Car and Driver: 2016 Toyota Highlander Review: SUV Wannabe

-Overview: When this third generation of the Toyota Highlander debuted in 2014 it had, like many of its buyers, grown larger over the years. The first, 2001 Highlander offered a 3.0-liter V-6 or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, later adding a V-6 hybrid and wedging in an optional third-row seat. When the second-generation 2008 model arrived it had gained three inches in wheelbase and four inches in length; the third row was standard; and the four-cylinder was initially dropped, leaving the V-6 (now 3.5 liters) and hybrid as the only powertrains for the first year. The latest Highlander is bigger still, 2.7 inches longer and half an inch wider. A four-cylinder reappeared (a 2.7-liter in base LE spec, again with front-wheel drive only), while a 3.5-liter V-6 remains the mainstay engine and the hybrid an expensive upgrade. The Highlander competes against other medium/large three-row crossovers including the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer. For the purposes of this review, we got behind the wheel of a Limited-spec Highlander hybrid. READ MORE ››

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