The Toyota Highlander has been a staple in the mid-size SUV market for decades, offering a unique blend of comfort, reliability, and capability. But is it the right choice for you? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Toyota Highlander, exploring its features, performance, safety, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction to the Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 2000. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, with the current fourth-generation model being introduced in 2019. The Highlander is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and robust V6 engine. But what sets it apart from its competitors, and is it a good car for your needs?
Design and Features
The Toyota Highlander boasts a sleek and modern design, with a bold front grille, LED headlights, and a curved rear spoiler. The interior is equally impressive, with premium materials, ample cargo space, and a range of standard features, including:
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Toyota’s Entune infotainment system
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power liftgate with hands-free operation
The Highlander also offers a range of optional features, including a panoramic moonroof, a 120V power outlet, and a premium JBL sound system.
Trim Levels and Options
The Toyota Highlander is available in several trim levels, each with its own unique set of features and options. The base L trim is well-equipped, but if you’re looking for more premium features, you may want to consider the LE, XLE, or Limited trim. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim offers a range of luxurious features, including a 360-degree camera system, a heads-up display, and a premium leather interior.
Performance and Handling
The Toyota Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and responsive shifting. The Highlander also features a range of drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, which allow you to customize your driving experience.
Off-Road Capability
The Toyota Highlander is capable of handling light off-road terrain, thanks to its available all-wheel-drive system and 8 inches of ground clearance. However, it’s not designed for serious off-roading, and you may want to consider a more rugged SUV if you plan to venture off the beaten path.
Towing Capacity
The Toyota Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for towing small trailers, boats, or RVs. However, if you need to tow heavier loads, you may want to consider a more powerful SUV.
Safety Features and Ratings
The Toyota Highlander is a Top Safety Pick+ according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thanks to its range of standard safety features, including:
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking
A 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
A range of advanced airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags
Reliability and Maintenance
The Toyota Highlander is known for its reliability, with a 4.5-star reliability rating from J.D. Power. Toyota also offers a range of maintenance and repair services, including a comprehensive warranty program and a network of authorized dealerships.
Warranty and Maintenance Costs
The Toyota Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Maintenance costs are generally lower than average, with an estimated 5-year maintenance cost of around $3,500.
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The Toyota Highlander has an estimated 24 mpg combined fuel economy rating, with 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Highlander also features a range of eco-friendly features, including an Eco mode and a fuel-saving stop-start system.
Emissions and Environmental Impact
The Toyota Highlander has a relatively low environmental impact, with a 6.2 tons per year of CO2 emissions. However, if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, you may want to consider a hybrid or electric SUV.
Hybrid Model
The Toyota Highlander is also available as a hybrid, which offers improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The hybrid model features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which produce a combined 240 horsepower.
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander is a good car that offers a unique blend of comfort, reliability, and capability. With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and robust V6 engine, it’s a great choice for families, road trippers, and anyone looking for a practical and versatile SUV. While it may not be the most exciting or off-road-capable SUV on the market, it’s a solid choice that’s sure to meet your needs.
What are the key features of the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers a wide range of features, making it a popular choice among car buyers. Some of its key features include a spacious and comfortable interior, a powerful and fuel-efficient engine, and a smooth and responsive transmission. The Highlander also comes with a variety of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additionally, it has a robust infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system.
In terms of its exterior, the Toyota Highlander has a sleek and modern design, with a bold front grille, LED headlights, and a curved roofline. It also has a generous cargo area, with plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or other gear. The Highlander is available in several trim levels, including the L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum, each with its own unique set of features and options. Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a great combination of comfort, convenience, and capability, making it a great choice for families, road trippers, and anyone looking for a reliable and versatile SUV.
How does the Toyota Highlander handle on the road?
The Toyota Highlander is known for its smooth and comfortable ride, making it a great choice for daily driving and road trips. It has a responsive and precise steering system, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and on winding roads. The Highlander also has a robust suspension system, which helps to absorb bumps and provide a stable and composed ride. In terms of its engine, the Highlander has a powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V6, which produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for merging onto highways, climbing steep hills, and towing trailers.
On the road, the Toyota Highlander is quiet and refined, with minimal noise and vibration. It also has a variety of drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, which allow drivers to customize the vehicle’s performance and handling to suit their preferences. In terms of its towing capacity, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a great choice for boat owners, RV enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to haul heavy trailers. Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a great-handling vehicle that provides a comfortable and confident driving experience, whether you’re driving on the highway, in the city, or on rough terrain.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable and durable?
The Toyota Highlander has a reputation for being a reliable and durable vehicle, with a long history of dependability and low maintenance costs. It has a robust and well-built engine, transmission, and drivetrain, which are designed to withstand the rigors of daily driving and harsh weather conditions. The Highlander also has a comprehensive warranty program, which includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, it has a maintenance schedule that is relatively low-cost and easy to follow, with recommended maintenance intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
In terms of its reliability, the Toyota Highlander has consistently ranked high in various studies and surveys, including those conducted by Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and Edmunds. It has also been recognized for its durability, with many owners reporting high mileage without major issues or repairs. The Highlander’s reliability and durability are due in part to its simple and proven design, as well as its high-quality materials and construction. Additionally, Toyota has a reputation for building vehicles that are designed to last, with a focus on durability and dependability. Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a reliable and durable vehicle that is well-suited for long-term ownership and high-mileage driving.
What are the safety features of the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander has a wide range of advanced safety features, making it a great choice for families and anyone who prioritizes safety. Some of its key safety features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring, which use a combination of cameras, sensors, and radar to detect and respond to potential hazards. The Highlander also has a robust airbag system, with a total of eight airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. Additionally, it has a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, and a parking sensor system, which helps to detect obstacles and prevent collisions.
In terms of its safety ratings, the Toyota Highlander has consistently ranked high in various crash tests and evaluations, including those conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and is a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, which is the highest rating awarded by the organization. The Highlander’s safety features and ratings make it a great choice for anyone who wants a safe and secure vehicle, whether they’re driving on the highway, in the city, or on rough terrain. Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a safe and reliable vehicle that provides peace of mind and protection for drivers and passengers.
How does the Toyota Highlander compare to other mid-size SUVs?
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that competes with other popular models, such as the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Ascent. In terms of its features and capabilities, the Highlander is a strong contender, with a spacious and comfortable interior, a powerful and fuel-efficient engine, and a smooth and responsive transmission. It also has a wide range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additionally, the Highlander has a robust infotainment system, with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system.
In terms of its pricing and value, the Toyota Highlander is generally competitive with other mid-size SUVs, with a starting price of around $32,000 and a top-end price of around $45,000. However, the Highlander’s strong resale value, low maintenance costs, and comprehensive warranty program make it a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and long-lasting vehicle. Additionally, the Highlander’s fuel efficiency, with an estimated 24 mpg combined, makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to save money on gas. Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice for anyone who wants a mid-size SUV that offers a great combination of comfort, convenience, and capability, and is willing to pay a premium for a high-quality vehicle.
What are the fuel economy and towing capacity of the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander has a fuel economy of up to 24 mpg combined, with an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint. The Highlander’s fuel economy is due in part to its efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Highlander has a smooth and responsive transmission, which helps to optimize fuel efficiency and provide a comfortable driving experience.
In terms of its towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a great choice for boat owners, RV enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to haul heavy trailers. The Highlander’s towing capacity is due in part to its powerful engine and robust transmission, which provide plenty of power and torque for towing. Additionally, the Highlander has a variety of towing-related features, including a towing package and a trailer hitch, which make it easy to connect and tow trailers. Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice for anyone who wants a vehicle that offers a great combination of fuel efficiency and towing capacity, making it a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of driving needs and applications.
What are the trim levels and options available for the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is available in several trim levels, including the L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim level has its own unique set of features and options, with the L being the base model and the Platinum being the top-end model. The L trim level comes with a range of standard features, including a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a smooth and responsive transmission, and a robust infotainment system. The LE trim level adds a range of convenience features, including a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium sound system. The XLE trim level adds a range of luxury features, including a moonroof, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera system.
In terms of its options, the Toyota Highlander has a wide range of packages and accessories available, including a towing package, a roof rack, and a cargo net. The Highlander also has a range of stand-alone options, including a navigation system, a premium sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Additionally, the Highlander has a range of exterior and interior colors and trim materials, which allow buyers to customize the vehicle to their preferences. Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a highly configurable vehicle that offers a wide range of trim levels, options, and accessories, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a vehicle that meets their specific needs and preferences.