The Toyota Highlander Is Fully Redesigned for Another Go-Round
As one of the first three-row midsize crossover SUVs, the Toyota Highlander is still going strong. Toyota has revamped the popular nameplate for its fourth production cycle, with gasoline-powered and hybrid choices available.
Design & Specs
The Toyota Highlander is longer than the previous model years. Consequently, the cargo room is significantly increased: from 13.8 cubic feet on the third-generation model to 16 cubic feet. It also sports a more aggressive profile: with sharper edges and angles, as well as sculpted sides and a mesh grille.
While previous models had an underpowered inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine choice, this brand-new Highlander uses a robust 3.5-Liter V6 across all trims. This engine provides 295 horsepower and 263 pound-ft of torque, and it is pinned to an 8-speed automatic transmission. If you are going with the hybrid version, the Highlander powertrain would combine a smaller, 2.5-Liter I4 engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 186 horsepower and 175 pound-ft of torque with a continuously variable transmission. Although lacking the acceleration ability and 5,000 pounds. of maximum towing ability that the V6 provides, the hybrid powertrain is the obvious choice if you want something that prioritizes fuel efficiency, which peaks at 36 mpg.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the Highlander. However, Schenectady drivers who want better tire grip on the road-especially during slippery conditions-go with the optional all-wheel-drive system.
Standard & Available Features
As a three-row vehicle, the Toyota Highlander typically seats up to eight people. However, on the upper-level trims, the second-row bench-style seat is replaced by a pair of captain's chairs to reduce maximum occupancy to seven. Cloth trim and 8-way power on the driver's seat are standard. Upgrading in trim increases your chances of getting enhancements such as leather upholstery, 10-way power on the driver's seat, 4-way power on the front passenger seat, driver-seat memory, steering-wheel heating, and seat heating and cooling abilities.
For comfort and convenience, the Toyota Highlander starts off with features such as tri-zone automatic climate control, a smart key system with push-button engine start, a 4.2-inch color LCD multi-information display, a six-speaker stereo system, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth, a trial subscription to SiriusXM Radio, a USB port, voice-recognition technology, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upper-level trim features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a garage-door opener, a head-up display, a 7-inch color LCD multi-information display, HD Radio, an 11-speaker stereo system, a navigation system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a PA system to amplify the driver's voice throughout the cabin.
Safety
Most of the standard safety features on the Toyota Highlander are presented in two packages: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which focuses on driver assistance; and Star Safety System, which focuses on stopping ability and controlled driving. Toyota Safety Sense combines a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high-beam technology, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and cyclist detection. The Star Safety System combines vehicle stability control, traction control, an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Electronically controlled braking is added on the Highlander hybrid model.
A Safety Connect system provides functions such as emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification. And the airbag system consists of two frontal airbags, a driver's knee airbag, a set cushion airbag for the front passenger, two side-impact airbags, and two side curtain airbags. Other standard safety features on the crossover include a rearview camera, hill start assist control, downhill assist control, and an anti-theft system. Additions or enhancements include a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, dynamic torque vectoring, front and rear parking assist with automated braking, and a 360-degree camera.
Schedule Your Test Drive Today!
Contact us today for an appointment at Steet Toyota in Johnstown, NY if you. Learn more about lease specials and financing at our Saratoga Springs area dealership. One of our Toyota sales experts will be more than willing and able to assist you with your preferences and options regarding the Toyota Highlander.
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