Comfortable and pleasing to drive, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is a no-brainer pick for a three-row family crossover. It also earns our top rating
Regardless of trim level, the Highlander stands out by virtue of its spacious and comfortable cabin. Second-row seating is a choice of three-across bench seating or captain's chairs with a side table. The refined V6 and smooth six-speed automatic transmission deliver effortless acceleration and make the Highlander one of the quickest big crossovers around. There are also plenty of contemporary tech tools and smartphone-integrated services, anchored by an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display in the higher trim levels
The Highlander packs enough goodness that we've made it one of our top picks for a three-row crossover this year. But it's not the only model worth checking out. The Highlander's main rival, the Honda Pilot, is fully redesigned this year and is more upscale and carlike than in prior years. The Ford Explorer is also updated this year and offers a similar range of prices and features plus a strong turbocharged V6 option. There's also the handsome-looking Dodge Durango or the three-row Hyundai Santa Fe, the latter of which stacks up nicely against the Highlander across the board. All of them are competent family vehicles, but the Highlander certainly earns its well-deserved reputation for all-around goodness pros Refined interior appointments Quiet, compliant ride Smooth and strong V6 engine Seating for up to eight, functional cabin design.
cons Lackluster four-cylinder engine Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those in some other top rivals
The 2016 Toyota Highlander isn't all that exciting to look at or to drive, but it's very versatile and handsome enough to be a great minivan alternative
The Highlander may look a little more rugged than it has in the past; yet it's still more closely related to Toyota's cars than to its rugged trucks like the 4Runner. The Highlander stands as a more civil, family-friendly alternative to the 4Runner or a more spacious alternative to the RAV4
In its latest generation, the Highlander lineup has become a little more truck-influenced from the outside, with the maw-like grille and exaggerated wheel wells and sills offering more than a faint hint of rugged cues. Inside, the cabin is all car, although there are a few fine details borrowed from Toyota's trucks, some Teutonic-themed dash action, and a pleasing jumble of lines and textures.
Pros Wide range of powertrains Flexible second row Easy third-row access Good connectivity
Cons Design is better, but still bland Just-adequate powertrains Somewhat busy dash design Hybrid only delivers if you drive gingerly
The Toyota Highlander's reasonable price and ample list of advanced safety features make it one the best value propositions in the class. You won't find any other midsize SUV at its roughly $30,000 price point with this many active safety features. On top of that, its interior is made with upscale materials, and the ride is hushed
the Highlander's driving dynamics are comfortable but dull. It’s base four-cylinder engine is unusual for the class, as most rivals have a standard V6. You can add a V6 engine to the Highlander, but you’ll pay about $1,400 to do so. With its base engine, the Highlander’s fuel economy is above average for the class. You’ll get even better gas mileage with the optional V6 engine. If you want a better driving experience and a more potent engine in the base model, look to the Honda Pilot. There’s a modest $35 difference in price between it and the Highlander, and the Pilot handles much better through turns. You’ll also get the V6 engine standard – just not the active safety features. And if you’re a fan of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Pilot has them in all but the base trims. You can’t get either with Toyota – at any trim level
Pros Lots of standard active safety features Above-average fuel economy Comfortable and quiet on the highway
Cons Dull performance and handling Cramped third-row seat
Pro: Well-built and spacious cabin Comfortable seats in the front and second rows Strong acceleration, especially in the XC90 T8 Cons: Third-row seats are only good for small adults or kids One USB port in a luxury family crossover is unacceptable
Pros Sharp new look and style; spacious second- and third-row seating; many standard safety technology features; confident handling; available hybrid model.
Cons Overly busy and firm ride quality; base engine comes up short on performance and real-world fuel economy; some touchscreen controls are hard to use.
Endnote: The XC90's suspension tuning is another mixed bag. On smooth pavement, the XC90 feels calm and controlled on its available air suspension. But over ruts, bumps and broken pavement, the vehicle delivers too many impacts and jitters to the occupants for a luxury SUV. We've only driven the XC90 with the big 21-inch wheels, but based on that experience, we recommend going with smaller wheels if possible to help smooth out the ride. Around turns, there's better news, as the XC90 inspires confidence with its planted character, feeling smaller and lighter than it really is.
The 2016 XC90 is raising the design bar in the premium three-row large crossover segment. And with a long roster of standard equipment that includes leather seating, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a smartphone-like infotainment system and state-of-the-art safety gear, the XC90 provides an intriguing alternative to the German-branded competition.
