extra Value Pkg. 2/3/7
Limited
$960
$864
Limited Hybrid
$1,830
$1,647
Limited Hybrid w/3rd-row seat
$2,100
$1,890
Leather upholstery, power sunroof, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance Pkg.
Base V6
$910
$728
Base V6 w/3rd-row seat
$600
$480
Rear privacy glass, mud guards, alloy wheels. NA Hybrid.
Towing Prep Pkg.
Base, Limited, Sport
$160
$128
Heavy-duty radiator and fan, transmission-oil cooler, trailer wiring. NA Hybrid.
Safety
Daytime running lights
Base
$40
$32
Std. Hybrid, Limited.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Limited, Limited Hybrid
$2,000
$1,700
Limited requires JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
8-way power driver seat
Base
$410
$328
Std. Hybrid.
Heated front seats
Base, Limited, Sport
$440
$352
Requires Leather Pkg. NA Hybrid.
Heated power mirrors
Base, Sport
$60
$48
Std. Hybrid.
Power sunroof
Base, Sport
$900
$720
Base requires alloy wheels. NA Hybrid.
DVD entertainment system
Base, Base Hybrid, Limited, Limited Hybrid, Sport
$1,770
$1,416
Base, Sport, Limited require power sunroof. Base, Sport require optional radio. Base requires alloy wheels.
JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD player
Base, Sport
$475
$356
Base requires Leather Pkg. LP or steering wheel radio controls, 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. LP or steering wheel radio controls. Base/Sport without 3rd-row seat require rear privacy glass. NA Base Hybrid. Std. Limited Hybrid.
Steering wheel radio controls
Base
$50
$40
Requires optional radio. NA Hybrid.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
Base
$110
$88
NA Hybrid.
Rear spoiler
Base, Sport
$200
$160
NA Hybrid.
Rear privacy glass
Base
$310
$248
Std. Base/Sport w/3rd-row seat, Limited, Base Hybrid.
Mud guards
Base
$80
$64
NA Hybrid.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels
Base
$520
$416
Std. Hybrid.
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2007 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 @
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
4-speed automatic 20/25 --/-- --/--
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
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, and Camry hybrid 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
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