2010 Toyota Highlander
One of Toyota’s mid-size sport utility vehicles, the Highlander is roomy, versatile and family-friendly, comfortably seating up to seven passengers, with a fold-flat third-row seat that comes standard on all V6 models, but can be deleted if desired. The Highlander is offered in several different trims: Base, Sport, SE, Limited, Hybrid and Hybrid Limited, all available in two- or four-wheel drive.
The Base model comes with two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 20 city miles per gallon and 27 on the highway, or a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gets at least 17, and up to 20 miles per gallon in the city and at least 23, but up to 27on the highway, depending on the drivetrain. A few of the features that come standard with this model are 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio, a CD player and an auxiliary audio hook-up.
The Sport model has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gets 18 city and 24 highway miles per gallon for the two-wheel drive drivetrain and 17 city and 23 highway miles per gallon for the four-wheel drive. The Sport model also comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a sportier suspension, automatic headlights, foglights, roof rack side rails, and a flip-up rear window in the liftgate. The interior includes a power driver seat, cargo area-mounted releases for folding down the second-row seats, and a 3.5-inch screen that displays trip computer info and the image from the standard back-up camera.
The SE model offers the same engine options that get the same gas mileage as the Sport models, but the SE models come with the standard 17-inch wheels and regular suspension but adds a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, leather seating and a power passenger seat.
The most upscale of the trims is the Limited version. The engine sizes are the same and get the same gas mileage as the Sport and SE models but has more upscale features including 19-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim and power-folding heated outside mirrors with puddle lamps. It also comes with an upgraded driver seat and power front passenger seat, keyless entry and ignition, and a satellite radio-ready audio system with a six-disc CD changer.
For a more environmentally-friendly option, the Highlander is also offered in Hybrid models. The Base Hybrid and Limited Hybrid models offer basically the same standard features on the exterior and interior as their non-hybrid versions, but their mechanics get them significantly better gas mileage with 27 city miles per gallon and 25 on the highway.
A number of additional packages are available for many of the Highlander models which offer extra features to meet any and every driving need.
As the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick for 2010, the Highlander integrates many standard safety features on all its models, including a Star Safety System™—Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brake System with Electric Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist. The Highlander’s airbag system includes driver and front-passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags. A tire pressure monitoring system, 3-point shoulder belts in all seating positions and Emergency Locking Retractor on all seatbelts are just a few of the other safety features that come standard with the Highlander.
The 2010 Highlander has been named the “Most Dependable Mid-size Multi-Activity Vehicle, Three Years in a Row” by J.D. Power and Associates, the Best Resale Value in its class by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, and the Best Overall Value of the Year for Mid-Size Crossover by Intellichoice.com, making it an excellent choice if you’re in the market for a quality mid-size SUV.
