The 2009 Toyota Highlander mid sized crossover SUV gains the latest 4-cylinder engine. The model comes with seven seating capacity with the option to fold the second row bucket seats and the third row bucket seats. The second row in the model provides 3-passenger capacity through a detachable padded center section that can be folded.
The 2009 Highlander is offered with either the all wheel drive or the front wheel drive. The model is available in four different models namely the electric/gas hybrid model, Base model, Sport model and the Limited model.
The base model comes with 2.7 liter 187 horse power 4-cylinder engine. The 3.5 liter V6 engine is optional in the Standard, Base and the Limited models. The V6 engine comes with the five speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder comes with six speed automatic transmission. The AWD Hybrid Highlander comes in the Limited and the Base trim models and is equipped with 3.3 liter V6 engine with an electronic motor that produces 270 horse power of energy. Like the other Hybrid models, the engine runs on either mode, based on the driving demand.
The safety features in the vehicle include the traction control, curtain side air bags that cover all the seat rows, anti skid system, driver knee air bags and the front side air bags. The Hill descent control is provided as the standard feature in all AWD model. Te features like the navigation system, sunroof, three zone climate control system and the DVD entertainment system are provided as optional.
