The Toyota Highlander is available in base or Limited trim, each with either front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. A choice of engines is available: A 2.4-liter inline-4 comes standard, rated at 160 horsepower. A new 3.3-liter V6 that produces 230 horsepower is optional on the base Highlander and standard on the Limited. Four-cylinder models come with a four-speed automatic transmission; V6 models get a five-speed automatic.The base four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive model ($24,080) comes with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, cloth upholstery, sophisticated anti-lock brakes, seating for five, and electronic stability control (VSC). The all-wheel-drive model ($25,480) is similarly equipped. The V6 is optional ($1,060), but if you order it on the 4WD model, then you have to take the optional third-row seat as well ($850). Highlander Limited 2WD ($29,980) and 4WD ($31,380) come standard with V6 and third-row seat as standard equipment. The Limited also gets automatic climate control, an eight-speaker JBL sound system, eight-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, four-way power passenger seat, 17-inch aluminum wheels, roof rack, fog lights, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with security system and engine immobilizer, wood-grain interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and other amenities. Leather-trimmed seating (Ivory or Ash Gray) is available for the Limited ($670) or base model ($2,255). Other options: tilt-and-slide glass sunroof ($900), in-dash six-CD changer ($595). The optional rear-seat DVD system ($1,770) includes two wireless headphones, RCA input jacks for video games, and a household-style 115-volt AC power outlet. GPS navigation ($2,200) is offered on Limited only. A Towing Package ($160) includes trailer wiring plus an upgraded radiator, transmission oil cooler, and 130-amp alternator. We strongly recommend getting the optional side-curtain and seat-mounted side-impact airbags ($680), which are designed to protect the heads and torsos of passengers in the first two rows. Highlander's airbag system uses sensors in both front seats to adjust the frontal airbags to react appropriately to the severity of the collision and the weight of the passengers. A new low-tire-pressure warning system is standard. Always wear your seatbelts as they are your first line of defense in an accident. The Highlander Hybrid, which will go on sale late in 2005 as a 2006 model, will deliver the fuel economy of a compact sedan and will be classified by the government as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle, or SULEV. The 2006 Highlander Hybrid combines a 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors. Toyota expects there will be a waiting list for the vehicle when it hits the market.
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