Power comes on strong and smooth in the V6 equipped test car. 220 hp is ample, moving the Highlander to 100 km/h in just under 8 ½ seconds with the ¼ mile arriving at just over 16 seconds. A 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder producing 155 hp is standard. While the base engine is only available with front-wheel drive, the V6 comes standard with full-time four-wheel drive. Both engines send power to the road via a 4-speed automatic transmission, with snow mode, that shifts effortlessly with virtually no hesitation.

Braking is also impressive. Its 4-wheel discs with ABS slow from 100 km/h to stationary in a scant 125 feet. To put that into perspective, this SUV's stopping power is in the same league as a Roush Stage 3 Mustang - serious territory indeed. Other safety features include standard air bags, pre-tensioner seat belts, WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) front seats and optional side-impact airbags.

The Highlander has an attractive cabin with either silver metallic or faux wood trim (optional). Controls are all within easy reach with standard 3-dial, 3-button heating and ventilation controls just above a 6-speaker, 6CD in-dash audio system. While leather is available in the Limited package, the beige zigzag pattern cloth seats in the test vehicle looked great and were extremely comfortable. Power windows and locks with keyless remote are standard as is cruise control, tilt steering and air conditioning. Move up to the Limited package and you receive a list too long to mention in the space I have provided. Suffice it to say you will be sufficiently coddled.

Standard convenience items include two auxiliary power outlets, an overhead console with eyeglass holder, two cleverly folding cupholders, four bottle holders, two grocery bag hooks, large map pockets on all doors, front seat back map pockets, a deck box in the rear cargo area and a small storage area located in the spare tire compartment. The rear seats are split 60/40 and fold away to create 2.304 cubic meters (81.4 cu ft) of cargo volume. With the seats up the usable space lessens to 0.909 (32.1).