2005 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Toyota Highlander?
The aging but still appealing 2005 Toyota Highlander benefits from value enhancements this year, as base models receive a roof rack with crossbars, remote keyless entry and a tonneau cover as standard equipment. All Highlander models receive Toyota's Star Safety System, which incorporates vehicle stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with brake force distribution and brake assist.

Advantages of the 2005 Toyota Highlander:

• Family- and road-friendly manner
• Available third-row seating provides seven-passenger capacity
• Optional full-time, four-wheel-drive
• Full complement of safety features, and very good crash test scores
• Quality materials and construction

Objections to the 2005 Toyota Highlander:

• Not meant for traversing anything but smooth pavement
• Standard engine power doesn’t match up to its competition
• Can only tow small watercraft or campers

Editor's Advice:
We've liked the Toyota Highlander since its debut in 2001. It possesses the key attributes that make every mom-and-pop want an SUV for their garages, namely a high seating position and cargo-carrying capacity, while leaving out unnecessary aspects that earn sport-utes so much criticism, such as heavy off-roading artillery, an unrefined on-road ride and gas-quaffing engines. With the previous-generation Toyota Camry serving as the Toyota Highlander's basis, it can't help but be a model of civility around town. Despite advancing age, the Highlander is still a contender, even though many competitors have improved upon Toyota’s crossover recipe.