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 31 through 40 of 67.00

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  First Toyota - Hoping for Better - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Jamesicu - November 22 - 10:53 am

  This was my first time owning a Toyota and is going to be my last. I have problems with the idle on the car and they have not repaired (I have video of this issue). I have a problem with mice entering the vents and entering the car because the vents do not close when you shut the car off (Poor Design). The tires are very poor in the snow and only last about 25,000 miles. I put on Michelin tires and what a difference. The car engine has plenty of power and is not to bad on using fuel for a V6. Overall, I will not purchase this car again or another Toyota.

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  Beware of short-comings - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Drivers Ed - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  After having the Highlander for a few months it is fun to drive and I do like the car. But the biggest trouble is that the Sport and Limited levels (including hybrids) have 19 inch wheels with odd size tires. There is basically 2 tires to choose from, plus a few snow tires. Thats the only choice you have, and these tires are scary on snow. I have my tires rotated at the dealer, and from their write up, itll probably last 20,000 miles in which case will cost almost $1,000 to replace (not easy to find either). Wish the space behind third row was longer as well as split third row to make it more usable. I think the Honda Pilot would be a better choice.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Lamont - October 8 - 11:40 am

  This is an excellent SUV for the pricing, I chose Toyota because of the reliability that I have with my Avalon for last 4 years. This SUV exterior is designed very well and with full tank of gas and five family members the 6 cyl never misses a beat in its performance. However, the third row seating could have been designed better with a split 3rd row seat. After a 1000 miles there are no problems to report.

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  First Impressions - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By George - August 20 - 4:00 am

  Pros: Very sharp looking SUV. Nice lines. Paint and trim seem to be above par. Quiet when driving and it has a great sound system with the JBL 6 Disc. Very smooth shifting vehicle with plenty of power from the V6. Cons: Front seats are not designed for men. Im 61" tall and find it hard to get into a comfortable driving position. Seats are also way too hard and do not offer enough leg support. The Sport model rides rough on uneven surfaces. However, it is very smooth on even highway roads. Currently experiencing an odd shutter at light throttle use. This is a random event and may go away with time once the computer learns our driving habits. Overall: Nice vehicle for my wife.

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  after 1 year, just ok - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By gene - August 16 - 11:00 am

  mileage as expected. front pass seat needs same controls as driver. seat heat control very cumbersome. Auto climate control generally not comfortable when sunshine, better at night. headliner rattles (!!). Biggest concern that I dont believe the Dealer has dealt properly with is our engine has what sounds like dry piston "clatter" prior to it warming up (Summer and Winter). I have NEVER owned a vehicle with such a sound no matter how cold the engine, yet I have had the dealer check it twice but I am guessing they never took it off the lot. We have been Toyota owners for 24 years. This is the first one we have been dissapointed with.

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  Nice but could be better! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Tom - August 9 - 6:50 pm

  An accident forced me to trade in my 2006 Highlander Limited for a 2009 Highlander Limited. I love the new, larger chassis (I really needed the extra headroom and legroom). At 5000 mi, my mileage is still a dismal 21 mpg for commuting to work. The car feels great with a comfortable drivers seat and smooth, well controlled, powerful performance. The drivers side rear view mirror is strangely distorted just enough to be annoying. The center rear view mirror is too small and mounted too low. It obstructs forward vision. The back seats are a disappointment. I bought the cargo net and the upper attachments are incorrectly designed for proper installation. Nice but could be better!

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  Nice and comfortable SUV - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By HighInSeattle - July 19 - 10:43 am

  I purchased the 4cyl model instead of V6 since all V6 models in Seattle area come with AWD. I didnt want to pay extra for AWD and the fuel economy of 4cyl is better than V6. I was a bit apprehensive that the 4cyl may lack the punch, but I was so wrong. The 4cyl engine packs a lot of punch and is very smooth - except when accelerating or going uphill when it does growl a bit. I get 22 MPG in normal city driving and there are a lot of hills in my neighborhood. The interior is very comfortable and has ample space for 4 persons. This SUV drives and handles pretty well and feels very safe and solid. Reliability is 5 for now - I will provide an update after 6 months.

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  Love It - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary - June 22 - 2:10 am

  I went from a 2000 V8 Ford Explorer to the Highlander. The pick-up is great, comfort is exceptional. Very smooth ride, quiet, handles surprisingly well for an SUV. Lots of room.

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  Best Midsize SUV hands down - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Tin Man - June 8 - 4:03 am

  Ive had this car for about 2 weeks and love every minute of it. Its not too big and not too small...just right. Rides very smooth with plenty of power. Nice interior design almost like a Lexus feel to it.

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  Overall Love it! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By ltucker - April 27 - 1:53 am

  This car is great if you are looking for minimal cargo capacity and good gas mileage. Great to get around town, but not off road. It is easy to handle, but is not suited to carry more than 4 people comfortably and have ample storage. If you plan on driving this in snow, this is not the car for you. The 2wd is useless. My wheels spun. So if you get snow on a regular basis, I would recommend the 4wd.