3 key aspects to know about the Toyota Highlander
Midsize SUVs are eternally in high demand among buyers who want a combination of classic SUV elements like road presence and dominance and car-like urban mobility and ease of use in their vehicles. If there is a vehicle that perfectly marries the two sensibilities, it is Toyota’s Highlander, an SUV that has been among the carmaker’s bestsellers for years. The newest Highlander lives up to its predecessors’ high standards. Here are some details about it:
Engine and performance
The Highlander has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. This engine produces 265 hp and is powerful enough to haul the car off the line at a more-than-decent pace. The Highlander hits 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.2 seconds. The Hybrid variant of the Toyota Highlander comes with a combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Together, the three powertrains produce 243 hp. The Hybrid’s performance is slightly lower than the earlier variant as it hits the 0 to 60 mph mark in 7.3 seconds. Essentially, the Highlander is more of a long-distance cruiser than a rocket ship.
The vehicle’s handling is stable, while its ride is supple enough to make long highway drives enjoyable for families.
Features and safety equipment
The Highlander is loaded with a host of entertainment and convenience-based features. Some of the features of the top-of-the-line Platinum variant include a 12.3″ infotainment display, JBL premium-brand speakers, a stunning 11-speaker sound system, a subwoofer, 4 one-touch power windows, a moonroof over the first and second rows of seats, hands-free entry, heated mirrors, keyless ignition, a multi-functional steering wheel, a front-side- and rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parking assist, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, three-zone climate control, and many, many, more.
The car does not lag behind when it comes to safety features either. Its occupant-saving equipment list includes lane keep assist, pre- and post-collision safety systems, airbags, stability control, traction control, 4-wheel ABS, tire pressure monitoring, emergency braking assist, dusk sensing headlamps, adaptive headlights, self-leveling feature in the headlights, daytime running lamps, and disc brakes for front and rear set of wheels.
Price range
For all its features and qualities, the Toyota Highlander’s competitive pricing may be its biggest deal clincher. The vehicle’s base model, the L FWD, comes with an MSRP of $36,620, while the flagship variant, the Platinum AWD, is priced at $51,425. However, it is important to note that all prices listed here are dynamic in nature.