The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the automotive industry for over two decades. Known for its reliability, comfort, and versatility, the Highlander has become a popular choice for families and adventure-seekers alike. But what makes the top of the line Highlander truly stand out from its counterparts? In this article, we will delve into the features, capabilities, and innovations that make the top of the line Highlander a cut above the rest.
Introduction to the Highlander Lineup
The Toyota Highlander lineup consists of several trim levels, each offering a unique set of features and amenities. The base model L trim provides a solid foundation for the Highlander series, with standard features such as a 3.5-liter V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system. As you move up the trim levels, you’ll find additional features and upgrades, including leather-trimmed seats, moonroof, and advanced safety features.
Trim Levels and Features
The Highlander trim levels include the L, LE, XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim level builds upon the previous one, adding more features and amenities to enhance the driving experience. The top of the line Highlander is the Platinum trim, which boasts an impressive array of standard features, including:
A 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower
8-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Panoramic moonroof
Premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated second-row seats
Toyota’s Entune infotainment system with 12.3-inch touchscreen display
Advanced safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and 360-degree camera system
Platinum Trim Exclusive Features
The Platinum trim also features several exclusive upgrades, including a unique exterior design package with 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, and a distinctive front grille. Inside, you’ll find premium leather-trimmed seats with contrasting stitching, as well as a heated steering wheel and power moonroof. The Platinum trim also comes with a 120V power outlet in the cargo area, perfect for charging devices on the go.
Performance and Capabilities
The top of the line Highlander is not just about luxury features – it’s also a capable and performance-driven vehicle. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power for merging onto highways, towing trailers, or tackling tough terrain. With an estimated 24 mpg combined fuel economy, the Highlander is also a practical choice for daily driving.
Towing and Payload Capacities
The Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it an excellent choice for towing boats, trailers, or RVs. The payload capacity is also impressive, with a maximum capacity of up to 1,685 pounds. Whether you’re hauling gear for a camping trip or transporting heavy equipment, the Highlander has the strength and capability to handle it.
Off-Road Capabilities
The top of the line Highlander is also equipped with Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive, which provides enhanced traction and control on slippery surfaces. With a ground clearance of 8 inches, the Highlander can handle moderate off-road terrain with ease. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails or snowy roads, the Highlander’s all-wheel drive system and generous ground clearance give you the confidence to tackle challenging conditions.
Safety Features and Innovations
The top of the line Highlander is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite. This innovative system includes features such as:
Lane departure warning and assistance
Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
Automatic high beams
Road sign assist
Additional Safety Features
In addition to the TSS 2.0 suite, the Platinum trim also features a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings. This feature is particularly useful for parking in tight spaces or navigating narrow trails. The Highlander also features a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, which helps detect vehicles in the blind spot or approaching from the sides.
Driver Assistance Technologies
The top of the line Highlander also features a range of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assist. These features work together to provide a more comfortable and convenient driving experience, especially during long road trips or in heavy traffic.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the top of the line Highlander is a masterpiece of comfort and technology. With premium leather-trimmed seats and heated and ventilated front seats, you’ll feel pampered on every drive. The premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers provides exceptional sound quality, while the 12.3-inch touchscreen display makes it easy to navigate the Entune infotainment system.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Entune infotainment system is highly customizable, with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You can also connect your devices via Bluetooth or USB, and enjoy seamless streaming of music, podcasts, and more. With Wi-Fi connectivity and a 4G LTE hotspot, you can stay connected on the go and keep your devices charged.
Cargo Space and Versatility
The Highlander offers ample cargo space, with up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the front seats. The 60/40 split-folding second-row seats provide flexibility for hauling gear or passengers, while the power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo.
In conclusion, the top of the line Highlander is an exceptional vehicle that offers a unique blend of luxury, performance, and capability. With its impressive features, advanced safety technologies, and comfortable interior, it’s the perfect choice for families, adventure-seekers, and anyone looking for a premium driving experience. Whether you’re navigating the city streets or exploring the great outdoors, the top of the line Highlander is the ultimate vehicle for any journey.
| Trim Level | Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| L | 3.5-liter V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, Toyota’s Entune infotainment system | $32,350 |
| LE | Leather-trimmed seats, moonroof, blind spot monitoring | $34,450 |
| XLE | Premium audio system, heated front seats, power liftgate | $37,920 |
| Bronze Edition | Unique exterior design package, SofTex-trimmed seats, 18-inch alloy wheels | $43,075 |
| Limited | Leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels | $44,965 |
| Platinum | Premium leather-trimmed seats, heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera system | $46,965 |
- The top of the line Highlander features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower
- The Platinum trim comes with a unique exterior design package, including 20-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents
- The Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,685 pounds
- The vehicle features Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including lane departure warning and assistance, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- The interior of the Platinum trim features premium leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers
What features can I expect from the top of the line Highlander model?
The top of the line Highlander model is equipped with a wide range of premium features that enhance the driving experience. Some of the notable features include a powerful V6 engine, all-wheel drive capability, and a sophisticated infotainment system with a high-resolution touchscreen display. Additionally, the vehicle comes with advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The interior is also designed to provide maximum comfort, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a premium audio system.
The top of the line Highlander model also includes a number of convenience features, such as a hands-free power liftgate, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display. The vehicle’s exterior is also designed to make a statement, with a sleek and aggressive design that sets it apart from other SUVs on the market. The top of the line model also comes with a range of premium exterior features, including LED headlights, fog lights, and a unique set of alloy wheels. Overall, the top of the line Highlander model is designed to provide a luxurious and refined driving experience that is unmatched in its class.
How does the Highlander’s all-wheel drive system work?
The Highlander’s all-wheel drive system is designed to provide maximum traction and control on a wide range of road surfaces. The system uses a combination of electronic and mechanical components to distribute power to the wheels, and it is capable of sending up to 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels when needed. The system also includes a range of advanced features, such as active torque control and dynamic torque vectoring, which help to improve handling and stability. The all-wheel drive system is also designed to work seamlessly with the vehicle’s other safety features, such as traction control and stability control.
In normal driving conditions, the Highlander’s all-wheel drive system operates in front-wheel drive mode, which helps to improve fuel efficiency. However, when the system detects slippage or loss of traction, it can quickly send power to the rear wheels to help regain control. The system is also capable of adapting to changing road conditions, such as snow, ice, or sand, and it can be manually switched to a “lock” mode to provide maximum traction in extreme conditions. Overall, the Highlander’s all-wheel drive system is designed to provide maximum confidence and control, regardless of the road conditions.
What safety features are available on the Highlander?
The Highlander is equipped with a wide range of advanced safety features, including a number of standard and optional features. Some of the standard safety features include a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The vehicle is also equipped with a range of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, which help to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Additionally, the Highlander has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it is also a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Highlander also offers a number of optional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The vehicle’s safety features are also designed to work seamlessly with its other advanced systems, such as the all-wheel drive system and the infotainment system. The Highlander’s safety features are also designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with a range of customizable settings and alerts that help to keep drivers informed and in control. Overall, the Highlander’s safety features are designed to provide maximum peace of mind and protection for drivers and passengers.
How does the Highlander’s infotainment system work?
The Highlander’s infotainment system is designed to provide a range of entertainment, navigation, and convenience features. The system includes a high-resolution touchscreen display, which provides access to a range of functions, including navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and audio controls. The system also includes a range of advanced features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with the vehicle’s infotainment system. Additionally, the system includes a premium audio system with a range of speakers and amplifiers, which provide high-quality sound and clarity.
The Highlander’s infotainment system is also designed to be highly customizable, with a range of settings and options that allow drivers to tailor the system to their preferences. The system also includes a range of advanced features, such as voice recognition and gesture controls, which help to minimize distractions and keep drivers focused on the road. The system is also designed to be highly intuitive, with a range of clear and concise menus and prompts that make it easy to navigate and use. Overall, the Highlander’s infotainment system is designed to provide a range of fun, convenient, and connected features that enhance the driving experience.
Can I tow a trailer with the Highlander?
The Highlander is capable of towing a trailer, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, depending on the trim level and configuration. The vehicle is also equipped with a range of towing features, including a trailer sway control system, which helps to stabilize the trailer and prevent it from swaying or oscillating. Additionally, the Highlander has a range of towing modes, including a “tow” mode, which helps to optimize the vehicle’s performance and stability when towing a trailer. The vehicle’s all-wheel drive system also helps to provide maximum traction and control when towing a trailer, especially in inclement weather or on rough road surfaces.
The Highlander’s towing capacity is also dependent on a range of factors, including the weight and type of trailer, as well as the vehicle’s cargo and passenger load. It’s also important to follow all safety guidelines and precautions when towing a trailer, including properly securing the trailer to the vehicle and ensuring that the trailer is properly loaded and balanced. The Highlander’s owner’s manual also provides detailed information and guidelines for towing a trailer, and it’s recommended that drivers consult this manual before attempting to tow a trailer. Overall, the Highlander is capable of towing a trailer, but it’s essential to follow all safety guidelines and precautions to ensure a safe and successful towing experience.
What is the fuel economy of the Highlander?
The Highlander’s fuel economy varies depending on the trim level, drivetrain, and driving conditions. The front-wheel drive model has an estimated EPA rating of up to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive model has an estimated EPA rating of up to 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Highlander’s fuel economy is also affected by a range of factors, including driving habits, road conditions, and weather. Additionally, the vehicle’s fuel economy can be improved by using features such as the Eco mode, which helps to optimize fuel efficiency by adjusting the vehicle’s performance and settings.
The Highlander’s fuel economy is also competitive with other vehicles in its class, and it’s an important consideration for drivers who are looking for a fuel-efficient SUV. The vehicle’s fuel tank capacity is also a generous 19.2 gallons, which provides a range of up to 500 miles or more, depending on the driving conditions and habits. The Highlander’s fuel economy can also be monitored and tracked using the vehicle’s infotainment system, which provides detailed information and feedback on fuel efficiency and driving habits. Overall, the Highlander’s fuel economy is an important consideration for drivers who are looking for a practical and fuel-efficient SUV.