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Few vehicles are easier to get in and out of than a Toyota Highlander. Neither climbing up nor stepping down is required. Simply slide in. Highlander is even friendly to wearers of tight skirts. This makes the Highlander one of the most convenient vehicles available for running daily errands. The Highlander will not likely ever annoy you. There are walk-in steps and a second-row sliding seat to help access the third row of seats.Highlander comes with reclining bucket seats in front. These seats are flat and lean, but supportive and comfortable and adjust to suit various-size drivers. Their higher ride height provides a commanding view of the road. The sloping hood of the Highlander makes the forward view even more encompassing. The front seats are designed to reduce the possibility of whiplash. The second row seats up to three passengers, but is better for two. The center of the second-row seat folds down into an arm rest with cup holders, and the seats recline for additional comfort. It's split 60/40 and folds down with a cleverly articulated seat bottom. The second row folds fairly flat but not perfectly flat. The second-row seat slides forward to make access to the third row easier, and to provide more legroom for third-row passengers. Toyota intends for the third row to be used only occasionally. It's uncomfortable for average-sized adults. We found our knees rode high, and there was minimal leg room, hip room and shoulder room. The third row is best for kids and short trips. Third-row seats are seldom comfortable, especially in this class. The Honda Pilot offers substantially more hip and shoulder room in the third row, but legroom is the same story. The Nissan Murano has no third row. Also, the side-curtain airbags do not protect third-row passengers; they do in a Toyota Sienna minivan. Bottom line: If you need the third row often, then you should consider a minivan. For transporting people, a minivan is better. Highlander's third-row seat does fold flat into the floor, with no need to remove the headrests, so you still get the greater cargo-carrying utility of an SUV. Third-row seats are packaged with rear privacy glass, a rear heater system with separate fan controls, and additional cup holders. The driver will find everything in its place. Buttons for the power windows are right there on the doors where they should be. Radio and heater controls operate intuitively and use simple dials and amply sized buttons. Instruments are readily visible through a panoramic space in the comfortable four-spoke steering wheel. The whole layout indicates thoughtful appraisal and wise choices. The Hybrid instrument panel includes a large screen to monitor energy use and battery condition/storage. It's interesting to watch how the power flows back and forth between the engine, electric motor(s) and transmission and then on to the driven wheels. It's a good way to teach your right foot how to be especially light on the throttle. You soon learn that only a slight increase in pedal pressure dips heavily into fuel and electric reserves, and it's not easy to conserve when the demands of surrounding traffic flow come into play. Interior trim and fabrics in all Highlanders are conservative and generally tasteful. V6 models come with aluminum interior accents. Limited models come with simulated silver and burled maple wood-grain dash trim and door scuff plates, but the wood grain trim on the center stack looks like fake wood. The standard climate control is a single-zone system. The shifter is uniquely positioned more as a part of the dash than on a central console. This opens up the space between the front seats. It also lends an open, unconfined air to the cockpit. The interior is outfitted with dome, door courtesy, glove box and cargo-area lighting. Map pockets, visor mirrors, and front and rear auxiliary power outlets are provided. The driver's window has one-touch Auto-down. Highlander
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