When power meets design, the Highlander is born. A premium class SUV that comes in five trim variants, featuring both front-wheel-drive models and all-wheel-drive models. The base model which is an eight-passenger all-wheel drive features a good mileage of up to 21 mpg in city and 29 on the highway with an automatic transmission, a decent 3.5l engine, and premium design specs.
The all-new Highlander boasts a quiet and compliant ride with a smooth engine and seamless transmission, refined interior fixtures, and upgrades from the previous model. But on the downside, the front-wheel-drive form of these magnificent beast packs might not be enough for its eight-passenger option. Although seating is comfortable, the third-row space is not as comfortable when compared with its rival models.
For those who can make do with the four-cylinder V6 engine, this vehicle is a good choice. The Highlander is a three-row midsize crossover offered in five different variants namely the L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum trim levels. The design specifications and layout give you two options when it comes to seating capacity, in the eight-passenger variant and seven-passenger models. The seven-seater model features two second-row captain’s seats instead of the standard three-seater second-row option, with a center table.
When it comes to performance, the Highlander does not necessarily compare with other premium V8 options available at a slightly higher price in the market, since it features a 3.5 liter four-cylinder V6 engine with 295 HP and a torque of 263 for the base model. The transmission featured for the base-model Highlander is an eight-speed automatic with a fuel economy averaging at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The manufacturer has decided to upgrade all the variants of the Highlander with the same V6 engine.
Safety is something which is taken seriously, and hence the Highlander comes with a standard traction and stability control, and a total of eight airbags including driver and front passenger airbag, knee airbag for the driver, seat cushion airbag, front side, and curtain shield airbags. The brakes are anti-lock disc brakes, which gives you that added control. The starting price of Toyota Highlander’s base model is $34,600, which can be compared against a number of dealers online.
