Albuquerque Journal, N.M., Ken Walston column

Source: Albuquerque Journal, N.mini storageM.Nov. 09--Alongtime mainstay in Toyota's extensive SUV lineup, the midsize Highlander is a prime example of the Goldilocks principle: Not too big, not too small, but just right.Smack in the middle of this viciously competitive segment, Toyota's family-friendly crossover meets all the needs of the typical American brood with seating for up to seven in a comfortably roomy cabin, generally quiet on-road demeanor, and plenty of optional media add-ons to keep the front-seat passengers happy and the kids in the back entertained.Opt for the V-6 engine, and there's even an entertaining amount of go-power to keep the driver engaged.The 3.5-liter, twin-cam six is one of Toyota's most popular go-to engines, delivering a smooth 270 horsepower, quite capable of motivating the 4,464-pound, all-wheel-drive wagon.The five-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth-shifting, is lagging behind the competition, many of which offer at least six forward gears. It's also a bit hesitant to downshift, possibly a concession to fuel economy concerns. Selecting "sport" mode with the gear-shift lever seems to help.Oddly, the standard four-cylinder engine is paired with a six-speed automatic.Highlander's handling is commendably carlike, with relatively flat cornering from a suspension tuned more for comfort than sport. Given 迷你倉he crossover's mission, that's to be expected. The payoff comes in a very smooth highway ride with well-damped rebound from surface irregularities.Our top-of-the-line Limited model comes endowed with a long list of convenience and comfort features, headlined by perforated leather upholstery, moonroof, power liftgate, nav and heated front buckets.An overabundance of hard plastics on the dash and doors earns a demerit or two, but at least it's tightly assembled. And the shiny, fake wood trim is old school.Safety takes priority, and along with a plethora of air bags and side-curtain protection for all occupants, all the modern electronic nannies are on board, except for blind-spot warning.For 2014, a new Highlander will debut, undoubtedly addressing these minor indiscretions. But until then, the current model fills the family bill just fine.2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 4WDBASE PRICE: $39,400PRICE AS TESTED: $42,514 (incl. delivery)DRIVETRAIN: 3.5-liter, DOHC V-6; 270 horsepower; 248 lb.-ft. torque; five-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel driveWHEELBASE/ LENGTH: 109.8"/188.4"CURB WEIGHT: 4,464 poundsEPA FUEL RATING: 17 mpg city/22 highway (regular grade)Copyright: ___ (c)2013 the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.) Visit the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.) at .abqjournal.com Distributed by MCT Information Services文件倉