Toyota's adding a mild jolt of athleticism to its couch-potato SUV, the Highlander, with a new Sport model that includes a package of cosmetic enhancements like color-keyed grille, chrome appointments, and 17-inch alloys. Inside, there's a tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-trimmed shift knob with chrome stalk, and eight-way power driver's seat and AM/FM/Cassette/CD with six speakers and in-glass antenna (woe to the antenna-eating car wash monster). The Highlander Sports will be powered by the corporate 215-hp V6, and 4WD models get a sport-tuned suspension. Prices will start at $27,765 for 2WD ($28,615 for third-row seating), and $29,235 for 4WD ($30,085 with third row). The company's also offering a new two-row base V6 4WD model that's $850 less than the comparable three-row model, at $26,990.

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Jalopnik Reviews: Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Part 1 [internal]

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