2001 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6

Toyota, once best known in America as an import automaker of reliable, economical, fuel-efficient small cars, has long since formally broadened its mission. Today, that includes becoming a driving force in the truck and sport-utility arena as well. With product ranging from an all-new RAV4 to a Tacoma Double-Cab to the full-size Tundra and its new runningmate, the Sequoia SUV, the firm has racked up an impressive track record on that side of the market, as well. Its latest offering, the all-new Highlander, represents a departure from both realms. However, as we quickly learned, it blurs the line between the world of cars and trucks in a most engaging way.

Distinctive body contours and flowing greenhouse shape help add a greater sense of style to the Highlander's neo-traditional bodywork.

In designing this mid-sized, mid-priced, 5-passenger crossover, Toyota sought to reach an emerging generation of owners who want the rugged looks and light-duty off-road capability of a conventional sport-utility, but demand the ride, handling and comfort and convenience touches of a passenger car. Joining the popular 4Runner as part of its "junior" SUV lineup, the Highlander provides an attractive alternative for those who desire Toyota quality and economy in a more refined package. If corporate research proves correct, a sizeable portion of the 70,000 or so buyers it should attract will be well-educated, family types. And Toyota anticipates the Highlander having particularly strong appeal to women.


Built on a unibody platform similar to that of Toyota's best-selling Camry sedan, the Highlander is available in both front- and 4-wheel drive configurations. While it shares that trait with its slightly more tone cousin, the Lexus RX 300, the Highlander does a better job of minimizing sticker shock by deleting some of the less critical frills and offering a choice of either a four- or a six-cylinder engine. While you won't find goodies like electoluminescent gauges or genuine walnut accents, this is no stripped-down SUV. Even the baseline Highlander—which starts at $23,995—comes with air conditioning, a 6-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD sound system, cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt steering column, dual 12V powerpoints, anti-lock brakes, and a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Despite faux wood trim, the rest of the Highlander's well-designed and well-finished passenger compartment is rich in comfort and convenience touches.

Stepping up to either all-wheel drive or V-6 power will add about $950 to that figure, and a V-6/4WD Highlander opens at $26,495. But even loaded with the $3,495 Limited Package (automatic climate control, keyless-remote entry, power driver's seat, faux-wood interior trim, aluminum wheels and numerous other comfort and convenience touches) plus every other factory and dealer option, you'd be hard pressed to take any Highlander much past $35,000. Dressed in Limited trim and fitted with an optional power moonroof, leather upholstery, seat heaters, limited-slip differential, premium JBL sound system and more, our V-6 all-wheel drive tester came in at $34,595, including destination.


Visually, the Highlander skews toward the look of a conventional SUV. Bold front and rear lighting units and standard 16-inch wheels with 225/70R16 all-season tires help foster a robust, outdoorsy attitude. However, well-finished sheetmetal balances basic angularity with just enough contour and proportion to impart a bit of upscale flair to the final mix. That recipe makes the Highlander appear as at home parked tentside by a lake as it does in the valet lot of a fine restaurant.