Toyota Highlander 2005

Toyota Highlander 2005: Today, virtually every successful car business's schedule features a crossover car, as well as permanently factor: SUVs that ride on lighter underpinnings flaunt premium gas-mileage figures, a softer flight, and also much easier access as well as egress. As well as they achieve these brochure-friendly peaks while still using the requisite all-wheel drive, in-command seats setting, and roomy inside of their truck-descended equivalents-- though they do lack the lugging ability as well as off-road worthiness of their beefier brethren. For automakers, these automobiles use efficient product advancement, as they invariably share system and also drivetrain elements with other quantity versions. Sales of the sensible Highlander have actually enhanced continuously yearly considering that its release; in 2004, the Highlander was the top-selling crossover sport/ute on the market.


Toyota Highlander 2005


Without a doubt the greatest Highlander news for 2005 is the intro of the hybrid version, the initial such SUV with seatsing for seven. The hybrid is offered just as a seven-passenger model with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine mated to two, or in the case of all-wheel-drive models, 3, high-speed electric motors. Regardless of the number of wheels are driven, general peak result is 268 horse power, making the hybrid's acceleration numbers much better than those of the normal V-6 Highlander, which produces 220 equines. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive Highlander hybrid at 33 mpg in the city and 28 on the freeway, and it's classified as a SULEV (incredibly ultra low discharges car). Toyota still makes some truck-based SUVs, however as even more individuals incline car-based as well as hybrid designs, Toyota is blazing a trail toward having your SUV cake as well as consuming it, as well.

Toyota builds Highlanders in 3 trim levels: base, Limited, and hybrid. These SUVs can be driven by front- or all-wheel-drive systems and fitted with seating for five or seven travelers. Power originates from either a 2.4-liter/ 155-horse four-cylinder or a 3.3-liter/ 220-horse V-6 engine. All Highlanders feature power windows and door locks, cruise ship control, tilt steering, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, and a rear-window wiper with defroster. Minimal designs include features such as power pole position, an eight-speaker stereo, heated outside mirrors, and an anti-theft system.

Toyota gowns the Highlander's basic two-box form with toned muscular tissue lines in the body, giving an otherwise boring exterior some character. The Highlander flaunts a raised seating position, without being an excessively high lorry. Readily available appearance upgrades include 16-inch aluminum wheels, body-color mudguards, tinted home windows, as well as a back looter.

Access as well as egress are very easy slide-in/slide-out maneuvers thanks to the Highlander's just-right elevation. Filling baggage right into the rear is typically easy, though in tight quarters, the upward-swinging liftgate might not have space to open completely. Raising things up to the roof-mounted fastening rails likewise is likewise very easy, because of the Highlander's relatively modest 68-inch height.

The Highlander's inside is normally silent and also comfy. Exposure is above average thanks to the high perch and also thin body pillars. Ergonomics are excellent; instrumentation and also controls are basic and simple to check out. The total dash design was bold when presented as well as has actually aged well.

Second-row passengers have much less legroom than in the Ford Freestyle or Mitsubishi Venture, however it approaches that of a mid-size car. Two-across seating is fairly comfortable, as well as a third person is manageable. The Highlander also sporting activities adequate storage cubbies for front- and rear-seat guests alike.

The third-row collapsible seat wased initially supplied in 2004. Just youngsters will certainly have the ability to clamber back there as well as be comfortable, as just 30.2 inches of knees-in-the-face legroom is available. The back row does get a fan-speed modification controls for the back heater, together with cup owners. Get takes care of and also a convenient action in the rear-door opening exceptionally aid ingress to the third row.

An offered rear-seat DVD system could assist maintain passengers in either back row delighted, and also a navigation system is optional to help front-seat guests with the trip.

The Highlander has extra basic security features than just about any one of its rivals. Toyota presents all its SUVs with digital stability and traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force circulation, as well as emergency braking help. Crossbreed designs use a brand-new, more advanced stability system that operates more transparently.

All seatsing positions have height-adjustable headrests. In addition to vehicle driver as well as front traveler dual-stage air bags, Highlander offers optional front-side airbags and first- as well as second-row side-curtain inflatables. Toyota also fits each Highlander with a tire-pressure tracking system as standard devices.

The National Highway Web traffic Security Management provided the Highlander its highest possible marks (5 star) for front- and also side-impact accidents, and also the conventional security control system helps reduce the risk of rollovers.

Toyota powertrains are known for refinement, quietness, as well as integrity-- as well as the engines in the Highlander are no various. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine isn't supplied on Restricted models and also is rarely discovered mated to the all-wheel-drive choice. The four-cylinder engine almost always necessitates the five-seat bundle, while the six-cylinder generally features seven seats.

Upgrading to the six-cylinder engine is a tempting performance financial investment if you can pay for the upgrade as well as subsequent procedure expenses; its pep is appreciated if you have any kind of passionate goals whatsoever, though this engine does call for 91-octane fuel.

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

The Highlander has actually gone through only minor modifications because its intro as well as still drives easily, like its papa, the Camry. That suggests light steering, soft suspension, as well as no ambition to rush. The unibody system shows its merits when driving, as a lack of roadway sound and a supple ride set it aside from the truck-based SUVs of the globe, such as Toyota's own rugged 4Runner.

The all-wheel-drive version could be available in useful in winter-weather areas, although front-wheel drive is sufficient for a lot of environments as well as reduces both the first cost and also gas prices relatively dramatically. The V-6 is quick sufficient to obtain you in and out of traffic, and also it feels durable on the freeway. The four-cylinder needs a little bit extra planning when making passing maneuvers. The Highlander's brakes and transmissions do their jobs successfully as well as without drama.

Highlanders feature three-year/36,000- mile bumper-to-bumper and also roadside-assistance warranties. The hybrid design's unique parts are warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Why would certainly you choose a Highlander from the Toyota sport/ute schedule, which will quickly number a total of six? Basically: It rides like a midsize wagon as well as has more area inside compared to the sprightly RAV4. In other words, it's a practical way to get SUV space as well as seating without the unwanted.

A 2005 IntelliChoice Ideal Total Worth victor, the Highlander is a terrific selection for many individuals, particularly little family members as well as recreation-minded urbanites. Consumers that plan on rock-crawling, or at the very least looking for experience off the beaten path, nonetheless, should possibly look into something truck-based like a. Still, the V-6 Highlander can be equipped to tow approximately 3,500 extra pounds-- enough to easily draw a U-Haul trailer to college.

Constantly a sensible option, the is a safe, polished midsize vehicle with none of the compromises needed with a typical sport/ute.

What's Hot

Carlike flight and economic situation
SUV-like area and also presence
Lots of standard safety functions
What's Not

Dull styling
Options could rapidly improve price
Long lines for purchasing crossbreed
The socially responsible Highlander crossbreed guarantees enhanced gas mileage and also efficiency while displaying the owner's save-the-planet ideology. Upgrades for all 2005 Highlanders consist of conventional keyless entry, roofing system rails, and also a rear tonneau cover.

If your wallet could handle almost $3,000 tacked on to the Highlander's rate, we 'd recommend springing for Choice Combination B, which brings side and also side-curtain air bags, warmed outside rear-view mirrors, and a sunroof. The Tow Preparation Plan is useful, too.