2001 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6

Standard 60/40 rear split-bench seat makes for an easy transition from hauling people to carrying cargo.

Inside, this versatile newcomer continues to mix ruggedness with refinement. The white-on-black analog gauges are easy to read and the controls and switchgear are logically positioned. A central prominence in the lower dash replaces the conventional center console, effectively holding the shift lever and allowing pass-through access to the rear seat. Sprinkled throughout the passenger compartment are a half dozen cupholders and numerous cubbies and storage nooks. On the passive-safety front, the Highlander comes standard with dual front airbags, side-impact door beams, and 3-point belts with pretensioners for all five passengers. Front-side bags are offered as options.


Forward seating is courtesy of comfortable and reasonably supportive captain's chairs while a 60/40 split bench does the honors quite capably in the Highlander's adult-scaled aft quarters. Beyond that lies a generous 38.5 cubic foot cargo bay that can be expanded to carry 81.4 cubic feet of your favorite stuff by simply flipping and folding the cushions. Access is via a large, single-piece hatch that is supported by twin gas-pressure struts. For those needing more than just internal stowage, the Highlander's 2,000-pound base tow capacity (1,500 pounds with the I-4 engine) can be upped to 3,500 pounds (or 3,000 with the I-4) by opting for the factory trailering package.

Fortified with a host of high-tech touches, the Highlander's free-revving 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 makes a solid 220 horsepower and 222 lb.-ft. of torque.

When it comes to engines, Toyota believes that most Highlander buyers will bypass the slightly more fuel-efficient 155-horsepower/2.4-liter DOHC I-4 in favor of the more-powerful 3.0-liter V-6. Fortified with a host of high-tech touches, including variable valve timing and dual-length intake runners, this 24-valve twin-cammer boasts an additional 65 ponies in the corral as well as 222 lb.-ft. of torque (the 2.4 makes 163). At the track, that extra muscle yeilded quite respectable acceleration—0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds and a quarter-mile pass in 16.4 ticks at 82.3 mph. On the road, it meant being able to easily keep pace with traffic regardless of terrain or passenger loads. Kudos also go to the Highlander's smooth-shifting electronically controlled automatic transmission, which incorporates grade-logic circuitry that effectively holds cogs on downhill runs.

Stable, maneuverable and far more capable than you might expect, the Highlander promises to make transitioning into the world of SUVs a totally painless exercise.

Even sport-ute neophytes will find transitioning into a Highlander a remarkably stress-free experience. Thanks to its elevated seating position, well-weighted power rack-and-pinion steering and compact 38.4-foot turning circle, navigating through rush-hour traffic or crowded parking lots is a breeze. The Highlander's 4-wheel disc brakes are also confidence builders, halting our 3,880-pound tester from 60 mph in a very car-like 126 feet. Fully independent strut/strut suspension on both front- and all-wheel-drive models does a first-rate job of blending comfort and control. For those who want the maximum security, both traction control and stability control are available as options. Despite the 4x4 Highlander's healthy 7.3 inches of ground clearance—enough to permit at least modest adventures well beyond the pavement's end—a relatively wide track and low overall height virtually eliminate the "tippy" feeling that plagues many conventional SUVs. Finally, dedicated noise-abatement efforts and generous use of sound deadener help minimize unwanted aural excitement even at super-legal cruising speeds.


If it sounds like we couldn't find much to criticize about the new Highlander, you're right. Hard-core rock hoppers and those suffering from mega-ton tow fetishes should most assuredly continue to look elsewhere. But for those who find comfort, convenience, flexibility and overall economy far more pertinent issues, this new Toyota has "big time winner" written all over it. (www.toyota.com)