2005 toyota Highlander Reviews

2005 Toyota Highlander Reviews: Today, virtually every effective car company's schedule showcases a crossover vehicle, as well as for good factor: SUVs that ride on lighter supports flaunt superior gas-mileage numbers, a softer trip, and also less complicated ingress and egress. And they achieve these brochure-friendly peaks while still supplying the requisite four-wheel drive, in-command seats position, and roomy interior of their truck-descended equivalents-- though they do lack the towing capability as well as off-road merit of their beefier brethren. For automakers, these cars use reliable item advancement, as they inevitably share system as well as drivetrain aspects with other quantity designs. Sales of the prudent Highlander have enhanced continuously each year since its launch; in 2004, the Highlander was the top-selling crossover sport/ute on the marketplace.


2005 Toyota Highlander Reviews


By far the most significant Highlander information for 2005 is the introduction of the crossbreed version, the initial such SUV with sitting for seven. The crossbreed is available just as a seven-passenger design with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine mated to two, or when it comes to all-wheel-drive models, 3, high-speed electrical motors. Regardless of the amount of wheels are driven, general peak outcome is 268 horse power, making the hybrid's acceleration numbers much better compared to those of the regular V-6 Highlander, which puts out 220 equines. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive Highlander crossbreed at 33 mpg in the city as well as 28 on the freeway, as well as it's identified as a SULEV (very ultra reduced discharges car). Toyota still makes some truck-based SUVs, yet as even more people incline car-based and also hybrid designs, Toyota is leading the way toward having your SUV cake as well as eating it, as well.

Toyota develops Highlanders in 3 trim levels: base, Limited, and also crossbreed. These SUVs can be driven by front- or all-wheel-drive systems and fitted with seating for 5 or seven passengers. Power originates from either a 2.4-liter/ 155-horse four-cylinder or a 3.3-liter/ 220-horse V-6 engine. All Highlanders come with power doors and windows locks, cruise ship control, tilt guiding, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, and also a rear-window wiper with defroster. Restricted versions include services such as power front seats, an eight-speaker stereo, heated outside mirrors, and also an anti-theft system.

Toyota outfits the Highlander's basic two-box form with toned muscle mass lines in the body, providing an or else uninteresting outside some character. The Highlander flaunts a raised seats placement, without being an extremely tall automobile. Available look upgrades consist of 16-inch light weight aluminum wheels, body-color mudguards, colored windows, and a rear spoiler.

Ingress as well as egress are simple slide-in/slide-out maneuvers thanks to the Highlander's just-right elevation. Packing travel luggage into the back is generally easy, though in limited quarters, the upward-swinging liftgate may not have room to open up totally. Hoisting things up to the roof-mounted attachment rails also is also easy, due to the Highlander's fairly small 68-inch height.

The Highlander's interior is typically peaceful and comfortable. Presence is above average thanks to the high perch as well as slim body pillars. Comfort designs are excellent; instrumentation and also controls are straightforward and easy to review. The general dash style was daring when introduced as well as has aged well.

Second-row occupants have much less legroom than in the Ford Freestyle or Mitsubishi Venture, yet it approaches that of a mid-size sedan. Two-across seating is quite comfy, and a 3rd person is workable. The Highlander likewise sporting activities adequate storage space cubbies for front- as well as rear-seat passengers alike.

The third-row retractable seat was first provided in 2004. Just kids will be able to rush back there and also fit, as just 30.2 inches of knees-in-the-face legroom is available. The back row does get a fan-speed adjustment controls for the back heating unit, in addition to mug holders. Get hold of manages and also a convenient step in the rear-door opening profoundly help access to the third row.

A readily available rear-seat DVD system can assist keep guests in either back row amused, and a navigating system is optional to help front-seat passengers with the journey.

The Highlander has extra conventional safety attributes compared to just about any one of its competitors. Toyota bestows every one of its SUVs with electronic stability as well as traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, digital brake-force circulation, as well as emergency braking assist. Hybrid designs utilize a brand-new, advanced security system that operates more transparently.

All sitting positions have height-adjustable headrests. In addition to driver and front guest dual-stage airbags, Highlander offers optional front-side airbags as well as initial- and second-row side-curtain inflatables. Toyota likewise fits each Highlander with a tire-pressure tracking system as basic devices.

The National Freeway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Highlander its highest possible marks (5 star) for front- as well as side-impact collisions, and the common stability control system aids reduce the risk of rollovers.

Toyota powertrains are recognized for refinement, tranquility, and also integrity-- as well as the engines in the Highlander are no different. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine isn't really supplied on Minimal versions as well as is rarely located mated to the all-wheel-drive alternative. The four-cylinder engine almost always necessitates the five-seat plan, while the six-cylinder typically has seven seats.

Upgrading to the six-cylinder engine is an appealing performance financial investment if you could manage the upgrade and also succeeding procedure expenses; its pep is valued if you have any kind of passionate ambitions whatsoever, though this engine does need 91-octane gas.

Non-hybrid Highlanders are packaged with a couple of automatic transmissions: A four-speed features the four-cylinder, while a five-speed gearbox is attached to the V-6.

The Highlander has gone through just small changes since its intro and also still drives conveniently, like its papa, the Camry. That indicates light steering, soft suspension, as well as no ambition to hurry. The unibody system shows its merits when traveling, as a lack of roadway noise as well as a supple flight established it aside from the truck-based SUVs of the world, such as Toyota's very own tough 4Runner.

The all-wheel-drive model can be available in useful in winter-weather areas, although front-wheel drive is sufficient for most climates and reduces both the initial rate and gas expenses rather dramatically. The V-6 fasts sufficient to obtain you in and out of traffic, and also it really feels robust on the highway. The four-cylinder requires a little bit a lot more intending when making passing maneuvers. The Highlander's brakes as well as transmissions do their tasks efficiently and also without dramatization.

Highlanders have three-year/36,000- mile bumper-to-bumper and roadside-assistance service warranties. The crossbreed model's unique elements are necessitated for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Why would certainly you pick a Highlander from the Toyota sport/ute lineup, which will soon number an overall of 6? Basically: It trips like a midsize wagon and also has more room inside than the sprightly RAV4. In other words, it's an affordable way to obtain SUV room as well as seats without the excess.

A 2005 IntelliChoice Best Total Value winner, the Highlander is a terrific choice for many individuals, particularly little family members as well as recreation-minded city slickers. Consumers who plan on rock-crawling, or a minimum of seeking experience off the beaten track, nevertheless, ought to possibly check into something truck-based like a. Still, the V-6 Highlander can be furnished to tow as much as 3,500 extra pounds-- sufficient to conveniently draw a U-Haul trailer to university.

Always a sensible option, the is a risk-free, polished midsize lorry with none of the concessions needed with a standard sport/ute.

Just what's Hot

Carlike ride as well as economic climate
SUV-like space as well as exposure
Great deals of typical safety functions
Exactly what's Not

Dull styling
Choices could quickly increase cost
Lengthy lines for purchasing hybrid
The socially liable Highlander hybrid promises boosted mileage and efficiency while flaunting the proprietor's save-the-planet ideological background. Upgrades for all 2005 Highlanders consist of common keyless entrance, roof covering rails, as well as a rear tonneau cover.

If your wallet can manage almost $3,000 added to the Highlander's price, we would certainly recommend springing for Alternative Combination B, which brings side and also side-curtain air bags, heated outside rear-view mirrors, as well as a sunroof. The Tow Prep Plan is useful, as well.