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HighlanderGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid.
This is a discussion thread titled "Highlander vs. Competition (Buying? Pros & Cons)", within the Highlander forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
Cbanks,thanks,I am curious about the 6 also.The 4 accelerates like my 98 Tacoma ext auto-slowly,so I might be game for the 6.I have heard from a number of sources(F250 diesel,Sequoia) that the onboard mpg gadget lies,and it always lies on the plus side.My buddy gets 10.9 mpg with his F-250,but his mpg meter shows 14mpg(this is around town,not towing).Same story with a Sequoia.Thanks,Charlie PS Check it once the old way,and see what you get.I think the meter is a running average,but it is still optimistic.
Okay, I'll check it for you. I can't really vouch for the acceleration because I'll be creeping until I hit 1K miles. When I test drove the Highlander, I drove a V6. I stomped it a couple times to see what it had under the hood. Keeping in mind what I was driving, I was pleasantly surprised at the get-up and go. My suggestion is this; If you buy a Highlander, get the V6. It's quieter, will shift less on hills, and has good merging speed.
I've got a brand new V6. On the first tank of gas we got about 22.5 mpg on 75% interstate, 70 mph driving. I've not checked the mpg since and my wife just filled it up on Friday, so I'm a good two weeks away from being able to check again. I'll check and report back then. I'm now at 900 miles and just punched it good for the first time two days ago. I was very impressed with the pick up and with the engine sound. Very powerful sounding. I got rid of a Lexus ES300 to get the Highlander and I'm pretty sure the Highlander would take the ES in a race. It drives a hell of a lot better too, imo. I hated that Lexus from day 1 which is probably why we only kept it for 5 months. Anyway, I test drove a 4 cylinder and stomped it a few times in traffic and from a stop light. My advice, if you can afford it, spend the extra couple grand and get the V6. I felt like I needed to Fred Flintstone the 4 cylinder when I stomped it at 60 mph. Accel from the stop light was decent, but nothing to write home about. Not so with the V6. I've burned the tires on it both times I've stomped it from a standstill.
My wife owns a 2004 Lexus RX330 and I really enjoy driving it! I am due for a new vehicle and I have always owned Honda's. I have not test driven either, but what are some of the recommendations out there? I am told that Honda dealers will not part with Pilots much less than MSRP. My plan is to research, sell my car (98 Honda CRV) privately and purchase a 2005 Highlander or Pilot in April or May, 2005. What are some of your thoughts out there? I would really appreciate it!
Tad
NOTATION - Threads merged and renamed due to similar topics and discussion. If you have any questions please let me know.
Well lets see the stats (iv pasted them), They look pretty much the same. The highlander hybrid will give you more horespower and torque and better fuel economy but for 3-4 thousand more in price then the normal highlander (if u can find it with the long waiting list). Consider how long you plan on keeping it for, if its more then 3-4 years then the hybrid is worth it, if not then the regular. Since you like the rx i suggest the highlander, but then again im biased. Go to canadiandriver.com for some really helpful reviews. Hope this helps. Pilot
Engine 3.5 litre V6, SOHC, 24 valves, VTEC
Horsepower 240 @ 5500 rpm
Torque 242 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmission 5-speed automatic
Tires 235/70R-16
Curb weight 2012 kg (4436 lb.)
Wheelbase 2700 mm (106.3 in.)
Length 4775 mm (188.0 in.)
Width 1963 mm (77.3 in.)
Height 1793 mm (70.6 in.)
Trunk capacity max. 2557 litres (90.3 cu. ft.)
Fuel consumption City: 13.8 l/100 km (17 mpg)
Hwy: 9.6 l/100 km (22 mpg)
Fuel Regular unleaded
Warranty 3 yrs/60,000 km
Powertrain warranty 5 yrs/100,000 km
Highlander
Engine 3.3-liter (DOHC) 24-valve VVT-i V6
Horsepower 230 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 242 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Tires P225/70R-16
Curb weight 1760 kg (3880 lb.)
Towing capacity 1587 kg (3500 lb.)
Wheelbase 2715 mm (106.8 in.)
Length 4685 mm (184.4 in.)
Width 1825 mm (71.8 in.)
Height 1745 mm (68.7 in.) w/roof rack
Cargo capacity 909 litres (32.1 cu. ft.) rear seat up
2304 litres (81.4 cu. ft.) rear seat down
Fuel consumption City: 13.0 l/100 km (18 mpg)
Hwy: 9.7 l/100 km (24 mpg)
Warranty 3 yrs/60,000 km
Powertrain warranty 5 yrs/100,000 km
"The cheese is only free inside the mousetrap"
Green V6 2wd highlander
(alarm,wheel locks,vin number on windows options)
Manik Full Front Guard
Manik Rear Guard
Manik Side steps
Velvet seat covers
Chrome Exhaust Tip
Hyper White xenon bulbs
Tint 20% rear, 30% front
The '04 and '05 Highlanders come with a 3.3L V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission on the Limited models (same tranny as in the 4-Runner and many of the Lexus cars).... not sure of the horsepower, but expect it would be comparable to the Pilot's. My co-worker bought a '04 Pilot last fall. While it rides fairly nice and he hasn't had a single problem with it, the interior just looks and feels cheap IMO as compared to a Highlander Limited.
The '04 and '05 Highlanders come with a 3.3L V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission on the Limited models (same tranny as in the 4-Runner and many of the Lexus cars).... not sure of the horsepower, but expect it would be comparable to the Pilot's. My co-worker bought a '04 Pilot last fall. While it rides fairly nice and he hasn't had a single problem with it, the interior just looks and feels cheap IMO as compared to a Highlander Limited.
Are you sure it's the same transmission the 4Runner uses? I would guess the Highlander uses a 4WD version of the front wheel drive Camry transmission since it's based on the Camry. The 4Runner has the much larger rear wheel drive(or4WD) truck transmission used in their Tundra and Sequoia.
Yes all 2004 and up-coming Highlanders with the V6 engine are all 3.3L with 230HP and 242TQ. The four banger still have the 4-speed auto-tranny, as the V6 move up to a 5-speed auto-tranny. Also, the Highlander does not use the same tranny as the 4Runner is in RWD compared to FWD. Some people say that the 04 and up Highlanders that has the 3rd row seat. The 2nd row of seats loses some leg rooms. I'm not sure if they are adjustable thou.
If you're going for more rooms, then the Pilot would be the one. If you're going for the looks, then I say the Highlander is more of it. HP is only 10 differents, and TQ is almost the same. To me, the HL just look more of an SUV and then an OSS (Over Size Stationwagon).
MDX-Touring. $36k + TTL, registration, and safety ck.
con: you can hear a little gas tank slosh when its full. cant hear nuthin with the a/c on, and/or the sterio going.
my g/f and i love the car. go and test drive one.
we paid $42,700 OTD + 1900 (hawaii prices)for ext warranty. with crome step bars, spoiler, dvd, and wide side molding. it features 3 rows of seats, all leather, vtm all wheel drive (but mostly fwd) dual pwr seats w/heaters. lots of standard ups and extras. over the competition. yes we test drove the seqoia ltd and many others. easy to drive and park. 5-speed auto trans and did i mention 265 HP!
__________________
MODS: TRD urban package - tint, stereo, jack-in-the box antennae ball, my middle finger.
...And as a matter of fact, i cant spell.
Last edited by 42GAMI; 08-30-2004 at 08:50 AM.
Reason: cause i suck and cant spell for sh!t
I bought my wife a 2002 Highlander Limited AWD in November of 02, and so far it has been a flawless machine! Everything works and no lites, bells or whistles. It has 36,000 miles on it and all I do is change oil & filter at 3000, air filter at 5000, and wash and wax. I'm getting ready to flush the tranny and drivetrain. As far as power, I think there is plenty, and the ride is very nice! Easy to work on, and yes I would buy another one in a heart beat.
My gf just bought a Pilot LX w/leather (she insisted on Honda). Compared to my 2001 Highlander Limited the differences I see besides size (much wider), is in interior design. It seems the toyota interior has a much more "Luxurious" feel/quality about it. It seems the Honda maybe a "better" buy. Her's was 31.5K vs 35K in list price.
MDX-Touring. $36k + TTL, registration, and safety ck.
con: you can hear a little gas tank slosh when its full. cant hear nuthin with the a/c on, and/or the sterio going.
my g/f and i love the car. go and test drive one.
we paid $42,700 OTD + 1900 (hawaii prices)for ext warranty. with crome step bars, spoiler, dvd, and wide side molding. it features 3 rows of seats, all leather, vtm all wheel drive (but mostly fwd) dual pwr seats w/heaters. lots of standard ups and extras. over the competition. yes we test drove the seqoia ltd and many others. easy to drive and park. 5-speed auto trans and did i mention 265 HP!
I actually made a MDX offer at 3 Acura dealers before I bought my Highlander... None of the dealer care about the price I offered, which is under the MSRP and they wanted the full MSRP. I personally just can't justify to pay extra $$$ for a vehicle that I think not worth as much. Anyway, congrates on your new MDX!