2005 toyota Highlander Reviews

2005 Toyota Highlander Reviews: Today, almost every successful car firm's schedule includes a crossover vehicle, and also completely reason: SUVs that ride on lighter bases boast exceptional gas-mileage numbers, a softer trip, as well as less complicated ingress and also egress. As well as they achieve these brochure-friendly peaks while still supplying the requisite four-wheel drive, in-command seating setting, as well as roomy interior of their truck-descended counterparts-- though they do lack the towing capability as well as off-road merit of their beefier brethren. For automakers, these vehicles use effective product growth, as they invariably share platform and also drivetrain aspects with various other volume versions. Sales of the sensible Highlander have actually enhanced gradually each year because its release; in 2004, the Highlander was the top-selling crossover sport/ute on the marketplace.


2005 Toyota Highlander Reviews


Without a doubt the largest Highlander information for 2005 is the intro of the hybrid model, the first such SUV with seatsing for seven. The crossbreed is available only as a seven-passenger version with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine mated to 2, or in the case of all-wheel-drive models, three, high-speed electric motors. No matter how many wheels are driven, general peak outcome is 268 horsepower, making the crossbreed's velocity numbers better than those of the routine V-6 Highlander, which puts out 220 horses. The EPA prices the front-wheel-drive Highlander hybrid at 33 mpg in the city as well as 28 on the freeway, and also it's identified as a SULEV (incredibly ultra low discharges car). Toyota still makes some truck-based SUVs, however as more individuals gravitate toward car-based and also hybrid models, Toyota is blazing a trail toward having your SUV cake and eating it, as well.

Toyota develops Highlanders in 3 trim levels: base, Limited, as well as crossbreed. These SUVs can be driven by front- or all-wheel-drive systems and also fitted with sitting for five or seven passengers. Power originates from either a 2.4-liter/ 155-horse four-cylinder or a 3.3-liter/ 220-horse V-6 engine. All Highlanders come with power doors and windows locks, cruise control, tilt steering, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system, as well as a rear-window wiper with defroster. Limited versions add services such as power pole position, an eight-speaker stereo, heated outside mirrors, as well as an anti-theft system.

Toyota gowns the Highlander's standard two-box form with sculpted muscle mass lines in the body, giving an or else uninteresting outside some personality. The Highlander boasts an elevated seats placement, without being an excessively tall automobile. Readily available appearance upgrades consist of 16-inch aluminum wheels, body-color mudguards, tinted windows, and a back spoiler.

Access and also egress are very easy slide-in/slide-out maneuvers thanks to the Highlander's just-right elevation. Packing travel luggage into the back is generally easy, though in tight quarters, the upward-swinging liftgate may not have space to open up fully. Lifting things as much as the roof-mounted fastening rails also is additionally easy, due to the Highlander's relatively small 68-inch height.

The Highlander's interior is normally peaceful and comfy. Exposure is above ordinary thanks to the high perch and thin body pillars. Functional designs are superb; instrumentation and also controls are basic as well as easy to review. The total dash layout was daring when introduced and has actually matured well.

Second-row occupants have less legroom compared to in the Ford Freestyle or Mitsubishi Endeavor, yet it's comparable to that of a mid-size car. Two-across seats is rather comfy, and a third person is workable. The Highlander likewise sports enough storage space cubbies for front- and rear-seat travelers alike.

The third-row collapsible seat wased initially offered in 2004. Just kids will certainly have the ability to rush back there as well as be comfortable, as only 30.2 inches of knees-in-the-face legroom is available. The back row does get a fan-speed modification controls for the rear heating system, along with cup owners. Grab deals with as well as a convenient action in the rear-door opening greatly aid access to the 3rd row.

An available rear-seat DVD system can assist keep guests in either back row entertained, as well as a navigating system is optional to aid front-seat passengers with the journey.

The Highlander has a lot more common safety and security functions than practically any one of its competitors. Toyota presents every one of its SUVs with digital stability and grip control, anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force circulation, and emergency braking help. Hybrid versions utilize a brand-new, more advanced security system that runs extra transparently.

All sitting settings have height-adjustable headrests. Along with vehicle driver and front traveler dual-stage air bags, Highlander provides optional front-side airbags as well as initial- as well as second-row side-curtain inflatables. Toyota also fits each Highlander with a tire-pressure surveillance system as typical tools.

The National Highway Website traffic Security Administration provided the Highlander its highest possible marks (5 star) for front- and also side-impact accidents, as well as the basic security control system assists alleviate the threat of rollovers.

Toyota powertrains are recognized for improvement, quietness, and also integrity-- as well as the engines in the Highlander are no different. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine isn't offered on Limited designs and is rarely discovered mated to the all-wheel-drive alternative. The four-cylinder engine generally requires the five-seat plan, while the six-cylinder generally features 7 seats.

Updating to the six-cylinder engine is a tempting performance investment if you could manage the upgrade and subsequent procedure costs; its pep is appreciated if you have any kind of enthusiastic desires whatsoever, though this engine does call for 91-octane gasoline.

Non-hybrid Highlanders are packaged with either transmissions: A four-speed has the four-cylinder, while a five-speed gearbox is affixed to the V-6.

The Highlander has actually gone through just minor modifications since its intro and still drives comfortably, like its papa, the Camry. That implies light guiding, soft suspension, and also no aspiration to hurry. The unibody system reveals its merits when traveling, as a lack of roadway sound and a flexible ride established it aside from the truck-based SUVs of the world, such as Toyota's very own rugged 4Runner.

The all-wheel-drive model could be available in convenient in winter-weather areas, although front-wheel drive is sufficient for most environments and reduces both the preliminary price and fuel expenses relatively dramatically. The V-6 fasts enough to get you in and out of website traffic, and it feels durable on the freeway. The four-cylinder requires a bit more intending when making passing maneuvers. The Highlander's brakes and transmissions do their jobs effectively as well as without drama.

Highlanders include three-year/36,000- mile bumper-to-bumper and also roadside-assistance service warranties. The crossbreed model's distinct parts are necessitated for 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Why would certainly you select a Highlander from the Toyota sport/ute lineup, which will quickly number an overall of six? Basically: It trips like a midsize wagon as well as has even more space inside than the sprightly RAV4. Simply puts, it's a sensible means to get SUV area and seating without the excess.

A 2005 IntelliChoice Best Overall Value victor, the Highlander is a fantastic choice for many people, especially little families and also recreation-minded city slickers. Customers that plan on rock-crawling, or at least looking for adventure off the beaten track, however, must possibly check into something truck-based like a. Still, the V-6 Highlander can be equipped to tow up to 3,500 pounds-- enough to quickly draw a U-Haul trailer to university.

Constantly a prudent selection, the is a risk-free, polished midsize vehicle with none of the compromises required with a typical sport/ute.

Just what's Hot

Carlike flight and also economic situation
SUV-like room as well as exposure
Great deals of conventional security features
Exactly what's Not

Bland styling
Alternatives can swiftly improve rate
Lengthy lines for buying hybrid
The socially accountable Highlander crossbreed promises enhanced mileage and efficiency while showing off the owner's save-the-planet ideology. Upgrades for all 2005 Highlanders consist of typical keyless access, roof rails, and also a rear tonneau cover.

If your pocketbook could handle virtually $3,000 added to the Highlander's rate, we 'd suggest springing for Alternative Mix B, which brings side and side-curtain air bags, heated up outside rear-view mirrors, and also a sunroof. The Tow Preparation Bundle serves, also.