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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Toyota Highlander

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

Overview

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2009 Toyota Highlander Review

By KBB.com Editors

The first Highlander arrived in 2001 as Toyota's third car-based crossover SUV, following the compact RAV4 and the mid-size luxury Lexus RX 300. As the Toyota brand's more affordable version of the RX, it, like the RX, was built on the Camry sedan platform. And like its Lexus cousin, the Highlander has been very successful. Although its styling is far from distinctive, the Highlander offers its owners multiple benefits that include excellent ratings in the areas of safety, service and reliability, not to mention resale. For 2009, a new four-cylinder model is added, promising better fuel economy and a lower base price. There's also a hybrid model which is reviewed separately.

You'll Like This Car If...

If a well-regarded mid-size crossover with an optional third row tops your wish list, you should take a good look at this one. It's feature-laden, neither too big nor too small and should prove reliable for many years.

You May Not Like This Car If...

For buyers with more specialized needs or wants, the Highlander's well-rounded personality might not be as appealing as the sporty character of the Mazda CX-9 or Ford Flex. Similarly, the Highlander can't match the higher towing capacity of the Ford Explorer or Nissan Pathfinder.

What's New for 2009

A new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is added to the base two-wheel drive trim. Also, a number of stand alone options have been bundled into six new packages offering savings from $300 to $1,200, depending upon the model.

Driving the Highlander

Driving Impressions We drove one of our test Highlander Limited 4x4s in intermittent rain on alternating wet and dry asphalt and found it confidence-inspiring all the while. Even if it isn't as...

fast as the V6 version of the RAV4, its little brother, the Highlander's 270-horsepower V6 is about as silky and powerful as you'll find in the category. Informal zero-to-60 miles-per-hour acceleration tests showed the Highlander to accelerate with sport sedan alacrity, while we noted fuel economy ranging between 16 and 20 miles per gallon. Except for its still difficult-to-access third row, the Highlander's seating was roomy and comfortable, and its ride, handling and braking excellent.

Favorite Features

Center Stow Seat
This clever feature allows the second row of seats to be converted from three-across to two-across seating, opening a convenient pass-through area to access the third-row seats. The seat stows easily out of sight in the center console.

Hill-Start and Downhill Assist Control
If you live in rolling terrain, you'll appreciate these features that prevent the Highlander from rolling backward at a stop on steep up-grades and controls downhill speed (on non-hybrid four-wheel drive models) during slippery descents.

2009 Toyota Highlander Details

Interior

The new Highlander's spacious interior is at once conservative, functional and attractive. Nice touches include huge round knobs for the primary radio and climate controls – easy to find and operate even while wearing gloves – and plenty of convenient spots for things like drinks and cell phones. The steering wheel offers manual tilt and telescope adjustment and, on Limited models, easy-to-access audio and climate control buttons. The reclining second-row seats also slide 4.7 inches fore-aft and offer a lift-out middle seat cushion for pass-through into the rear row, while the bigger new third row can comfortably accommodate not only children but even limber adults, at least on shorter trips.

Exterior

Styled in California, the 2009 Highlander design intentionally moves away from traditional SUV styling. Toyota says it makes a statement of strength instead of ruggedness, intelligence over toughness. We can tell you that it is an attractive vehicle that is designed more to blend into the automotive landscape than stand out from it. While it's definitely more curvaceous than the original Highlander, it offers a traditional SUV profile but is lower and more car-like, which makes sense based on its Camry roots. It is not as distinctive as the Hyundai Veracruz or the Buick Enclave crossovers, for instance, but it is handsome. Available 19-inch wheels help balance the more substantial look.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base front-wheel-drive Highlander rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and comes with halogen headlamps, AM/FM/CD MP3/WMA-capable six-speaker stereo, tilt/telescope steering wheel, interchangeable Center Stow seat and center console and an aerodynamic rear spoiler. The V6 trim adds a hideaway third-row seat. Standard safety features include seven airbags, stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. The Sport trim adds 19-inch wheels/tires, a back-up camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-CD changer and a 3.5-inch multifunction display. The top-of-the line Limited coddles its owners with full leather and woodgrain trim, power front seats, dual-zone climate control and a "smart" keyless entry and ignition system.

Optional Equipment

Options available on the base V6 Highlander include a two-row seating package that eliminates the standard third-row seat, manual rear heating/air conditioning for the second and third rows, a cargo-area tonneau cover and a tow-prep package. Stepping up to a Sport or Limited brings a much broader spectrum of add-ons, most notably front dual-zone automatic climate control (standard on Limited), automatic rear air conditioning, multi-stage heated leather front seats, power moonroof, rear-seat entertainment system, power liftgate and a navigation system with premium audio, voice activation and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Four-wheel drive models are available in all V6 grades.

Under the Hood

The 2009 Highlander gets a new 2.7-liter four cylinder engine available on the base trim only. The 2.7-liter is near the top of its class in the areas of fuel efficiency and power, with 187 horsepower on tap and upwards of 27 miles per gallon in highway driving. The Highlander V6 model packs a 270 horsepower 3.5-liter dual-variable-valve-timing V6 under its sculpted hood. The four-cylinder engine is mated to an all-new six-speed gearbox, while the V6 model makes due with an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with selectable manual shift control.

2.7-liter in-line 4
187 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
186 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27

3.5-liter V6
270 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 (FWD); 17/23 (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.

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2009 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 278 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

8.9/10

Great Family car

By myst (AZ) on Monday, June 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Reliable, see above"

Cons: "interior is very basic for such a great car"

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

"Owned it almost 4 yrs + very reliable + smooth ride, good power (270 hp)-even when towing trailor + usually get 22-23 mpg on mix of freeway/city driving + love the 3rd row when needed, + & love the space when not needed + visibility is very good, backup cam is great in parking lot + all seating is comfortably adjustable to my 5'0 & husband's 6'2 statures - wish it came w/ more frills - very plain interior, nothing spectacular at all"

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Not as good as the 2009

By Millionmile (IA) on Friday, June 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Integrity of interior and exterior"

Cons: "Like all cars may have issues"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I drive approximately 50,000 miles per year for the last 18 years and have been driving for over 30 years (therefore at least a million miles). I have owned many vehicles. My first Toyota was a 2009 Highlander and it was at least a 9.5 if not a 10. This 2012 Highlander is a whole different car. Steering issues, engine noise, road noise. It has been in the shop on 4 occasions and has to go again. So, just because it's a Toyota does not mean that it is flawless. I tell everyone that Toyota's are cars and like all cars you may get a good one or you may get a problem."

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Would not recommend!

By Red (AZ) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Cons: "Mpg performance"

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

"I am not impressed with the fuel economy or performance, We are lucky to get 20mpg hwy and performance is poor. We donated a great car to charity (a 96 Chevy Caprice, 350 engine, 25mpg hwy and REALLY great performance) to buy this Toyota."

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Would not recommend!

By Red (AZ) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Cons: "Mpg performance"

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

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Medium size family friendly. Fair MPG.

By Hard headed (ND) on Tuesday, June 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 34,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Cons:The back window gets dirty easily and could use an air dam to deflect material,the rear hatch gets iced down, and has to be jackhammered open. The plastic skidplates on the bottom of the car seem cheap. The MPG is a little dissapointing for its size. Pros:Comfortable, powerful, roomy. Good visibility for size. Nice power roof. Just as quiet after 30K as new. Good Toyota quality."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Good gas mileage and reliable

By kjsmith (LA) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "tech package, flexible seating, good gas mileage"

Cons: "not the most exciting to drive"

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

"We have had our 2012 highlander for about a year and are very happy with it. We got the 4 cylinder model for mileage and for the flat Louisiana roads we drive 95% of the time. So far, the 4 cylinder has been great. We are averaging over 25 mpg in mostly highway driving and it makes only a few hp less than our 2005 Ford Freestyle. It did struggle a bit on a trip to the mountains of Arkansas,so I would probably get the 6 cylinder if I lived in a mountainous area or towed with it. We love the tech package with the bluetooth and rear view camera. Also love the flexible seating that can seat people our lay flat to carry our large dogs. So far,has been a typical reliable Toyota vehicle. Toyota Care which includes your scheduled maintenance has been a bonus. If you are in the market for a SUV, do yourself a favor and look at the highlander."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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See all 278 reviews