The Highlander was launched in 2001 without an available third-row seat, an omission now corrected for the seven-passenger 2004 model.
Overall, this is a very functional, affordable and completely unpretentious crossover. In this group, it is the closest you will find to a station wagon, though a tall stance gives it the air of a sport-utility vehicle.
Third-row seating aside, Toyota has also given the rest of the Highlander a good once-over, with the most important change being under the hood. This model now comes with a 3.3-litre V-6 engine (230 hp), replacing the 220-hp 3.0-litre V-6. Quality is excellent and the price is relatively affordable for this group.
On the road: This is a quiet cruiser, with solid, if unspectacular, driving responses based on an all-independent strut suspension. For such a tall truck, the Highlander corners well and produces a comfortable and controlled ride.
Power train: The V-6 engine is shared with many other Toyota products, including the Sienna minivan. It has variable valve timing, throttle-by-wire and every other current engine technology. This is a virtually silent power plant and that seamless power is routed through a very good five-speed automatic transmission. Like others in this group, the all-wheel drive system is intended for bad weather traction, not bush-whacking.
(Note: A less-expensive Highlander is sold with a 160-hp 2.4-litre V-6, also with variable valve timing. It is twinned to a four-speed automatic. The four is not overly powerful, but it presents an offering not available from the competition.)
Styling: In a word, inoffensive. This is a squarely cut design, with little to make it jump out from the crowd. Toyota gave the Highlander a new grille for 2004, along with new bumpers, headlights and taillights.
Size/packaging: For 2004, Toyota redesigned the back half of the Highlander's floor. Changes include a reconfigured fuel tank to allow for a third row of seating that tucks into the floor.
But this is not a big seat. Kids can sit back there, but not full-size adults -- at least not comfortably.
Storage space with the third row in use is minimal. But the overall functionality of the cabin is quite good.
Safety: Very good crash test ratings, in no small part because front and side airbags are standard. So is anti-lock braking.
Bottom line: If you want an affordable, reliable crossover, one with good safety features, a strong resale value and comfortable driving manners, the Highlander is a good pick. But this is not a terribly exciting vehicle, just reasonable transportation.
2004 Toyota Highlander
Base price: $37,950
Engine: 3.3-litre V-6 (DOHC)
Output: 230 hp at 5,600 rpm; 242 lb-ft at 3,600
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 12.7 city; 9 highway
Drive system: All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 2,715 mm
Length: 4,688 mm
Width: 1,826 mm
Height: 1,745 mm
Max. towing capacity: 1,587
