Toyota Highlander Tops Consumer Reports Testing

Anthony Fontanelle
December 5, 2007

Four three-row sport utility vehicle models recently went head to head as Consumer Reports tested these four mid-sized SUVs to determine which model will stand out. The four SUVs, including the redesigned Toyota Highlander, Buick Enclave, Ford Taurus X, and the Subaru Tribeca went under a series of testing and earned their respective ratings from Consumer Reports staff. Models that have performed well during the tests and scored at least average at the Annual Car Reliability Survey will earn the prestigious "Recommended" label.

Among the four mid size SUV group, the redesigned Toyota Highlander gained top scores during the testing. However, the Toyota Highlander won’t receive the "Recommended" award as Toyota posted some problems at the Annual Car Reliability Survey.

"All four of the SUVs scored 'Very Good' or 'Excellent' in our testing. But because we recommend only models with sufficient data to predict average or better reliability, only the Ford Taurus X and Subaru Tribeca are Recommended from this group." said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center.

The Toyota Highlander showed exemplary overall road performance during the test. The Highlander also scored high in other areas like quiet interior, ride comfort, power, fuel economy, and roomy second row seat. The vehicle is also equipped with a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that offers 18 mpg. According to Consumer Reports, the only drawbacks of the Toyota Highlander include limited interior versatility and large panel gaps. Compared to the other SUVs tested, the Toyota Highlander's appearance is not that bulky.

The Buick Enclave followed the Highlander on points. Consumer Reports' staff found impressive features such as the easily-accessible second and third row seats that are spacious enough for three adults, and the 275-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers good performance. However, drawbacks also surfaced like the awkward placement of some controls, unimpressive fuel economy, high Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights without "flash-to-pass" mode to signal other drivers.

For the Ford Taurus X, Consumer Reports testers said that the vehicle 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine offers both performance and refinement but the fuel economy is worse. Meanwhile, the Subaru Tribeca doesn’t come with improvements. The 3.0-liter engine still gets the same 16 mpg overall and the seating in all three rows is so cramped.

In addition, Consumer Reports also tested minivan models like the redesigned Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. Consumer Reports said that both models are better than the previous models. Both minivans offer new and improved features, but the acceleration and fuel economy are not that good.

Details of the testing will be published in the January issue of Consumer Reports magazine. Consumer Reports should also test sedan models on the next issue like Acura CL equipped with Acura CL AC condenser.

Source:  Amazines.com