Auto News 5

A 187-horsepower four-cylinder lugging around a two-ton SUV? Why not? The four-cylinder Highlander may not be overly powerful, but it was perfectly adequate for my daily commute. That the Highlander is even available with a four-cylinder is news, as last year it came only as a V-6 (or with a hybrid powertrain). Obviously, the four-cylinder option is a reaction to the wildly fluctuating gasoline prices that we saw in 2008, and the fact that it will get an estimated 27 mpg on the highway doesn't hurt. However, buyers will have to sacrifice 4WD if they opt for the four-cylinder, because it's available only with front-wheel drive.