WASHINGTON — The three-row midsize crossover market is packed with solid choices to look at, and Toyota has one popular model with the Highlander.
With seating for up to eight people and a price that starts around $30,000, it checks many boxes that buyers are looking for. It never really appealed to me — I liked SUVs that looked tough and ready to go anywhere.
Last year, Toyota redesigned the popular Highlander and added a bit more curb appeal. It’s not quite a Toyota 4Runner, but it does look a bit more like an SUV now. Flared fenders and slightly bulging wheel arches give the appearance of a slightly more capable machine. Even the front and rear end styling has been updated, with a more serious look and less of the minivan that many crossovers have nowadays. The rear hatch is a neat touch — you can just open the glass to load things without having to open the whole hatch door.
The inside was given a work-over as well, with some upgraded materials and decent amount of space for people and cargo.
I drove the $41,910 XLE trim level which is mid-level for the Highlander. It comes nicely equipped with leather seating for seven; the second row consists of captain’s chairs instead of the usual bench seat. The front seats are heated and they prove comfortable, while the second row is also good, with nice leg and headroom. The third row is passable for most people on shorter trips, but would be better for children. It’s a bit easier to get back to the third row, but it’s still not the most room. It could be easier for some just to scoot in between the captain’s chairs.
The materials are better, with more soft-touch materials in the right places. There is a lot of storage in this Highlander, including a nifty area for stowing phones and other devices under the dash. It even has a cutout for cords and wires to prevent them from getting in the way. The radio knobs, however, could be a reach for smaller drivers, especially the tune knob on the right side.
Driving the Highlander, you get a solid feel on the road. It’s not sporty or flashy, but it does the job of hauling people and their things admirably. It does a nice job of moving along with the smooth V6 and a 6-speed automatic transmission that has smooth upshifts but can hurry when needed without any fuss. The cabin is quieter than past Highlanders, and even with its larger size it’s still easy to drive in town and after a few times parking you can get it into some tighter spaces. Toyota does offer a four-cylinder engine in some Highlanders, but I would steer clear — the V6 offers about the same fuel economy, and you get much-needed power.
I drove 335 miles and averaged 21 mpg of mixed driving, about 1 mpg better than the sticker says, and that was with regular fuel. There is also a hybrid version if you want better fuel economy.
The Toyota Highlander is a strong contender in the three-row midsize crossover class with an attractive and competitive price. Now with updated looks and an improved interior, this crossover has a solid foundation to build even more sales in the crowded midsize crossover class.
