This midsize crossover SUV is now in its second generation. The Toyota Highlander accommodates up to 7 people and allows considerable customization as to sportiness and luxury. The 2010 model carries over from the previous year with very few changes.

Four trim levels are available on the 2010 Toyota Highlander. The base Highlander features 17-inch alloy wheels,air conditioning,cloth upholstery,some power accessories,and a 6-speaker sound system. The optional V-6 engine also adds a folding third-row seat,which can be left off at the buyer?s request. The Highlander Sport trim adds the V-6 engine as standard,plus 19-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension,automatic headlights,more power accessories,trip computer,and reverse camera. The Highlander SE features a sunroof,leather upholstery,automatic climate control,and heated seats,but loses the larger wheels and sport suspension. The Highlander Limited trim regains the 19-inch wheels and adds more convenience features. Many of these enhancements are offered as stand-alone options.

The standard power plant for all 2010 Toyota Highlanders except the base model is a 270-horsepower,3.5-liter V-6 engine with automatic transmission. The V-6 delivers 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive,17/23 with optional all-wheel drive (AWD),according to the EPA. The base Highlander employs a 187-horsepower,2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety features on the 2010 Toyota Highlander include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist,stability control,traction control,hill start assist (plus downhill assist on AWD models),active front head restraints,front side air bags,and overhead curtain air bags. In government crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),the Highlander received 5 (out of 5) stars for driver protection and 4 stars for front-passenger protection in front-impact tests,and 5 stars across the board in side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Highlander the highest-possible ?Good? ratings in frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

Starting MSRPs for the 2010 Toyota Highlander ranged from $25,855 to $34,670.