2002 Toyota Highlander - Sometimes You Feel Like a Truck, Sometimes You Don't
2001 was a banner year for the Toyota truck team, having brought the new full-size Sequoia, compact RAV4 and Tacoma Double Cab to market. Add to this refinements made to the remaining truck line-up and the launch of another all-new model is an amazing feat.
The Highlander shares underpinnings with the Lexus RX300 (derived from the Camry/ES300). That said I found it difficult to see any trace of the Lexus model in the Highlander's exterior styling and only subtle similarities inside with the exception of the center dash and console area. Where the RX300 is organic and almost car-like in shape, the Highlander is edgy and obviously inspired by Toyota's truck line.
It might look like a truck but it sure doesn't behave like one. As Don Esmond, Toyota Division Senior Vice President and General Manager commented, "Sometimes you feel like a truck, sometimes you don't." Rather than lose mid-size customers who find the truck based Forerunner too rough and ready, the Highlander fills a niche for those who want a 4x4 for less stringent duty.
Its independent MacPherson strut suspension soaks up pavement imperfections while the 1,760 kg (3,880 lbs) Highlander remains composed during spirited highway driving. P225/70R16 tires on five-spoke steel wheels grip to the road surface dry or wet. Sure-footed handling in the latter weather condition is aided by a yaw control system Toyota calls VSC (vehicle skid control) as well as traction control (TRAC), both optional.
2001 was a banner year for the Toyota truck team, having brought the new full-size Sequoia, compact RAV4 and Tacoma Double Cab to market. Add to this refinements made to the remaining truck line-up and the launch of another all-new model is an amazing feat. The Highlander shares underpinnings with the Lexus RX300 (derived from the Camry/ES300). That said I found it difficult to see any trace of the Lexus model in the Highlander's exterior styling and only subtle similarities inside with the exception of the center dash and console area. Where the RX300 is organic and almost car-like in shape, the Highlander is edgy and obviously inspired by Toyota's truck line.
It might look like a truck but it sure doesn't behave like one. As Don Esmond, Toyota Division Senior Vice President and General Manager commented, "Sometimes you feel like a truck, sometimes you don't." Rather than lose mid-size customers who find the truck based Forerunner too rough and ready, the Highlander fills a niche for those who want a 4x4 for less stringent duty. Its independent MacPherson strut suspension soaks up pavement imperfections while the 1,760 kg (3,880 lbs) Highlander remains composed during spirited highway driving. P225/70R16 tires on five-spoke steel wheels grip to the road surface dry or wet. Sure-footed handling in the latter weather condition is aided by a yaw control system Toyota calls VSC (vehicle skid control) as well as traction control (TRAC), both optional.