The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been a popular choice for families and individuals alike since its introduction in 2000. With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive features, it’s no wonder why the Highlander has become a staple in the automotive market. But, is 2015 a good year for the Toyota Highlander? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 2015 model year to help you decide.
Introduction to the 2015 Toyota Highlander
The 2015 Toyota Highlander is a third-generation model that was introduced in 2013. For the 2015 model year, Toyota made some significant updates, including a new 8-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel economy, and additional standard features. The 2015 Highlander is available in six trim levels: LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. It also comes in two drivetrain options: front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
Design and Features
The 2015 Toyota Highlander boasts a sleek and modern design, with a bold front grille, LED daytime running lights, and a spacious interior. The interior features premium materials, including leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wood-grain trim. The Highlander also comes with a range of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
Interior Space and Comfort
One of the standout features of the 2015 Toyota Highlander is its interior space and comfort. The Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration, and features ample cargo space behind the third row. The 60/40 split-folding second-row seats and 60/40 split-folding third-row seats provide versatility and flexibility, making it easy to configure the interior to meet your needs. Additionally, the Highlander features a range of comfort amenities, including heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2015 Toyota Highlander comes with two engine options: a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The 4-cylinder engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 engine is paired with the new 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander is estimated to achieve up to 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with the 4-cylinder engine and FWD, and up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine and FWD.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2015 Toyota Highlander is a Top Safety Pick+ according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and has a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Highlander comes with a range of standard safety features, including electronic stability control, traction control, and a suite of airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, passenger seat cushion airbag, and side airbags. Additionally, the Highlander offers a range of advanced safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning.
Reliability and Maintenance
The 2015 Toyota Highlander is known for its reliability and durability, with many owners reporting low maintenance costs and few mechanical issues. According to a study by J.D. Power, the 2015 Toyota Highlander has a 4.5 out of 5 overall reliability rating, with many owners praising its dependable performance and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, the Highlander has a range of maintenance features, including a maintenance reminder system and a oil change indicator, making it easy to stay on top of scheduled maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Like any vehicle, the 2015 Toyota Highlander has its pros and cons. Some of the advantages of the Highlander include its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive features. However, some of the disadvantages include its less powerful 4-cylinder engine and higher price point compared to some of its competitors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious interior | Less powerful 4-cylinder engine |
| Comfortable ride | Higher price point |
| Impressive features | Limited off-road capability |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2015 Toyota Highlander is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a mid-size crossover SUV. With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive features, it’s no wonder why the Highlander has become a popular choice for families and individuals alike. While it may have some drawbacks, such as a less powerful 4-cylinder engine and higher price point, the Highlander’s pros outweigh its cons, making it a good year to consider. If you’re in the market for a reliable, feature-packed, and comfortable vehicle, the 2015 Toyota Highlander is definitely worth considering.
What are the key features of the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
The 2015 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers a wide range of features, including a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and available all-wheel drive. The vehicle also features a spacious interior, with seating for up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. Additionally, the Highlander offers a variety of standard and optional safety features, such as a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. These features help to make the Highlander a great choice for families and individuals who need a reliable and safe vehicle.
In terms of technology, the 2015 Highlander offers a range of innovative features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system. The vehicle also features a variety of convenience features, such as a power liftgate, a moonroof, and heated and ventilated seats. Overall, the 2015 Toyota Highlander is a well-equipped and feature-rich vehicle that is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle for daily commuting, road trips, or family adventures, the Highlander is definitely worth considering. With its impressive list of standard and optional features, it’s no wonder that the Highlander is one of the most popular vehicles in its class.
How does the 2015 Toyota Highlander perform in terms of fuel economy?
The 2015 Toyota Highlander offers a range of fuel economy options, depending on the trim level and drivetrain. The front-wheel drive version of the vehicle is estimated to achieve up to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway, while the all-wheel drive version is estimated to achieve up to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Additionally, the Highlander offers a hybrid model, which is estimated to achieve up to 27 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. These fuel economy estimates make the Highlander a great choice for drivers who are looking for a vehicle that is both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Overall, the fuel economy of the 2015 Toyota Highlander is competitive with other vehicles in its class. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market, it offers a great balance of power, performance, and efficiency. The Highlander’s fuel economy is also improved by its advanced engine and transmission technology, which help to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway, the Highlander is a great choice for anyone who wants a vehicle that is both reliable and environmentally friendly. With its impressive fuel economy estimates, the Highlander is definitely worth considering for anyone who is in the market for a new vehicle.
What are the safety features of the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
The 2015 Toyota Highlander offers a wide range of safety features, including a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The vehicle also features a variety of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, which help to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Additionally, the Highlander offers a range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision warning, which help to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. These safety features help to make the Highlander one of the safest vehicles in its class.
In terms of safety ratings, the 2015 Toyota Highlander has received top marks from a variety of organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The vehicle has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, which is the organization’s highest safety rating. The Highlander’s safety features and ratings make it a great choice for families and individuals who are looking for a vehicle that is both safe and reliable. With its impressive list of standard and optional safety features, the Highlander is definitely worth considering for anyone who is in the market for a new vehicle.
How does the 2015 Toyota Highlander handle and perform on the road?
The 2015 Toyota Highlander is known for its smooth and quiet ride, making it a great choice for daily commuting and road trips. The vehicle’s suspension system is designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride, even on rough roads. Additionally, the Highlander’s powerful engine and advanced transmission technology help to provide responsive and smooth acceleration, making it easy to merge onto highways and pass other vehicles. The vehicle also features a range of driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, which allow drivers to customize the vehicle’s performance to their preferences.
In terms of handling, the 2015 Toyota Highlander is known for its responsive and precise steering, making it easy to navigate tight corners and winding roads. The vehicle’s all-wheel drive system also helps to improve traction and stability, making it a great choice for drivers who live in areas with rough weather conditions. Overall, the Highlander is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a vehicle that is both comfortable and fun to drive. With its smooth ride, responsive handling, and powerful engine, the Highlander is definitely worth considering for anyone who is in the market for a new vehicle.
What are the trim levels and options available for the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
The 2015 Toyota Highlander is available in a range of trim levels, including the LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim level offers a unique set of features and options, allowing drivers to customize the vehicle to their preferences. The LE trim is the base model, and it comes with a range of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system and a rearview camera. The XLE trim adds features such as a moonroof and heated seats, while the Limited trim adds features such as a premium audio system and a power liftgate. The Platinum trim is the top-of-the-line model, and it comes with a range of luxury features, including a panoramic moonroof and a 360-degree camera system.
In addition to the trim levels, the 2015 Toyota Highlander also offers a range of options and packages, allowing drivers to further customize the vehicle to their preferences. For example, the vehicle offers a range of exterior colors and interior trim options, as well as a range of accessories, such as roof racks and cargo nets. The Highlander also offers a range of advanced technology features, such as a navigation system and a wireless charging system. With its range of trim levels and options, the Highlander is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a vehicle that is both customizable and affordable. Whether you’re looking for a basic vehicle or a luxury vehicle, the Highlander has something to offer.
What are the common problems and reliability issues with the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
The 2015 Toyota Highlander is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any vehicle, it can be prone to certain problems and reliability issues. Some common issues reported by owners include problems with the vehicle’s transmission, such as slipping and hesitation, as well as issues with the vehicle’s engine, such as oil leaks and excessive wear. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s infotainment system, such as freezing and crashing, as well as issues with the vehicle’s safety features, such as faulty sensors and cameras. However, it’s worth noting that these issues are relatively rare, and the vast majority of Highlander owners have reported no major problems with their vehicles.
Overall, the 2015 Toyota Highlander is a reliable vehicle that is designed to provide years of trouble-free driving. While it’s not perfect, and some owners may experience issues, the Highlander’s overall reliability and durability make it a great choice for anyone who is looking for a vehicle that will last. With proper maintenance and care, the Highlander can easily last for 200,000 miles or more, making it a great investment for anyone who is looking for a long-term vehicle. Additionally, Toyota’s reputation for building reliable vehicles, combined with the Highlander’s excellent warranty and maintenance program, make it a great choice for anyone who wants a hassle-free ownership experience.