Review: 2010 Toyota Highlander
#16
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I have to ask...
2010 Highlander Limited: $41,236
2010 Highlander Limited
or this:
2010 Lexus RX350 Premium (no Navi)-$41,156
2010 RX350 Premium
2010 Highlander Limited: $41,236
2010 Highlander Limited
or this:
2010 Lexus RX350 Premium (no Navi)-$41,156
2010 RX350 Premium
But, if you need the extra space, seating, and cargo capacity of the Highlander, then that's a different matter.
Good review though, as usual Mike.
Any reviews you can crank out, especially with my wife and I in the car-buying market right now, are well appreciated.
#17
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2. How would you rank the Highlander vs. the Pilot, CX9 and Veracruz?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Without writing another whole review in just a few sentences, basically I like the Highlander and Pilot about equally well for build quality. The Highlander has a more refined drivetrain; the Pilot better road manners. The CX-9 doesn't quite have the build quality (its reliability has been about average), but it also has good road manners. The Pilot's interior, IMO, though well-crafted, is a little plain and disappointing for my tastes.
#18
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It's sometimes hard to do a long review of this length and do a perfect job with typos at all. I appreciate you guys pointing them out.
Agreed...a hybrid four might (?) have given better mileage, but not guaranteed.....this is a big, heavy vehicle, and, even with the electric boost, the four would probably work pretty hard.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-23-10 at 08:48 AM.
#19
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Thanks.
The Limited's wood trim is a little orangish, but I still like its looks....I guess tastes like that will differ from person to person. The Sport model doesn't have any wood-tone at all.
Yes, if interior space is an issue, then go with the Highlander. But, for me, it would be hard to pass up the RX's unmatched refinement.
My daughter has a '10 loaded limited Highlander.
I agree with much of your review.I'm impressed with the ride quality and no rattles.
My daughter commute 110 miles a day and at 7K,not one issue.Not even the recall as her unit was made in Japan.
I find the wood accent cheap looking.The hybrid version wood looks much better.
I agree with much of your review.I'm impressed with the ride quality and no rattles.
My daughter commute 110 miles a day and at 7K,not one issue.Not even the recall as her unit was made in Japan.
I find the wood accent cheap looking.The hybrid version wood looks much better.
OC,my daughter had an '09 RX before the Highlander and found it to be much smaller.
The Highlander is much bigger inside and has a third seat.She paid $38K and has every option.About $5K cheaper than the RX comparably equipped.
The Highlander is much bigger inside and has a third seat.She paid $38K and has every option.About $5K cheaper than the RX comparably equipped.
#20
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Thanks.
The Limited's wood trim is a little orangish, but I still like its looks....I guess tastes like that will differ from person to person. The Sport model doesn't have any wood-tone at all.
Yes, if interior space is an issue, then go with the Highlander. But, for me, would be hard to pass up the RX's unmatched refinement.
The Limited's wood trim is a little orangish, but I still like its looks....I guess tastes like that will differ from person to person. The Sport model doesn't have any wood-tone at all.
Yes, if interior space is an issue, then go with the Highlander. But, for me, would be hard to pass up the RX's unmatched refinement.
No comparison when it comes to interior space.
I agree the RX is more refined.I just bought a '10 and it's so much better in just about every respect over the last generation RX.
My son in law isn't happy about the MPG in the Highlander.My daughter does about 80%-90% highway with her commute and she's getting 18 miles per gal.
Should be about 22+ according to the 17/23 rating.
#21
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Out of curiosity Mike, what do you prefer to the zig-zag shifter? My old 4Runners and Camrys had a straight-back shift pattern which IMO was rather mundane and cheap looking. The zig-zag pattern that they use now is decidedly more upscale looking and even feels better during operation, IMO.
#23
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Out of curiosity Mike, what do you prefer to the zig-zag shifter? My old 4Runners and Camrys had a straight-back shift pattern which IMO was rather mundane and cheap looking. The zig-zag pattern that they use now is decidedly more upscale looking and even feels better during operation, IMO.
Yes, I'll agree may "feel better" if you want to play around with the lever, but try shifting quickly and rocking a stuck car, back and forth, out of the snow with the zig-zags. You'll see what I mean. (Of course, most AWD SUVs don't usually get stuck in snowbanks to start with, unless you do something really dumb).
#24
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Opinions, of course, differ, on this. some of the smartest-looking wood is actually the matte, light-Birch found on some Volvos.
No comparison when it comes to interior space.
I agree the RX is more refined.I just bought a '10 and it's so much better in just about every respect over the last generation RX.
My son in law isn't happy about the MPG in the Highlander.My daughter does about 80%-90% highway with her commute and she's getting 18 miles per gal.
Should be about 22+ according to the 17/23 rating.
Should be about 22+ according to the 17/23 rating.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-23-10 at 08:36 AM.
#25
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I believe that the Highlander hybrid still utilizes the 3.3L V6, which is why its mileage ratings are less than stellar by today's standards. I wonder what Toyota will do. Will they put the identical powertrain from the RXh into the Highlander? Personally, I don't think it is worth the cost. A smaller engine, with less power would make more sense for this application. Whatever the case the 3.3L is certainly long in the tooth. However, I do see High Hy's all over the place so they must sell even at a $34k base price.
#26
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#27
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I was wondering the same thing when I looked at the specs, but the hybrid components themselves add weight, and, while I didn't actually sample it, there's reason to suspect, based on the performance of the all-gas V6, that the 2.7L just isn't enough engine for the Highlander, even in the lighter 2WD form.
#28
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I generally like flat, matte-wood trim, whether it is plastic or real. Highly-polished wood, while it may be glitzy, doesn't look natural, IMO.
Opinions, of course, differ, on this. some of the smartest-looking wood is actually the matte, light-Birch found on some Volvos.
Same way with the Pilot-vs.-MDX. The Pilot trades some luxury and interior trim for more usable space.
Yes, the 2010 RX is tomb-quiet, and the powertrain is silky-smooth, but the new suspension is slightly stiffer despite taller 60-series tires, and the computer-mouse with the NAV is not one of my favorite designs.
Does she drive around regularly with a load in the vehicle....or keep a bunch of unnecessary junk in the cargo area? Weight, of course, often subtracts from mileage. And even highway mileage is going to suffer if there are a lot of steep grades or traffic-jams on it. And does she pay attention to the tire-pressure indicators? Low tire pressure can also affect mileage.
Opinions, of course, differ, on this. some of the smartest-looking wood is actually the matte, light-Birch found on some Volvos.
Same way with the Pilot-vs.-MDX. The Pilot trades some luxury and interior trim for more usable space.
Yes, the 2010 RX is tomb-quiet, and the powertrain is silky-smooth, but the new suspension is slightly stiffer despite taller 60-series tires, and the computer-mouse with the NAV is not one of my favorite designs.
Does she drive around regularly with a load in the vehicle....or keep a bunch of unnecessary junk in the cargo area? Weight, of course, often subtracts from mileage. And even highway mileage is going to suffer if there are a lot of steep grades or traffic-jams on it. And does she pay attention to the tire-pressure indicators? Low tire pressure can also affect mileage.
Mike,I love the mouse vs the touch screen.Screen is higher,no lean over to touch screen and fingerprints.
The '10 is said to have 2 ply side windows upfront to bring down sound.
No real weight in vehicle and tires are at recommended pressure level.
I feel it's the 75 MPH on Rt 80 along with some traffic that kills her mileage.
Last edited by Joeb427; 04-23-10 at 08:49 AM.
#30
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