Highlander is available with either full-time four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. There's also a choice of engines: A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard, and is rated at 155 horsepower. A 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 220 horsepower is optional. All come with automatic transmissions.
One well-equipped model is available, which comes standard with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, cloth upholstery, and anti-lock brakes. Prices start at $23,995 (including destination charge), which includes a four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. Options increase prices for this and all Highlanders, however. The V6 adds nearly $1600. Full-time four-wheel drive adds $1400. We highly recommend the optional Traction Control with Vehicle Skid Control ($850) for all front-drive models, and especially with the V6 ($25,575). The 4WD V6 model retails for $26,975.
Options such as leather upholstery, power seats drive the price up. Side-impact air bags are an option for $250. We drove a loaded 4WD V6 model that totaled $30,470, and a well-equipped 2WD four-cylinder model that came to $27,150.