Overview & Reviews

Toyota offers a four-cylinder version of the Highlander for 2009, but only on the base two-wheel-drive version of this popular crossover.

• Powerful yet fuel-efficient V6, easy to maneuver for its size, user-friendly cabin design with reconfigurable second-row seats and a fully usable third row.

• Third-row seat folds as a single unit rather than in 50/50 sections.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 67.00

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  Not My Best Decision - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By George - May 10 - 6:20 pm

  I thought I was making a great informed decision buying this vehicle given the Toyota reputation for quality. This was my first non big 3 SUV. I think the interior is ok in terms of design. The heating/ac panel is complicated to use. The windows make visibility a little more difficult than I would like. The transmission has some interesting options to downshift and upshift, but it is unclear as to the benefits. The performance in snow is awful. I have no idea how this has a good snow rating, worse than most cars I have had. The owners manual is very uninformative as to some of the most important features of the case. Overall it is going to be a quick trade here.

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  Smooth and Very Quiet - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By RJW - April 1 - 11:06 pm

  The Sport AWD glides down the road. The 270 HP power on the V6 is incredible. Handling is very good and the traction control system is better than found on other similar SUV crossover vehicles. With the premium JBL sound system is very good. The backup camera is a nice safety feature. Our model came with heated outside mirrors which will help during the long Indiana winters. Overall impression is very good for the price. We plan on keeping this vehicle for many years to come.

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  Good Solid Value - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By James Van - February 28 - 11:53 pm

  Traded a 2003 Ford Explorer for this car. Plenty of room inside for people who are tall and larger in size. Rides very nicely and car handles the road good. The 6cyl gives you plenty of power. Inside interior is nicely laid out.

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  Great, but not perfect - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Pasadena_Trojan - February 17 - 12:46 am

  Now is a great time to buy - we got $5,000 off MSRP on our loaded Highlander. You get a lot of value for the money (as expected with Toyota). Utility is VERY good - tons of storage space, which is perfect for a family. Fit and Finish are fantastic.

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  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By bbrown - February 7 - 12:40 am

  Have only had this for about a month. The ride is great, the pickup is terrific, loads of features. Am still not sure of the point of the middle seat in the second row. It isnt really a seat so practically speaking you can have 4 in the car unless you use the third row. No big deal since there are only 2 of us. Love the power cargo gate, ability to play Ipod, backup camera, many standard features. Gas mileage is not quite what is stated - got 21 tops on the turnpike, 16 around town. Not a lot of cargo space unless second row folded down. Its like an overgrown station wagon. But I love the car! Salsa Red Pearl color is gorgeous.

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  Bad Tires - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Northappy - January 27 - 1:43 pm

  Good SUV, weird size tires on Sport & Limited. Goes ok in snow but wont stop. Due to odd tire size there are only 2 tires available. Tires are very expensive and need replaced at 20K.

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  Great SUV! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Tony the tester - November 12 - 2:00 am

  We love our Highlander I4 with convenience package. This car has all the features I need and nothing you dont need-perfect. We love the space and comfort, ride quality and general feel of this car. The assembly quality is first rate. It had defective water pump after one year but it is one of the first ones that they put together. In any case, it didnt stop in the middle of the road. The 4 cyl engine is great. It is quiet, and powerful enough to pull full load on our 1000 mile trip. It lacks a passing power a bit but it is a great cruiser and plenty of pep around town. Efficiency was as low as 19 mpg and as high as 29 mpg. Road feel is good but 6 spd transmission is too shift-happy but smooth.

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  A Fine Set of Wheels - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Paxman - July 29 - 4:26 am

  I loved my 2002 Highlander and Im liking this one even more. This is a very comfortable car to drive. Quiet and smooth ride with a good amount of power when required. Roomy interior. Nice temperature controls. Good amount of cargo space. The Limited comes with a little extra chrome trim which is a great accent to the black paint color. This is a useful, sweet looking vehicle and a fine ride!

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  Bad Tires - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By JMW - April 17 - 1:10 am

  Found the Dueler OEM tires dangerous in the snow. Tried to find the only good alternative made which is a Toyo HT, but these are on long backorder. Vehicle also developed rattles which I could have lived with despite the tire situation. Traded it out already with only 3800 miles on it. Poor engineering by Toyota to put a poor traction tire on an SUV sold in the upper midwest with no alternatives.

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  Great Product - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By jimmy - December 14 - 4:53 pm

  I love this car. It is like a fine swiss watch. I am averaging 26 MPG with the 4 cylinder. My car has the trailer towing package. This made it a much stronger vehicle. I had to order the vehicle to get the towing package, but it was worth the wait.