- Rides and handles like a Camry

 - Smooth V6 engine

 - Fuel-efficient four-cylinder

 - Lots of standard safety features

- High crash test scores

 - Poor access to optional third-row seat

 - Bland personality

Even in its sixth year on the market, the Highlander remains one of the better values for families who need a comfortable, easy-to-drive vehicle that can carry a fair amount of cargo, handle occasional snow and ice during the winter months and still turn in respectable fuel economy. Although you should definitely explore all your options in this segment, the Highlander offers a well-rounded package for the average crossover SUV buyer.

The four-door Highlander comes in two trims: base and Limited. The base models are decently equipped with items like 16-inch wheels; power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; air conditioning; keyless entry; and a CD player. Step up to the Limited and you'll gain automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, power-adjustable front seats, a fold-flat third-row seat, an upgraded JBL sound system and HomeLink. Popular options for the Highlander include a rear-seat DVD-based entertainment system, an in-dash CD changer, a tow package and, on the Limited trim, leather seating and a navigation system.

All Highlanders come with four-wheel antilock disc brakes equipped with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and BrakeAssist, a stability control system, a tire-pressure warning system and whiplash-reducing front seats. Optional on all models are seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows. In government crash testing, the Highlander scored five stars (out of a possible five) for frontal-impact protection. In side-impact tests, it again received five stars for both front and rear passengers. In frontal offset crash testing administered by the IIHS, the Toyota earned a "Good" rating (the best possible).

The Highlander's passenger accommodations are reasonably spacious, but newer competitors offer more room in the second row. Ordering the third-row seat allows the Toyota to seat two additional passengers, preferably small ones, for a total capacity of seven. Unfortunately, the second-row seat's lack of a flip-and-fold mechanism makes the third row tougher to access than most. When it's time to haul groceries, the third-row seat folds flat into the floor (without requiring removal of the headrests), opening up 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Drop the 60/40-split second-row seats, and there are 81.4 cubes to go around.

A fully independent suspension delivers an excellent combination of comfort and control; although, like the Camry, the Highlander favors ride quality over handling. Even so, it weighs less than many other crossover SUVs, giving a more nimble feel. The base four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for those who travel light, but most buyers will prefer the V6, which provides smooth, strong acceleration in all situations.

EmZee

Hybrid cars won IntelliChoice.com's 2006 "Best Overall Value of the Year" awards in three of eight categories. The awards map a combination of factors including a vehicle's price, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs and resale value, taking data from auto manufacturers, the U.S. government and third-party sources to determine the cost of ownership over a five-year period.

Although relatively new to the automotive scene, hybrid cars are attracting more attention due to rising fuel costs, with sales growing rapidly. "These cars are proving to be a great economic bonus and not just in terms of fuel efficiency," said IntelliChoice publisher James Bell. "They are also low on maintenance costs and because there is such high demand for them they have high residual value when it comes to resale," Bell said.

2006 Winner for SUV Value Over $28,000 -

Best SUV Value Over $28,000 - Toyota Highlander Hybrid