Toyota’s 2010 Highlander remains essentially unchanged from the 2009 version. This five-door, five- to seven-passenger midsize SUV can be delivered in three trim levels, the Base, Sport, and Limited versions, all of which are available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or full-time all-wheel drive (AWD). Well-endowed with standard creature comforts and safety features, the 2010 Highlander offers an abundance of passenger room, 95 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded flat, and a choice of two drivetrains. The Highlander’s major competition includes the Chevy Traverse and the Mazda CX-7.

The standard base engine for the 2010 Highlander is a well-regarded and reasonably economical 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) powerplant that, with its accompanying six-speed automatic transmission, puts out 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the 2.7-liter Base Highlander can tow 3,500 pounds, and is rated by the EPA to get an estimated 20/27 mpg. This base drivetrain, however, is available only with front-wheel drive. All other Highlander trims, including a Base V6, are equipped with the 3.5-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) V6 engine and five-speed auto-manual transmission. Pounding out 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, the 3.5-liter V6 hauls up to 5,000 pounds of trailer, when properly equipped, and fuel economy is estimated at 18/24 mpg with the FWD version, and 17/23 in the AWD trim. The Highlander AWD trims sport a mechanical center-mounted limited-slip differential.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the Base Highlander trims include 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth front bucket seats, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, cruise control, air conditioning, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, alloy trim accents, front and overhead consoles, and a single-CD player with six speakers. The Base V6 Highlander additionally offers a standard rear spoiler, third-row folding bench seats, and a roof rack. Options for all Base trims include rear manual air conditioning, a Tow Package, heated outside mirrors, a 6-CD changer, and satellite radio. The Base V6 also features an optional power moonroof.

Additional standard appearance and cabin amenities with the Sport trim level include 19-inch alloys, premium cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a rearview camera, as well as leather and alloy trim accents. The Highlander Limited, meanwhile, offers even more standard features, such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable front passenger seating, keyless ignition, a universal remote, dual-zone front climate control, simulated wood trim accents, and a 6-CD changer. Options for the Sport and Limited trims include touch-screen voice-activated DVD navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment, a power liftgate, Bluetooth communications technology, and automatic climate control. For the Limited trims, multi-level front seat heating is also an option.

The entire Highlander lineup features such standard safety items as four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, driver’s knee airbag, and a post-collision safety system. Optional for the Base Highlander and standard with all other trims are third-row head airbags and daytime running lights. For the Limited trim only, front fog/driving lights are also standard.

Though owners of the 2009 Toyota Highlander stress dependability and value above most other considerations, this midsize Sport Ute does have a few deficiencies. Among owner issues are the lack of a split-folding third-row seat, stunted roof rack, an iffy steering feel, tepid looks, non-integrated radio antenna, chintzy interior materials, and lower-quality standard tires. Owners, however, overwhelmingly approve of the Highlander’s fuel economy, ride comfort, roominess, quiet cabin, and its V6 performance. Additional owner kudos are awarded to such individual features as the Bluetooth communications technology, power moonroof, and DVD navigation system.