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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2007 Toyota Highlander

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Highlander

Overview

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2007 Toyota Highlander Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Highlander is one of the most popular crossover SUVs on the market. Built on the Toyota Camry platform, the Highlander embodies the handling and safety attributes of a car while providing the interior room and versatility of a big SUV. Although the newest version offers seating for seven, the Highlander's modest size precludes its third-row seat from prolonged adult use. We think the best iteration is the five-passenger model, which offers a good balance between people and cargo space. Although pricey, consumers will find its excellent long-term service history and high resale value make this SUV a worthy investment.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Highlander is perfect for buyers who usually find themselves in a station wagon, but would prefer the ride height and all-wheel-drive traction of an SUV. With the Highlander, you can have the best of both vehicles.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Highlander does not look like a rugged SUV, which may pose a problem for the image-conscious. V6 models can be pricey, especially when you start adding options.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2007, front side-impact airbags and front and second-row side-curtain airbags are standard equipment. A new Sport trim joins the line and features an upgraded exterior, 17-inch wheels and a V6 engine, while four-wheel-drive models receive a sport-tuned suspension.

Driving the Highlander

Driving Impressions Though the four-cylinder engine is certainly capable, the V6 can better deal with the added weight and power requirements of an all-wheel-drive system. The Highlander's full-time four-wheel drive is not...

designed for rugged off-road use, but it does work extremely well when encountering deep snow, mud or steep slippery roads—certainly more typical situations than actually pounding through the wilderness.

On the road the Highlander feels solid—almost tank-like. Wind and road noise are practically nonexistent and the engine emits a sweet, smooth melody as if it were almost delighted to be at your service. The only time you may experience a break in the Highlander's interior lull is if you lower only one of the rear windows. This action seems to cause a greater-than-usual amount of wind buffeting, which can be neutralized by either opening another window or venting the sunroof.

Favorite Features

Optional Rear-Seat DVD Player
The optional rear-seat DVD player should keep the little ones happy on long road trips.

New Navigation System
A new navigation system is now optional on the Limited model.

2007 Toyota Highlander Details

Interior

The Highlander's supportive front bucket seats have wide bottoms and a good amount of lower lumbar support. Rear-seat passengers are treated to a standard folding center armrest and large cup holders built into the rear doors. The Highlander's rear seats can be folded down to form a perfectly flat floor, a useful feature when loading long or heavy objects. When equipped with the optional third-row seat, the second-row seat includes a slide-forward feature to allow easy entry and exit. A standard center console fills the void between the front seats. The console has two large adjustable cup holders, a deep center storage area and a floor-level storage tray.

Exterior

The base Highlander's boxy, upright stature and absence of chrome on the grille and sides give it the appearance of a tall station wagon rather than a rough-and-tumble SUV. The Sport model adds a few more highlights, such as color-keyed grille and mudguards, chrome door handle inserts and chrome exhaust tips, giving it a racier appearance. The low step-in height allows for easy entry and exit, as well as permits easy access to the roof rack. The Highlander's long rear doors also make it easy to enter and exit the available third-row seat.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Highlander features a 2.4-liter engine, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), four-speed automatic transmission, traction control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, air conditioning, rear defroster, illuminated entry, auto-off headlamps, dual power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette, tilt wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitor, power windows, styled steel wheels and a rear wiper/washer. Limited models have a V6 engine, automatic air-conditioning, a five-speed automatic transmission, tonneau cover, fog lights, garage door opener, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, JBL audio, eight-way power driver's and four-way power passenger's seat, alloy wheels, wood trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls.

Optional Equipment

Options include four-wheel drive, a third-row split bench seat, leather seats, power driver's and passenger's seats, power glass moonroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, fog lights, JBL audio and DVD navigation (Limited model only).

Under the Hood

The Highlander's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is fairly perky for its size and certainly delivers impressive fuel economy. We recommend this engine to those who need to keep the price as low as possible. For those who need—or want—the added passing and merging power, the 3.3-liter V6 is the best choice. Its smooth operation and excellent low-end torque are exactly the attributes we've come to expect of Toyota engines, and it is also relatively easy on gas.

2.4-liter in-line 4
155 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 (2WD), 20/25 (4WD)

3.3-liter V6
215 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
222 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 (2WD), 18/24 (4WD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Toyota Highlander vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2007 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 674 Ratings for the 2001 - 2007 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.0/10

toyota rocks!

By birdiewatch (FL) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,050

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "reliable, retains value, well designed -so comfy"

Cons: "dealers may cheat you go to indy mechanic"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is our 3rd Toyota, bought 2 more after this for the kiddos-a RAV and a Camary. Just change the oil and rotate- balance the tires!!! That's all you have to do to maintain it-unfortunately the dealers don't make enuff-so watch out-last service visit-said they needed to put in a new batt-I replied but you just sold me one-'oh-oh' so they gave me 1/3 credit and I think didn't put a new one in so as a result when I sell this one soon will probably replace with a VW!"

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I have found this car to be dependable

By Mary Beth (International) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 93,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Not too big, great gas mileage, low maintenance"

Cons: "with third row in use not much storage for travel."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have never had a break down of any type. Minor replacements (lights etc) are simple and easy. The value for our investment has more than pleased us. We would not be selling now if we could take it with us. The performance and fuel consumption are great for this size vehicle and the third row seeting has been a great asset."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Made me a devoted Toyota Family

By pulpitt (SD) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 211,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Dependable, solid runner, w/ AWD never been stuck"

Cons: "Style is boxy, auxilary power inconveniently place"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought this car with about 50,000 miles on it in 2006... have done nothing to it but put gas in it... changed the oil and air filters. brakes and tires... it's been to CA when my son moved their for 6 months. Survived snow storms in SD and only reason I'm getting rid of it is my wife commutes with it 60 miles round trip each day and the 22-24 MPG just isn't very cost effective. We found a good deal on a used Toyota Prius that is said to get about double the mileage of the Highlander."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Very comfortable riding car.

By Andy (FL) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Does not attract attention, not ostentacious."

Cons: "All seats are kind of uncomfortable on long trips."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have had this vehicle since it was new. It is a comfortable, stable, easy to drive car, with plenty of power in the 3.4 liter V-6 when you ask for it. Fuel economy is ok, consistently 22 to 24 highway and 19 to 20 around town, regardless of load. The transmission is a little clunky at low speeds in our neighborhood, as it searches for the right gear at 20 to 25 mph, depending on throttle setting. Solution, don't drive that speed. Probably the nicest car I have ever owned. Hope to drive it for 5 more years!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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still a great unit

By blue (CA) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "well made vehicle, mileage & performance r good,"

Cons: "wish they had prw passenger seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Bought it new. Has been virtually trouble free. still a great car. have kept it serviced by Toyota except for tires, battery, and wiper blades! Plan to keep it for a while too."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love my SUV driving till she dies

By Kimsuepow (OH) on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 166,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great everything!! Love everything about it"

Cons: "Price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have a lot of miles on this vehicle and I am really bad at maintenance ! I drive and drive and expect my car to take care of me not me take care of car!! I can't complain about anything. Did have to have bearings replaced but that's it in 10 yrs, also this SUV is made for a women it's low enough to ground not to have to jump up in with business suit on and is awesome in snow!! Highly recommend and don't ever want to be without"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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