2009 Toyota Highlander

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The Highlander travels comfortably and smoothly. This high level of comfort is found in all five Highlander models. It looks grand on the outside. Inside the cabin, critical inches of legroom and cubic feet of cargo space add up to one thing: accommodations that give Highlander great seating comfort and ergonomic efficiency.

Highlander comes with a third-row bench seat that easily accommodates two passengers. This stadium seating arrangement allows each row to rise higher than the previous row, enhancing the sense of space for those riding in the third row. Seat cushions and seatbacks are designed to be wide and tall to achieve exceptional seating comfort. Rear air adds to that sense of comfort to all seven passengers.

The basic price for the Highlander is just over $25,000. I would recommend the backup camera and the large side mirrors, which allow a better view of what is behind you and complement the dash-mounted multi-information display, and adds a few hundred dollars to the price.

The 2.7 187 HP DOHC 4-cycle engine with VVTi ( variable valve timing), gives you all the needed power to enhance the front wheel drive and 4-wheel suspension and the 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. The EPA fuel economy estimates were 20 city mpg and 27-highway mpg, which I bested by about two miles per gallon for each estimated mpg.

Don’t worry if you get a little rain or snow, or even a lot of rain or snow. The 4WD System provides the strength to smooth out the bumps and pull through the moisture—whether it is liquid or frozen.

For a little more power, you may want to choose the V6 engine. It too is fuel-efficient and comes with 270HP and 3.5-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) 24-valve V6 with dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVTi).

There were four features that enhanced the driving experience of the Highlander. Hill Start Assist Control, which helps ensure smooth hill starts by applying break pressure to all four wheels for approximately two seconds in order to hold Highlander and prevent rollback. Downhill Assist Control helps to control the vehicle during a steep descent to maintain a constant speed, and elevate the skid should you use the brakes. Vehicle Stability Control helps prevent the vehicle from losing traction while cornering in wet and challenging conditions.

Traction Control uses Highlander’s advanced breaking technologies to help control wheel spin when starting or accelerating on slippery surfaces.

Antilock brakes, AM/FM/CD, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and lots of other convenient, comfortable, and safety items make driving the Highlander a fun and safe experience.

Durhl Caussey writes a syndicated car column read around the world. He may be reached at this publication or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .