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2003 toyota Highlander V6

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2003 Toyota Highlander V6: Introduced early in the 2001 version year, the car-based Highlander is the fifth-- and most recent-- member of Toyota's sport utility vehicle schedule. It is structurally pertaining to the Lexus RX 300, yet the Highlander is a little larger as well as has a different squared-off appearance. Fender creases are prominent on the Highlander, as well as fewer functions are common than on the RX 300, which is substantially extra pricey. Both designs are supplied with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (AWD), but the Highlander might be geared up with a four-cylinder engine or a V-6.


2003 Toyota Highlander V6


The Highlander is somewhat longer as well as 5 inches larger than the truck-based 4Runner. It assures SUV flexibility with carlike trip and handling. Like the RX 300, the Highlander makes use of an unconventional gear selector for the automatic transmission, which sticks out from the lower control panel. Toyota expected to offer regarding 70,000 units annually, but Automotive News reports sales of 86,699 Highlanders throughout 2001-- that indicates quite an impressive launching season. Little is likely to change for 2003, yet Toyota has not yet released details about the upcoming version year.

Exterior

Regardless of styling distinctions in between the Highlander and also RX 300, both versions share the exact same basic design. The Highlander rides a 106.9-inch wheelbase and also extends 184.4 inches long in general-- that's 4 inches much longer in both measurements than the RX 300. The four-door SUV is fitted with a rear liftgate as well as measures 71.9 inches broad and virtually 68 inches tall. In addition to popular fender creases, the Highlander features squared-off styling rather than slanted roofing system columns like those discovered on the RX 300.

Inside

Seatsing for five passengers includes two front pail seats and also a split, folding rear bench that holds 3. The automatic-transmission lever places at a strange angle listed below the control panel, which is really a convenient area. The Highlander as well as RX 300 dashboards have similar designs, yet the Toyota design has various audio as well as climate controls.

Under the Hood

Both the 155-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as well as the 220-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 were borrowed from the Camry sedan and group with a four-speed-automatic transmission. The Highlander is available with FWD or permanently involved AWD, which has no Reduced range. A limited-slip back differential is optional.

Safety and security

Antilock brakes as well as Brake Assist are typical. Options include seat-mounted side-impact airbags and also Automobile Skid Control, Toyota's digital security system.

Driving Impressions

An exceptionally smooth flight coupled with confident and also capable handling are the high points of the Highlander photo. Rarely does this SUV lose its calmness, also when the sidewalk gets rather harsh. Body roll is minimal in fairly limited curves-- within reason. The Highlander is extremely easy to drive, as well as it has simply the appropriate steering feeling and also a balanced feeling on the highway.

Acceleration is strong from a grinding halt, however an added push on the pedal might be required at midrange speeds, which can generate some awkwardness or undesirable sound sometimes. Similarities to the RX 300 are much more obvious on the Highlander's inside, which is led by the distinctly located gearshift lever.