2009 Toyota Highlander Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Toyota Highlander overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Highlander, and includes Toyota Highlander safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Given the significant changes that accompanied the all-new 2008 model, it comes as little surprise to learn that the 2009 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid crossovers arrive with only a couple of changes. The most notable is the addition of a four-cylinder engine, which compliments the V6 that’s been carried over from last year.

With the addition of a new four-cylinder engine, there are now two Base models in the Highlander lineup; the Base four-cylinder and the Base V6. Aside from what’s under the hood, the only difference between these two variants is a third-row seat; it’s standard on the V6 and optional on the four-cylinder. All Base variants are equipped with a healthy serving of features, including keyless entry, power windows and door locks, cruise control, a manual height adjustment for the driver’s seat, deep-tint rear windows, 17-inch alloy wheels, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and an auxiliary input jack for your iPod or other MP3 player. Inside you’ll also find a 40/20/40 split-bench second-row seat, including a center section that can be removed and stowed. Listed among the Base’s options are desirable amenities like heated mirrors and climate controls for rear passengers.

Buyers who want a bit more attitude with their family-friendly crossover, not to mention added features, may want to consider the Highlander Sport. The chassis has been tuned to be more responsive than the Base model’s and the exterior has been dressed up with smoked headlight lenses, 19-inch alloys filling the wheel wells, and a unique rear spoiler. The equipment ranks have also been bolstered by the addition of a backup camera, satellite-radio capability and a six-disc CD changer, upgraded fabric on the seats, a power driver’s seat, front fog lights, and a rear cargo cover. As an added convenience, the Sport is fitted with easy-fold second-row seats. Included among the assortment of options are a JBL audio unit, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery, butt warmers for the driver and front passenger, a power tailgate, and a navigation system.

The lineup’s top dog is the Highlander Limited, which earns its status by coddling occupants with those leather hides, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, Toyota’s Smart Key vehicle entry and keyless ignition system, and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror. With the exception of these standard items, the Limited’s options match those of the Sport model.

If you’re a fan of what you’ve read so far, but prioritize fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is ready to serve. In this case, there are two trims to consider, Base and Limited, both of which vary somewhat from their traditional twins. Most obvious is the change to a hybrid powertrain, and less noticeable are the Base’s blue-tinted headlight lenses, richer cloth upholstery, rearview camera, and Smart Key system. Toyota has also dressed up its relatively eco-friendly crossover with a bit of chrome here and woodgrain trim there. Buyers can keep the upgrade train rolling by adding a power tailgate, those quick-fold second-row seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. Move up to the Hybrid Limited version and, interestingly, the leather upholstery and power-adjustable front passenger’s seat continue to mingle amongst the options. Unlike the regular Limited, you’ll pay extra for these amenities on the hybrid model.

This year’s new entry-level engine, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, is the lineup’s highway fuel economy champ with an EPA rating of 27 mpg. Stick to city streets close to home and you’ll be looking at something closer to 20 mpg. All-wheel drive is not available with the miserly four-cylinder, meaning you’ll have to be content with all 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque going only to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain comes with a maximum tow rating of 3,500 pounds.

Base V6, Sport and Limited models are fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 270 horses and 248 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission directs output to the front or all four wheels. The extra grunt under the hood is responsible for a 5,000-pound towing capacity, but it comes at the expense of fuel economy, which peaks at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway (17/23 with AWD).

That level of efficiency can’t compare to what you’ll get from the Highlander Hybrid. According to the EPA, drivers should expect to average 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, impressive figures that become even more so when you learn that these gas/electric crossovers feature standard all-wheel drive and pack a 270-horspower punch. Behind the scenes you’ll find a 3.3-liter V6 that’s paired with a continuously variable transmission, a regenerative braking system, three motors, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Like four-cylinder Highlanders, the Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

No matter how many passengers it’ll accommodate or the number of convenience features it may have, few crossover shoppers will consider a model that fails in the area of safety. Instead, they’ll give strong consideration to vehicles like the 2009 Toyota Highlander, which has again been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and earns impressive crashworthiness marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In preparation for those organizations’ crash tests, and daily family duty, Toyota has equipped the Highlander with seven airbags, stability and traction control systems, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, and much more.

Reliability, for which Toyota is known, continues to be one of this crossover’s strong selling points. J.D. Power and Associates suggests buyers of the 2009 model will enjoy excellent dependability, while Consumer Reports predicts that Highlander reliability will be above average.

By adding an entry-level four-cylinder engine, Toyota has broadened the appeal of the Highlander crossover, attracting buyers with greater efficiency and a lower starting price. Performance is negatively affected, but perhaps not enough to outweigh the benefits. Regardless of which engine is selected, the 2009 Highlander is expected to deliver an abundance of the safety, reliability and versatility that crossover shoppers seek.

By Thom Blackett