Pay attention to the phrase “and more” in this article about the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Everywhere you look, there’s more than you expected, and there’s more to make owning or leasing a Highlander a great move for your family. There’s also a sharp restyling for a sporty new look – a nice bonus.

You’ve probably noticed that many midsize three-row utility vehicles are today known as “crossovers.” Essentially, it means they’re built more like cars than trucks, so they drive and ride a lot more comfortably than older SUVs. Did you know that Toyota pioneered this type of vehicle with the original Highlander? Toyota saw the trend before it was a trend, and the current Highlander makes a solid case for Toyota’s leadership in this category.

What do you want in a crossover? Toyota once again has the answer for many. The 2011 Highlander gets a new look up front, but it’s what’s behind that new grille and headlights that really counts. A starting MSRP of $27,390 tells a great value story, especially when you factor in that all 2011 Highlanders now come standard in the three-row, seven-seat configuration and also include a rear climate control system. That means happier rear-seat passengers, and that’s always a good thing.

The Highlander’s middle seating row is a master of versatility with 40/20/40 split/folding, fore/aft sliding, reclining and one-touch fold-flat operation. The Center Stow^™ seat and Center Stow^™ console offer numerous seating arrangements. When you need to carry things instead of people, the Highlander makes a great moving partner. With the second and third seating rows folded, it presents 95.4 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. You also get the convenience of a cargo-area 12-volt auxiliary power outlet.

For those seeking maximum value, the popular Highlander SE grade offers the economical and responsive 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that debuted last year. It’s available in the front-wheel drive model where it delivers 25 mpg highway fuel economy. The 187-hp four works with its high-tech partner, a six-speed automatic transmission, to give the Highlander excellent all-around performance.

The high-value/high-performance equation gets even better with the popular Highlander V6 model, which has an MSRP of $28,545 in 2WD form; stepping up to the four-wheel drive model adds just $1,450. Add the Tech Package to get the same audio system used in the SE trim line, which gives you a USB port, Bluetooth and integrated XM Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription). This package also adds a raft of comfort and convenience features including a backup monitor with 3.5-inch multi-information display, an easy-clean fabric interior, an eight-way power driver's seat, cargo area cover, engine immobilizer and more.

That’s quite a deal for $2,115. So equipped, a V6 4WD Highlander rings in at $32,990 – an exceptional value.

“And more” certainly applies to the Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 engine, which offers 270 hp for quick, smooth acceleration. A V6 Highlander also delivers 24 mpg on the highway on Regular grade fuel, so the “and more power” also comes with “and more value.”

You can of course get even more comfort and luxury by working your way up to the SE or Limited trims. At an MSRP of $38,025, the Highlander Limited 4WD gives you perforated leather-trimmed seating (front and second rows), a feature usually associated with luxury brands. On SE and Limited models equipped with the optional navigation system, the backup camera's images are viewed on the seven-inch navigation screen.

The Highlander Hybrid (MSRP $37,290) also gets the sporty styling update for 2011, and much more. The gasoline side of the hybrid system gets a more powerful V6 engine (now 231 hp), boosting Hybrid Synergy Drive total system horsepower to 280. A second rear-mounted electric motor provides automatic on-demand four-wheel drive traction when needed.

You buy a hybrid for its impressive fuel economy, and the Highlander Hybrid delivers a very impressive 28 mpg in both city and highway driving. New for 2011, the Highlander Hybrid now also features as standard the Tech Audio Package, easy-clean fabric seating and an eight-way power driver’s seat.

In all Highlander models, the Toyota STAR Safety System delivers peace of mind from advanced stability and traction control, and more, including a new feature to enhance stability while braking through a curve.

Come in and see the 2011 Toyota Highlander, and see more than you expected.