The Toyota Highlander is equipped with a responsive 155-hp VVT-i 4-cylinder engine or a powerful 220-hp VVT-i DOHC V6. It is available with 2-wheel drive, or there's a full-time 4WD version. It is designed for those who crave the utility and space of an SUV, but aren't willing to sacrifice comfort and premium sedan features. The Highlander led the AAA Auto Guide: 2002 New Cars and Trucks to name it the best SUV in the under-$25,000 category. 2004 Toyota Highlander Option Packages Appearance Package includes aluminum alloy wheels with full-size spare tire on aluminum alloy wheel, color-keyed front and rear mudguards, and privacy glass on rear side, quarter and tailgate windows. Towing Prep Package and converter -- includes upgraded radiator, transmission oil cooler, 130-amp alternator and trailer prewiring; 4-cylinder models add: 3,000-lb. towing capacity, 2 engine oil cooler and 120-watt fan coupling; V6 models add: 3,500-lb. towing capacity, 2 80-watt fan coupling and power steering oil cooler.

More power and an available 3rd-row seat and curtain airbags headline Highlander's 2004 "midlife" update. This SUV offshoot of Toyota's Camry sedan shares underskin structure with the Lexus RX 330, a V6 5-passenger luxury SUV from Toyota's premium division. Highlander offers a base 4-cyl engine and now seats up to seven with a 2-passenger 3rd-row seat, which folds flush into the floor. The newly available curtain side airbags cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and include front torso side airbags. For '04, V6 Highlanders swap a 220-hp 3.0-liter engine for the RX's 230-hp 3.3 and 5-speed automatic transmission. A 4-speed automatic remains mandatory with the 4 cyl, which adds 5 hp. Both engines team with front drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and now antiskid/traction control, a former option. A tire-pressure monitor is also newly standard. Highlander also gets its first navigation and rear DVD entertainment options, plus detail styling and suspension changes.

Compare this Highlander with the new 2004 Pilot.

2004 Pilot

2004 Honda Pilot offers LX and a pair of upscale models, the EX and leather-upholstered EX-L. Standard on all Pilots are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags; rear or curtain side airbags are unavailable, but are newly standard this year on MDX. The AWD system does not have low-range gearing, but can be set via a dashboard button to split power evenly front to rear. Pilot has a one-piece rear liftgate without separate-opening glass. The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats are 60/40 split folding benches. Newly standard on EX-L are heated front seats and mirrors. Optional on EX-L are a navigation system and rear DVD entertainment, though they are not available together. It offers excellent on-road driving characteristics, ample room for five adults--seven in a pinch, generous cargo capacity, and attractive pricing.

Compare the Toyota's new Highlander with the Pilot, Windstar and last years 2003 SXR.

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