5 Star Reviews for 2009 Toyota Highlander

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.52/5 Average
67 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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

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

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 67.00
  • Most Practical SUV You Can Cuy. - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Toyota has proven that they put a lot of thought into their design with every cubic inch of the inside being carefully thought out. Seat comfort is great, leg room is never an issue, even for a 58" adult in the 3rd row. 2nd row recline is much easier to operate than the competitors. The car handles exceptionally, even with 19" wheels in 6 to 8" of snow, with the snow button on it is hard to make the car lose control. Hands free controls and individual climate controls are a plus. I am convinced for the money and the quality of this vehicle, you wont find a better car. From its lower priced "rivals" from Kia & GM to overpriced imports such as Acura and Lexus, the Highlander is IT!

  • Small & Quick - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Its new. Rides great. Maneuvers well. Plenty of get up and go. Has all the bells and whistles. Fit and trim are excellent. First non-"big three" we have owned. Center dash w/navigation/CD combined is too delicate and complex. Steering wheel controls good/dash controls unnecessarily confusing. Owners Manual near useless - WAY TOO LONG. More comfortable than competitors especially for someone over 62" and 250 lbs. Cargo area is good w/3rd seat down.

  • Most SUV for the money - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Bought to replace 2000 Mercedes ML320. Little bit roomier, more like a station wagon. Cost about same as Mercedes did in 2000. Very comfortable and quiet, handles well. Ergonomics of controls are strange, i.e. GPS/Bluetooth/Radio controls difficult to sort out. So far no regrets.

  • Good Car - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This is my first SUV. Handles, accelerates, rides excellently. Was pleasantly surprised on the ease of which it was to park and maneuver. It allows excellent visibility for the driver. The cabin is quiet and external noise from other vehicles or engine noise is minimal. You can listen to the radio at the same volume on the city streets as on the Highway. Doors close solidly and the 2nd row seats are comfortable for full size adults. Third row seats are small, and should be used for smaller adults/older children. Note: Running the A/C will take off 3-4 miles per gallon.

  • Highlander SPORT - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This is my fathers car and it is great. The sport suspension does make a difference, it handles better than my 2013 Highlanader. Theres more steering feel. It does well in the snow, havent had any problems with it. Just doing maintenance on it. The JBL sound system is amazing! Some of my leather Jackets tend to stick to the leather on the seats and make a weird noise when I get out of the seat. It does everything you want it to. I like the huge backup camera as well.

  • Tire change made a big difference - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Too early to say much, just got the car. However, after reading very bad reviews on the OEM tires (Bridgestone Dueler 400 H/L, I ended trading them in on a new set of Brigestgone Dueler Allenzas 255/55/19s (one size larger). WOW! Cleaned up the mushiness; they feel way more tuned to the suspension (at 42 lbs); and the more stable stance at high speed (80 MPH) is a drastic improvement. The Tire Rack rating is way better, and I need this car to perform in snow. The increased diameter is minimal (maybe .4 inch) while the extra width is part of the much improved feel (perhaps 1.5 inches).

  • A Highlander Fan - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Economic: longer trips: 60 mph - 25 mpg, 65 mph - 24, 70 mph 23-24, around town - 19-22. Like monitoring driving habits with fuel monitoring gauge. Had a 2002 Highlander, may have bought the 2009 sooner but the exterior look was a bit dull due to the boring side door panels. We compromised with side moldings that seemed to break up the monotony. Very comfortable and pleasant to ride and drive in. The front seat ride seems better than the back seat ride. Both are spacious. Rear window washer blades dont lift up for easy cleaning (weird). Interior is very nice but mad that Toyota makes you pay extra on top of the Limited price just to add satellite radio. Overall a great car.

  • Good Solid Value - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    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.

  • Great Car - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    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.

  • Great SUV! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    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.

Toyota Highlander Reviews By Year:
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