My new 09 Highlander

I've had my 09 AWD V6 Highlander Limited (Classic Silver Metallic/Ash) /w Nav for just under a week now. I thought I'd post some thoughts, seeing as this is my first Toyota after 20+ years of driving GM vehicles.



Overall, I'm very happy with it, with only 2 minor issues, one of which I knew about before I bought it. Power/handling/features are equal or better than the 08 Acadia I traded in. Compared to the Acadia, I feel none of the sluggishness in the engine/tranny. Despite all the whining here, I don't find the Toyota Nav to be any more restrictive than GM's. About the only things I miss off the Acadia are the HUD and the 60/40 split 3rd row.



About the only issues I have are:



1) Toyota's OEM remote start annoys me, shutting off as soon as I unlock the door, but I knew that going in, thanks to TN.

2) I don't care for where Toyota decided to place the switches for the heated seats.



Anyways, here's some pics:

Reply 1 : My new 09 Highlander

Nice pics...great Highlander porn....



Seriously, glad you found the forum useful before you bought your Highlander. I'd have to agree with you that I've never had a complaint about the engine/tranny combination, which has always given me the power I need when I need it. BTW, being an 09, can you tell me if they addressed the tailgate issue yet, where the plastic guard on the 08's does not extend over the lip of the rear bumper? I've heard talk that was to be addressed in future HLs, but didn't know if they got around to it with the 09 builds.



One more question for you: What kind of usage do you plan with your Highlander? Thanks!

Reply 2 : My new 09 Highlander

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust BTW, being an 09, can you tell me if they addressed the tailgate issue yet, where the plastic guard on the 08's does not extend over the lip of the rear bumper? I've heard talk that was to be addressed in future HLs, but didn't know if they got around to it with the 09 builds. One more question for you: What kind of usage do you plan with your Highlander? Thanks!

Thanks TrailDust. In regards to the rear bumper, the plastic guard stops about 1/2" from the edge of the bumper, which I think is the same as the 08. Maybe they changed this on the 2010 model.



As far as what I plan to use it for, most of the year it ends up being a car with a big trunk I'll probably hook up a utility trailer a couple times during spring cleaning to haul junk to the local land fill. It's nice in the winter to be sitting up a little higher and having more ground clearance.



BTW. where the heck is that Global Warming I has told about. Snow in early October stinks.



-Harold

Reply 3 : My new 09 Highlander

I hear you about a car with a big trunk. Heck, my HL gets slightly better mileage around town than my Avalon, which, in addition to how comfy the HL is inside, is one of the reasons I drive it almost all the time. Don't know if you've read any of my past threads regarding the HL's off-road abilities, but my other major usage is off-roading in the deserts and mountains. Heck, Toyota ought to pay be to give them feedback for using the HL like a true 4X4.... . For the tough stuff, though, I revert back to the Samurai. I love my Highlander!!!

Reply 4 : My new 09 Highlander

Agreed about the remote start, my wife wakes me up on my days off to remote start it for her. The range on it is atrocious.

Reply 5 : My new 09 Highlander

Nice Pics, Can you tell me where you bought the black rubber mats?

Reply 6 : My new 09 Highlander

The mats and the cargo liner are all Toyota OEM mats. I ordered them from my dealer. Toyota Canada calls the floor mats tray style mats. Also, the cargo liner is one piece.

Reply 7 : My new 09 Highlander

Thanks for the reply linuxtwit

Reply 8 : My new 09 Highlander

congrats!

Reply 9 : My new 09 Highlander

Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxtwit The mats and the cargo liner are all Toyota OEM mats. I ordered them from my dealer. Toyota Canada calls the floor mats tray style mats. Also, the cargo liner is one piece.

I have an 07 HLL. I called the dealer about the floor mats and we cannot get them here in the US. Our only option is the weathertech ones which there has been the color quality issues for a while

Reply 10 : My new 09 Highlander

Well, its goodbye to my highlander. I traded it in today for a 2010 Sequoia Platinum. If the weather cooperates, I will post a few pics later this week.