A 2.4L turbo four, with 265 horsepower is the sole engine offered on the non-hybrid Highlander. Towing capacity is a robust 2268 kilograms. Power flows to all wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four is quick and, except when extended when it sounds enthusiastic, quite refined. Abundant soft-touch surfaces, even on the tops of the rear doors, are present, and all surfaces appear quite luxurious. A massive 12.3 inch touch screen is featured on top models and controls are quite logical. Legroom in the first two rows of seats is very good and third-row space looks reasonable for this class. Cargo room with the third seat arrayed to accept passengers is fairly typical for this segment. The hybrid twins a 2.5L four, which, in unison with its electric motors, puts out 243 horsepower. The hybrid sends power to the front wheels via a CVT; with the rear wheels being driven electrically.

2.4T: with alloy wheels, keyless start, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a  power tailgate, blind spot monitors  and L.E.D. headlights, the base LE is well equipped. The XLE upgrade adds fog lights, a sunroof, an auto-dim rearview mirror, a garage door opener, a hands-free power tailgate and a power passenger seat, and is reasonable value. The Limited trim upgrade includes a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system, a JBL audio system, leather seating, a dual-panel sunroof, a larger 12.3 inch infotainment screen and ventilated front seats, and is acceptable value if you like the equipment. The XSE variant of the XLE offers “sporty” front and rear fascias, “smoked” lighting and middle-row captain seats replacing the three-seat bench and a more sophisticated all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring, but looks expensive. The price of the Platinum model, which adds second-row heated seats, a 360º camera system and a head-up display system, reflects the value of the equipment.

Hybrid power will set you back $2550 on the Platinum trim and $3000 on the LE, XLE and Limited. The LE, with a power tailgate, L.E.D. headlights, fog lights, a power driver’s seat, heated front seat, three-zone climate control, blind spot monitors and alloy wheels, is well equipped. The XLE features a power sunroof, a power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, an alarm system, garage door opener, an auto dim rearview mirror and wireless cellphone charging, at a fair price. The XLE Nightshade trim adds captains seats in the second row and ambient lighting as well as the “blacked out” look, but is overpriced. Compared with the XLE, the Limited, with a JBL-branded audio system, ventilated front seats, a dual-panel sunroof, power-fold door mirrors and leather seating, is priced to reflect the value of its additional features. The Platinum range-topper offers a 360º degree camera system, a head-up display system, second-row heated seats and a number of other comfort and convenience features, is reasonably priced.

Predicted above average reliability, especially the hybrid, which uses proven technology. Unproven 2.4L turbo four.