Toyota

The second-generation Highlander rides on a new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches of additional wheelbase.

All Highlander gas models are powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower, a 55 horsepower gain over the previous generation. The engine is mated to a five-speed Super ECT (Super Intelligent Electronically Controlled) transmission, which offers fully automatic shifting as well as selectable manumatic sequential shifting. This feature is selectable by moving the shift lever to the left from the "D" position.