2010 Toyota Highlander: Road Test
2010 Toyota Highlander ▼
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- MSRP: $25,705 - $41,020
- Invoice: $23,134 - $37,122
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Our road test for the 2010 Toyota Highlander includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Toyota Highlander from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Toyota Highlander, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Toyota Highlander help you decide if a 2010 Toyota Highlander is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
The 4-cylinder provides adequate acceleration overall. Passing punch is lacking, but its 6-speed automatic transmission has smooth shift action. Models with the conventional V6 engine have good all-around power. They're peppy off the line and competent during midrange passing.
Hybrids are nearly as strong. The responsive CVT helps, though the gas-electric powertrain is prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions. The Hybrid's Econ mode severely limits throttle response from a stop to help save fuel.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD 4-cylinder model averaged 25.1 mpg with more highway driving than city use. Conventional AWD V6 Highlanders averaged 15.8 mpg in mostly city driving, 20.6 with more highway use. We've had no opportunity to measure fuel economy on a Hybrid. Conventional Highlanders use regular-grade gas. Toyota recommends premium for Hybrids.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 4.8 |
Among the best in class. Test Limited models floated smoothly over smaller bumps, though larger ones sometimes pounded through. Note that the Sport model has a sport suspension that rides more firmly.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Pleasant to drive, though not quite car-agile. Cornering lean is evident and steering response a bit slow on Base and Limited models; Sport is only slightly better. But overall control is fine, and the brake-pedal feel is firm and progressive.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
All Highlanders are generally quiet, though wind and road noise are noticed at highway speeds. Under acceleration, the V6 engines emit a rich, subtle purr, but the Hybrid's electric motor is annoyingly whiny. The 4-cylinder engine is noisier overall.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
All versions have large, easy-to-read gauges and high-mounted audio and climate controls. The available navigation system is fairly intuitive but absorbs and complicates audio-system adjustments. The Hybrid includes a fuel-economy-indicator gauge behind the steering wheel that shows when it's being driven most efficiently.
DETAILS
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.8 |
The Base model's interior is fitted with above-average-grade plastics and comfortable cloth upholstery. Only the fuzzy headliner feels cheap. Sport models have good-quality suede and metal trim throughout the cabin. The Limited's interior adds some unconvincing faux-wood trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Highlander's seats are nicely supportive, and there's ample headroom and legroom. Forward visibility is good thanks to an elevated seating position. Rear visibility is impaired by 2nd-row headrests and thick rear roof pillars. Entering Highlander requires only a modest step up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Ample 2nd-row space for two adults on a 40/20/40 split seat that slides fore and aft a few inches to benefit either 2nd- or 3rd-row legroom. The center section of the 2nd-row seat can be configured one of three ways: as a very narrow, sparsely padded seat; as a console with tray table; and as an empty passageway to the 3rd row. The seat and console are interchangeable; the unused one can be slid into a compartment beneath the front console. The 3rd-row bench can seat adults if the 2nd row is moved forward, though they'll sit knees-up and find little foot space. Only the passenger side of the 2nd-row seat moves forward to allow 3rd-row access, though kids could get back there by climbing through the passageway between the 2nd-row seats.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
There's only grocery-bag space behind the 3rd-row seat, but that stows quickly to create a flat floor. The split 2nd-row seatbacks are more cumbersome to fold and don't lay quite flat. Sport and Limited models have a useful separate-opening glass in the rear hatch. Top-notch small item storage includes 10 cupholders and four bottle holders, not to mention assorted map pockets and other convenient nooks and crannies.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5.1 |
Highlander is a competent, refined, family focused SUV that offers great practicality, cargo and passenger versatility, and evident quality. The 4-cylinder engine is a bit underpowered in this application, but it delivers good fuel economy for a midsize SUV. Versions with the conventional engines best represent Highlander's Recommended attributes, as the Hybrid models' higher prices may take years to offset in fuel savings.
Total Score
| 2WD Base 4-cylinder | AWD Sport | AWD Limited | AWD Hybrid Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 71 | 71 | 71 | 55.9 |
Total Score: 71
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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