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The Highlander is Toyota's entry into the mid-size SUV market. It is a thoroughly well-thought-out and well-designed effort with all the quality you would expect from Toyota. Introduced for model year 2001, The Highlander continues to be the best-selling car-based midsize SUV on the market.

The company has extensively revised the Highlander for 2004, increasing power and performance, adding safety features and offering a new third row seat in specific models. Freshened front and rear exterior styling and numerous interior enhancements also distinguish the 2004 edition.

The new available third row seat expands Highlander's passenger capacity to seven and includes privacy glass, a rear heater system, and additional cupholders. "Walk-in" steps and second-row sliding seat make it easier to enter and exit the third row seat. The third row seat also folds completely flat into the floor to create added cargo space.

The Highlander is available in two-row and three-row models with two engines and a choice of front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. The Highlander gets more powerful engine choices for 2004, including a new and larger V6 that produces 230 horsepower, 10 more than the previous model. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine now produces 160 horsepower, five more than the 2003 model. At 22/27 mpg, the two-wheel drive four-cylinder Highlander is expected to continue to have the highest EPA estimated city and highway fuel mileage ratings of any midsize SUV.

A new 3.3-liter V6 engine has replaced the 3.0-liter V6 used previously. The new V6 produces 230 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 220 hp and 222 lb.-ft. for the V6 used in 2003 Highlander models. Teamed to a new five-speed automatic transmission with "snow" mode throttle-control start, the larger, more powerful V6 yields better performance than before. And, with EPA city/highway fuel economy estimated at 19/25 on the two-wheel drive and 18/24 on the four-wheel drive, the Highlander V6 continues to offer outstanding fuel economy. A new electronic throttle control provides more precise engine response and helps reduce emissions. An Active Control Engine Mount helps to reduce vibrations when idling.

For 2004, a redesigned front bumper, grill, headlights, fog lamps, rear bumper, and taillights freshen its distinctive look. The front bumper features integrated molding that accentuates its styling. New headlight clusters use overlapping cylindrical elements and a smooth lens for a clean, sporty appearance. The new taillight design likewise uses a cylindrical element and combination of clear and red lenses for a more modern look. Available 16-inch six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels now feature a high gloss finish. Standard 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels in the Limited model add to its refined attitude and also enhance handling response.

Models with a third row seat can accommodate two additional passengers, or the seat can be easily folded flat without removing the headrests when not in use. Third-row seat passengers are also assured of comfort for long trips thanks to 30.2 inches of legroom and a four-step reclining feature.

The Highlander combines a roomy and comfortable cabin with generous cargo space and versatility. Cargo volume behind the second-row seat measures 39.7 cubic feet, which expands to 80.6 cubic feet of space with the standard 60/40 split rear seat folded. The rear cargo area provides a 12v accessory power outlet.

An optional rear seat DVD entertainment center that plays movies and audio CD's can also be connected to video game players for second and third row occupants. A rear seat audio system, two wireless headphones, 115-volt AC power outlet and RCA input jacks are also included in the DVD entertainment system.

The Highlander also features Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with electronic traction control (TRAC) as standard for 2004 in both 2WD or 4WD models. VSC helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by detecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with torque intervention and/or by braking individual wheels.

The Highlander 4WD system divides engine power 50/50 front-to-rear, and TRAC controls potential slippage at any wheel. This type of 4WD system helps to handle wet and slippery road conditions with confidence.

Toyota's attention to real-life vehicle usage shows in thoughtful touches such as multiple interior storage compartments, an illuminated entry system and a full-size spare tire located under the vehicle to prevent impingement on cargo room. They thought of just about everything and it shows. We highly recommend the Highlander to anyone looking for a mid-size SUV. R&D