The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that has been a popular choice for families and individuals alike for over two decades. Known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reputation for reliability, the Highlander is a great option for those looking for a practical and capable vehicle.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Toyota Highlander, including its features, specs, and performance capabilities. We’ll also compare it to some of its competitors in the midsize SUV market.

History

The Toyota Highlander was first introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Toyota 4Runner. The original Highlander was a compact SUV that was designed to compete with other popular models like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer. Over the years, the Highlander has undergone several redesigns and updates, including a major overhaul in 2014.

Features

The current generation of the Toyota Highlander is available in multiple trim levels, including LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid. Some of the key features of the Highlander include:

• Spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers
• Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring
• Comfortable ride and smooth handling
• Available all-wheel drive (AWD) system for improved traction and stability
• Powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine or optional hybrid powertrain
• Up to 8 inches of cargo space behind the third row

Specifications

Here are some key specifications for the Toyota Highlander:

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft torque) or 2.7-liter I4 (185 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque) hybrid powertrain
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
• Drive type: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Seating capacity: Up to eight passengers
• Cargo space: Up to 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row, up to 40.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row
• Towing capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds (FWD), up to 4,500 pounds (AWD)
• Fuel economy: Up to 21 mpg combined (FWD), up to 20 mpg combined (AWD)

Performance

The Toyota Highlander is known for its smooth and quiet ride, making it a great choice for long road trips or daily commutes. The available AWD system helps improve traction and stability on slippery roads, while the hybrid powertrain offers improved fuel efficiency.

Safety Features

The Toyota Highlander has a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Some of the key safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Automatic emergency braking

Competitors

The Toyota Highlander competes in a crowded midsize SUV market, where models like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder are popular choices. Here’s a brief comparison of these models:

• Honda Pilot: The Pilot is a solid choice for families, with a spacious interior and comfortable ride. However, it falls short on fuel efficiency.
• Ford Explorer: The Explorer is a more rugged option, with available towing capacity up to 5,600 pounds. However, it’s less refined than the Highlander and has a lower safety rating.
• Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder is another midsize SUV that offers a smooth ride and plenty of cargo space. However, it has a less powerful engine and fewer standard features.

Conclusion

The Toyota Highlander is a reliable and comfortable midsize SUV that’s perfect for families or individuals who need a practical vehicle. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and available hybrid powertrain, the Highlander is a great choice in a crowded market. While it may not be the most exciting option, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a dependable and capable vehicle.

Price

The starting price of the Toyota Highlander varies depending on trim level and options. Here are some approximate prices:

• LE: around $32,000
• XLE: around $36,000
• Limited: around $40,000
• Platinum: around $45,000
• Hybrid: around $38,000

Warranty

The Toyota Highlander comes with a comprehensive warranty package that includes:

• 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery warranty

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Toyota Highlander is a reliable and comfortable midsize SUV that’s perfect for families or individuals who need a practical vehicle. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and available hybrid powertrain, the Highlander is a great choice in a crowded market. While it may not be the most exciting option, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a dependable and capable vehicle.