Toyota Highlander

Inconspicuous and sensible, the Highlander has what it takes to haul up to eight in quiet comfort. A 185-hp, 2.7-liter four-cylinder or optional 270-hp 3.5-liter V-6 both pair with a six-speed automatic; front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. A hybrid combines the V-6 with two electric motors for 280 hp. The Highlander provides an adequate driving experience with accurate steering and a well-controlled ride, but it’s more focused on interior niceties and storage.

In addition to the 3.3-liter engine, 2004 V6-powered models were equipped with a new five-speed automatic transmission, replacing a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 4-cylinder models continued to use the old 4-speed automatic transmission. This year also saw the introduction of the optional third row seat allowing for two additional passengers. The unibody was slightly modified behind the second row seats to include a depression in the trunk floor able to accommodate the optional third row seating. On models without third row seating, this depression was turned into a storage compartment. (Prior to 2004 the spare tire was accessible from inside the vehicle where the third row seating would subsequently be located; beginning in 2004 the spare tire is accessible from underneath the vehicle.) Subtle changes to the front grille, front and rear bumpers, and headlights round-out the major changes for the 2004 mid-cycle refresh.
Beginning in 2006, Highlanders sold in Canada are offered only in a V6 all-wheel drive configuration. Hybrid models are available with part-time four-wheel drive which Toyota refers to as 4WD-i where the rear wheels are powered by the separate electric motor. This system is intended for use on snow and ice, and is prone to overheating the rear electric motor off-road.^[5]

2003–2007 Toyota Kluger Grande, Australia

The Japanese and Australian Kluger was released with a centre console integrated with the dashboard, while the North American Highlander initially lacked this integrated centre console. The integrated centre console was introduced in all U.S. Highlanders and in Canadian Limited Highlanders in the 2002 model year, and in all Canadian Highlanders in the 2003 model year. However, for these early Highlanders without the integrated centre console, a smaller non-integrated stand-alone centre console was available as an option, which was installed at the factory or could be installed by the dealer.