2007 Toyota Highlander [ 2008 ]
Toyota Highlander
Overall Score - 9.3 (Excellent)
The Highlander delivers one of the best combinations of reliable family transportation and safety in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize SUV, you should also consider the Nissan Murano and Honda Pilot.
The 2007 Toyota Highlander continues to earn overall praise based on its outstanding safety features and strong reliability. While Kelley Blue Book notes that the Highlander is "one of the most popular crossover SUV's on the market," it is also becoming an outdated design. A new edition of the Highlander is being introduced for the 2008 model year.
Few would argue with Cars.com's belief that the 2007 Highlander "promises SUV versatility combined with carlike ride and handling." Edmunds takes the car comparison a step further, and recommends that buyers "think of the Highlander as an elevated, oversize Camry wagon dressed for the great outdoors, and you've got the general idea." A main attraction of this SUV is the passenger space. MSN says, "More families are likely to be drawn to the Highlander," thanks to its third-row seat option (unavailable when the Highlander was introduced in 2001). However, the third row is often criticized for being too cramped for adults.
Toyota offers many interior, exterior and safety option packages, but adding options can significantly add to the Highlander's price tag. IntelliChoice gives the 2007 base Highlander a rating of "excellent" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class. In terms of value, Kelley Blue Book expects the Highlander to be "the segment leader, bettering such models as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hummer H3, Jeep Compass and Ford Escape."
Highlander Performance - 7.5 (Good)
The 2007 Toyota Highlander is smooth with solid handling and is a lighter-weight vehicle than most of the competing cars in its class. There are four-cylinder and V6 engine options, but reviewers generally find that most drivers will prefer the more powerful V6. continue
Highlander Exterior - 5.7 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Highlander exterior is an aging design due for a 2008 model year update. The Washington Post calls the body "conservative" and "inoffensive." To most everyone, it's plain vanilla. continue
Highlander Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
The interior is generally liked for its simple, solid design and excellent ergonomics. Motor Week finds the interior "well-laid out, and superbly put together." The 2007 Toyota Highlander seats four to five adults comfortably and comes with an optional third-row bench, which seats up to two more. continue
Highlander Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
The 2007 Highlander received a stellar 5 stars out of 5 in both frontal and side-impact government crash tests and the highest rating of "good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. continue
Highlander Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2007 Toyota Highlander reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Highlander comes with a basic warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles. continue
