Despite rising gas prices over the last couple years and a slumping economy, crossovers and sport utility vehicles continue to be one of the most popular vehicles segments in North America. Toyota seems to have figured this market out the best by offering both car-based crossovers and rugged SUVs for each size class. For the popular midsize market, Toyota offers both the 4Runner and the Highlander, but with the rugged 4Runner sales less than half of what it was in 2006, the equally roomy and more fuel-efficient Highlander has managed to continue selling over 100,000 units annually. For 2009, Toyota makes the Highlander even better by pairing its versatile crossover with a fuel-efficient engine shared with the RAV4 and Camry.

Although the current Highlander is currently built in Japan, Toyota says that future models will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Inc. in Princeton, Indiana. The 2009 Toyota Highlander is available in five trim levels (base, Sport, Limited, Hybrid and Hybrid Limited) with prices starting at $25,705, and it competes against midsize crossovers that include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot and Dodge Journey. Pricing for the base 2009 Toyota Highlander we drove wasn’t available, but after a few options and destination charges, we’re pegging the as-tested price to be less than $28,000. With competition (as well as other Highlander models) running easily into the mid to upper $30,000, it was refreshing to see how much a relative stripped-down base model offers in terms of standard equipment, ...

2009 Toyota Highlander Exterior

Unlike the Highlander’s car-based underpinnings, visually it shares a similar look with the rugged, full-size Land Cruiser. The second-generation Highlander debuted in 2008, so the overall design is carried over for the crossover’s sophomore year. In contrast to the original Highlander’s boxy design, the 2009 model still features smooth lines, but the upright and truck-like lines give it a more imposing presence compared to the competition. Up front, the large matte-black grille not only ties in the styling to other Toyota trucks and SUVs such as the Tundra, but it also helps to accentuate the Highlander’s wide stance, tall roofline and clean, muscular lines. Similar to the styling of the Tacoma-based 4Runner, the 2009 Highlander has pronounced wheel arches and a tall greenhouse for improved visibility. Our test model was finished off in a monochromatic Salsa Red Pearl paint job and 17-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels.

2009 Toyota Highlander Interior

Inside, the 2009 Highlander is much more conservative than its exterior would suggest, but it still offers the space and versatility expected from a midsize crossover. Like most Toyota models, the Highlander’s cabin is stylish but inoffensive. All the controls, dials and gauges are easy to see and use, but they are all very basic and straight forward, and most of the surfaces were trimmed in attractive materials and colors without looking gaudy. Even as a base model, our test vehicle had nice-looking chrome trim around the instrument gauges and cupholders, while the lower center stack and center console was covered in a light aluminum colored material. Below the manual air conditioning control unit, all Highlanders get a hidden cubby hole, auxiliary jack and power outlet for external media devices. Without the aux jack though, the standard audio head unit can accommodate CDs with MP3 and WMA music files.

While the front passengers get tall, supportive cloth seats, one of one of the Highlander’s trick features is the disappearing (and stowable) middle seat for the second row. Stored underneath the center console, the Highlander can transform to offer either second-row captain’s chairs or a three-passenger bench seat. The 40/20/40 split seat can slide fore and aft as well for increased comfort for second-row occupants. When the extra seat is not required, a small tray with cupholders can be installed in between the seats to allow for easier access to the rear seat, but only the right seat is able to tilt and slide forward. All Highlanders come standard with three rows of seats, but as an option the third-row can be deleted. The third row seat sits two children (or smaller adults) but offered surprising comfort thanks to tall headrests and decent back support. When the third-row seat is up, the Highlander offers 10.3 cubic feet of storage, but with it stored under the rear cargo mat, the Highlander can handle up to 42.3 cubic feet of cargo; with the second- and third-row seats folded, it allows for a maximum 95.4 cubic feet. For added comfort, our test model also offered manual rear A/C controls on the back of the center console.

2009 Toyota Highlander Performance & Handling

A new addition for the 2009 model year is the reintroduction of a fuel-efficient, four-cylinder engine. Available on the base two-wheel drive Highlander, the 2.7-liter DOHC inline-4 produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The advantage of the smaller displacement engine and extra gear in the transmission is obvious at the pump with EPA fuel economy estimates of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway (Highlander V-6 is rated at 17/23 and Highlander Hybrid is rated at 27/25). Unfortunately, the added benefits in fuel economy also equate to noticeably slower acceleration and performance giving up 83 horsepower and 62 lb-ft of torque compared to the 3.5-liter V-6. The fuel-efficient drivetrain won’t win any drag racing awards, but it does offer decent acceleration even when downshifting at highway speeds. Seeing as how the inline-4 is only available in the base 2WD model, the customers who buy this model are most likely concerned more with fuel economy and value rather than performance and acceleration anyway.

Even though it shares its basic chassis components with the Camry and Sienna minivan, all Highlander models (2WD and 4WD) feature a tall, rugged stance that can tackle moderately rough off-road trails. The Highlander, especially our 2WD model, was designed to tackled rough terrain if necessary with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 29 degrees and 24 degrees (for both 2WD and 4WD), respectively. As far as on-road manners go, the Highlander’s suspension is almost as smooth as the Camry from which it is derived. With a curb weight just under two tons and a center of gravity that is much higher than a passenger sedan, the Highlander is probably one of the best handling vehicles in its class when it comes to ride quality and handling. Those looking for a crossover that can tow may want to opt for the V-6 model as the base inline-4 can only handle trailers up to 3,500 pounds; V-6 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

2009 Toyota Highlander Safety

Had it not been for a four-star rating for rollover protection and front passenger in frontal impacts, the 2009 Toyota Highlander would have received a perfect score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the Highlander a little more favorable and named it an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2009. As with all Toyota SUVs, the 2009 Highlander will come standard with Toyota’s STAR safety system that includes vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and traction control in addition to interior safety devices such as seven airbags including a driver’s knee airbag, active head rests and front seat pretensioners and force limiters.

Summary

In the new car market, there are more than enough choices for customers to choose from when it comes to crossover SUVs, so Toyota aimed to distance the 2009 Highlander from the competition by giving it three rows of seats, a fuel-efficient engine and a rugged design. Even with the four-wheel drive model, the 2009 Toyota Highlander may not be as capable as the 4Runner when it comes to off-roading, but it offers impressive styling, fuel economy and value for a seven-passenger midsize crossover.