Toyota Highlander
Introduction
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV with a reputation for reliability and practicality. It offers a comfortable ride, plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and a choice of fuel-efficient four-cylinder or V6 engines. Standard safety features include a rearview camera and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance technologies. Higher trims offer features such as a sunroof, heated front seats, and a premium sound system. Overall, the Highlander is a solid choice for families and those in need of a reliable and spacious SUV.
Performance
The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 185-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The four-cylinder engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is available on the base LE trim, while the V6 is paired with an eight-speed automatic and is available on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims. The V6 engine provides more power and acceleration, making it a better choice for those who frequently drive on the highway or tow trailers. Both engines deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, but the V6 has more power and better acceleration. Additionally, all-wheel drive is available on the higher trims for better traction in inclement weather conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency of the Toyota Highlander varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The base LE trim with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The higher trims with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and front-wheel drive have an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The fuel economy for the all-wheel drive versions is usually lower, for example, the V6 engine with all-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. It is worth noting that the hybrid version of the Highlander, which is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, has an impressive fuel efficiency of 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined.
Comfort and Convenience
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that is known for its comfortable and convenient features.
In terms of comfort, the Highlander has a spacious cabin and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, depending on the trim level. The seats are supportive and provide good legroom and headroom. The Highlander also has a smooth ride and is well-insulated from road noise. The available features such as leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof add to the comfort of the vehicle.
In terms of convenience, the Highlander has a wide range of standard and available features. Standard features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Available features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree camera, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a JBL premium audio system. The Highlander also has a high-quality interior and a good amount of storage space.
The Highlander also offers an advanced safety package, with features such as lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a comfortable and convenient SUV that offers a good balance of space, features, and comfort.
Interior and Exterior Design
The Toyota Highlander has a sleek and modern exterior design that is both stylish and practical. It features a bold front grille, sculpted lines, and a sleek silhouette. The base LE trim comes with 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offer 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels. The exterior design is both bold and functional, with Highlander’s front end designed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The interior of the Highlander is well-designed and functional, with a focus on comfort, convenience, and functionality. The layout is well-organized and easy to use, with large buttons and knobs that are easy to reach and operate. The base LE trim comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims offer an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in navigation. Higher trims also offer leather seats, a sunroof, and a premium JBL sound system. Overall the interior of the Highlander is well-designed and comfortable with a focus on practicality and functionality.
Safety
The Toyota Highlander is known for its strong safety ratings and advanced safety features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Highlander an overall rating of five out of five stars, with the highest scores in the side-impact and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the Highlander its the highest rating of “Top Safety Pick.”
Standard safety features on the base LE trim include a rearview camera, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver assistance technologies, which includes lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offer additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Highlander also includes Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes features such as Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Anti-lock brakes.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander is considered one of the safest SUVs on the market, with advanced safety features and strong safety ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.
Reliability
The Toyota Highlander is known for its reliability and longevity. The Highlander has a reputation for being a dependable vehicle that can last for many years with proper maintenance. According to J.D. Power and Associates, the Highlander ranks highly in the midsize SUV segment for reliability. Additionally, Consumer Reports gives the Highlander a high predicted reliability rating, with the latest model receiving an “above average” rating.
Toyota is also known for its strong warranty coverage, which includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage can provide added peace of mind for buyers who want a dependable vehicle. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Highlander running smoothly, and Toyota offers a maintenance schedule to help you keep on top of it. Overall, the Toyota Highlander is considered a reliable vehicle that is built to last.
It is worth noting that the Hybrid version of the Highlander is known to be even more reliable, in part due to the fact that it has fewer moving parts than a traditional internal combustion engine.
Value for money
The Toyota Highlander is considered to be a good value for money in the midsize SUV segment. It offers a good balance of features, comfort, and reliability at a relatively reasonable price point. The base LE trim is priced competitively in its class and includes a decent list of standard features such as a rearview camera, a Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver assistance technologies, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims offer additional features such as leather seats, a sunroof, and a premium JBL sound system, but at a higher price point.
The Highlander also offers a hybrid version, which provides excellent fuel economy, and it is considered to be a good value for money for those who prioritize fuel efficiency.
The Highlander’s strong resale value is another factor that makes it a good value for money. Toyota has a reputation for building vehicles that hold their value well, and the Highlander is no exception.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander is considered to be a good value for money in the midsize SUV segment, with a good balance of features, comfort, and reliability at a relatively reasonable price point.
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander is a solid choice for families and those in need of a reliable and spacious SUV.
