2005 Toyota Highlander 

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Summary 

The Toyota Highlander has become the best-selling vehicle of its type, a car-based midsize sport-utility vehicle. The 2005 Toyota Highlander offers a choice of four-cylinder or V6, with front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive.

Full Review 2005 

First introduced as a 2001 model, the Highlander was substantially revised for 2004. The 2005 Toyota Highlander adds standard features that were optional. The Highlander remains the easiest of motoring companions. Seating for five comes standard, with an optional third-row seat to carry up to seven passengers, though they'd be cramped. The third row folds flat and the second-row seat folds nearly so, revealing 80 cubic feet of cargo space, more than a Toyota 4Runner. The Highlander offers a relatively soft, smooth ride for an SUV and the interior is unusually quiet and free of wind noise and engine vibration. Equipped with the larger 3.3-liter V6 and all-wheel-drive, the Highlander offers strong power and secure handling in nasty weather. Highlander offers much of what made the Lexus RX 300 popular, but without Lexus-sized monthly payments.

Trims and Styling 2005 

The Toyota Highlander is available in base or Limited trim, each with either front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. A new 3.3-liter V6 that produces 230 horsepower is optional on the base Highlander and standard on the Limited. Four-cylinder models come with a four-speed automatic transmission; V6 models get a five-speed automatic.

The base four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive model ($24,080) comes with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, cloth upholstery, sophisticated anti-lock brakes, seating for five, and electronic stability control (VSC). The all-wheel-drive model ($25,480) is similarly equipped. Highlander Limited 2WD ($29,980) and 4WD ($31,380) come standard with V6 and third-row seat as standard equipment. The Limited also gets automatic climate control, an eight-speaker JBL sound system, eight-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, four-way power passenger seat, 17-inch aluminum wheels, roof rack, fog lights, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with security system and engine immobilizer, wood-grain interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and other amenities.

Leather-trimmed seating (Ivory or Ash Gray) is available for the Limited ($670) or base model ($2,255). A new low-tire-pressure warning system is standard. The 2006 Highlander Hybrid combines a 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors. Highlander's front bumper, light clusters and grille were revised for 2004 and remain essentially the same to this day. Highlander's front and rear overhangs are relatively large, tending more toward a station wagon look.

Entry, both for cargo and for people, is easier in the Highlander than in truck-based SUVs. There are walk-in steps and a second-row sliding seat to help access the third row of seats.

While the Toyota 4Runner is basically a truck, the Highlander is essentially a car. Two-wheel-drive versions are front-wheel drive, not rear-wheel drive. For commuting and transporting the family, the Highlander is the better, more comfortable choice. Properly equipped, Highlander can tow up to 3,500 pounds, not all that much by truck standards.

Interior Styling 2005 

Few vehicles are easier to get in and out of than the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander will not likely ever annoy you. Highlander comes with reclining front bucket seats in front. The center of the second-row seat folds down into an arm rest with cup holders, adding comfort, and the seats recline for additional comfort. The second-row seat slides forward to make access to the third row easier, and to provide more legroom for third-row passengers.

Our knees rode high, there's minimal leg room, hip room and shoulder room. Also, the side-curtain airbags do not protect third-row passengers as they do in a Toyota Sienna minivan. Highlander's third-row seat does fold flat into the floor, with no need to remove the headrests, so you still get the greater cargo-carrying utility of an SUV. Third-row seats are packaged with rear privacy glass, a rear heater system with separate fan controls, and additional cup holders.

Interior trim and fabrics in all Highlanders are conservative and generally tasteful. This opens up the space between the front seats. Highlander provides a large amount of cargo space: 80.6 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded. The second row does not fold perfectly flat, but the third row folds flat and does not take up cargo space. Opening up the third-row seat leaves only 10.5 cubic feet behind it for cargo. The Honda Pilot offers more cargo space.

First Drive 2005 

The Toyota Highlander is easy to drive and operate. The Highlander is quieter than truck-based SUVs both in engine and road noise. The standard front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder Highlander makes a superb wagon for the city and suburbs, especially now that traction control and stability control are standard equipment. The four-cylinder engine offers good power. The four-cylinder Highlander comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. Highlander feels at home around town, amidst traffic lights and parking seekers. Rolling into suburbia, the Highlander fits right in. Toyota's electronic Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) is now standard on all Highlanders. VSC can detect sliding of either the front or rear wheels and it reduces engine power and/or applies the brakes on individual wheels to correct the Highlander's course.

Braking is certain and smooth. Standard on all Highlanders are anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. ABS helps the driver maintain steering control under hard braking. All-wheel-drive Highlanders use a permanently engaged system that splits torque 50/50 front/rear, and relies on the traction control to limit slippage at any wheel.

2005 Highlander Conclusions

Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice as a versatile, no-hassle 4WD wagon. Its ease of operation and convenience features make it eminently easy to live with. Highlander carries four people in comfort, seven in a pinch, and hauls a lot of stuff. For another look, first drive, and pricing check out Edmunds.com. It is a competent all-weather performer. Toyota's reputation for quality, durability and reliability should mean trouble-free ownership and a strong resale value. Highlander provides what most people want from a modern, on-road sport-utility.