Built on the same platform as the last-generation Camry, the Highlander shares much of its cousin's easy-to-drive character. Even with its significantly larger body, you rarely feel like you're piloting an oversize sport-ute. Light steering makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots, but at higher speeds, there's a distinct lack of road feel. The elevated seating position and large side mirrors give drivers outstanding visibility in all directions.
Inside, the Highlander racked up points for its spacious cabin, high-quality materials and simple yet elegant design. Our heavily optioned test model wore so much leather and fake wood trim that it almost looked as good as the Lexus. Clearly defined gauges and a well sorted control layout make you feel right at home the minute you sit down. Articulating headrests, firm side bolsters and a fold-down armrest earned top marks for the driver seat, but we were a little disappointed that the passenger still had to make do with manual controls, considering the vehicle's lofty price tag.
We were also a bit taken aback by the number of squeaks and rattles that permeated the interior of our test car. With Toyota's reputation for exceptional build quality, we often dismiss less-than-perfect test cars as exceptions to the rule, but as this was roughly the third Toyota in a row that displayed less-than-perfect build quality, we're starting to wonder if the reputation has begun to outpace the workmanship.
Rear-seat accommodations would be hard to improve upon. There's plenty of legroom and headroom, dual cupholders in each of the doors and high seatbacks with headrests for all three passengers. The 60/40-split folding seats can be laid flat by lifting just one latch, expanding the rear cargo area to 81 cubic feet ? better than the Subaru, considerably less than the Buick. The load floor was the flattest of the group, although the rear wheelwells intrude on the space considerably. The tailgate opens wide, and the liftover is low, but the lack of a separate liftglass prohibits transporting longer items.
There are very few reasons not to like the Highlander. It's easy to drive and quiet, and the cabin is attractive and spacious. Sure, maybe the styling isn't the most daring, but Country Squires weren't exactly the epitome of style in their day, either. If you're shopping for a family vehicle and thinking about a midsize SUV, check out the Highlander instead. It will get you and your family everywhere they need to go, and spare car lovers the burden of sharing the roadway with yet another oversize sport-ute in the process.
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