Toyota has announced that it wants to make the most of its range global. Although the Japanese company is already one of the largest in the industry with a presence in almost all countries, until now it has carried out a more territorial policy. The Toyota Highlander is a good example of it. A large SUV that lands on the European market for the first time in its history.
However, we are not facing the first generation of the Highlander, if not the fourth. The first three did not set foot on European soil due to a foreseeable lack of sales. The first generation was presented in 2000, at the New York Motor Show.. An idyllic scenario because the American market is the main demander of this type of vehicle.
In Europe, the demand for SUVs has grown so much that almost everything has a place. The fourth generation of the Toyota Highlander arrives to fill the SUV range of the house, standing just above the rest of the units; Toyota yaris cross, Toyota CHR, Toyota RAV4 y T. In the summer of 2023, it receives its first update, mainly focused on improving technology and new aesthetic details.
Technical characteristics of the Toyota Highlander
As we have already said, the Highlander arrives to be the largest in the house, with the clear exception of the Toyota Hilux. Under the elegant and muscular body of her hides the largest version of the house's modular platform, called TNGA-K. That supposes some considerable measures and that surely will not leave anyone indifferent when they pass by.
It is positioned in the E-SUV segment. The platform has been stretched to the extreme until it reaches the 4,97 meters long, 1,983 meters wide and 1,75 meters high. To these external dimensions must be added a wheelbase encrypted at 2,85 meters. That battle allows him to homologate a interior space for up to seven seats distributed in three rows of seats.
The latter unfolds from a generously proportioned boot with a standard volume of 579 litres. With all the rows presented, the load capacity is limited to 332 liters. If we lower the two rear benches, the maximum volume reaches 1.909 liters. Despite its shape, we are not talking about an SUV with special capabilities for the field, since it shows a ground clearance of 20 centimeters.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Toyota Highlander
As is customary at Toyota, when machining the Highlander there was only one possible option. Although in other countries it is capable of assembling a diversity of systems, in Europe it only presents a high-performance hybrid mechanics. It is a fourth generation hybrid set in its most powerful version. Something logical considering the measurements and weight of the model.
The scheme is the usual Toyota. The main block is a gasoline block called 2.5 Dynamic Force, the same used by the Toyota Camry. It is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 2.487 cubic centimeters cylinder capacity Added to it are two electrical blocks, one on each axle, which are powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery located just under the seats in the second row of seats.
On the whole the Highlander develops a maximum power of 248 horsepower with a 100% electric autonomy of approximately two kilometers. Of course, the mechanical management is derived from a CVT automatic gearbox, which is responsible for distributing the outside of the set to the four wheels through an intelligent all-wheel drive that can send up to 80% of the torque to the rear axle.
Equipment of the Toyota Highlander
From the inside, the Toyota Highlander shows that it is here to position itself as the most advanced and luxurious model of the firm, improving its characteristics for the 2023 model. Its interior has an excellent finish. Soft materials with a pleasant touch generate a feeling of high quality for all occupants. The only problem is the lack of customization options, something that Toyota does not usually meet the needs of its customers.
The equipment packages are very closed and without great possibilities of alteration. The range of finishes of the Highlander is structured in the usual way in Toyota. Two levels are presented: Advance and Luxury. In this case, it has been decided to eliminate the ordinary access finish since a lot of technology is offered from the lowest level. Not only does the equipment change, certain details and elements also change, both exterior and interior, such as custom wheels with a size of up to 20 inches.
As far as equipment is concerned, the Highlander presents the largest range of systems in the house. He assembles absolutely everything, and even introduces technologies that will later be used by the rest of the models. It is worth highlighting elements such as: LED matrix headlights, Head-Up Display, customizable digital instrument panel, multimedia system with a 12,3-inch screen, sunroof, wireless connectivity for smartphones and much more. In addition to that, we must add the most extensive security equipment in the house, the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense.
The Toyota Highlander on video
Toyota Highlander rivals
When talking about the large SUV market, it must be recognized that they are not the best-selling models, but of course there are alternative options to those presented by Toyota. The big problem with Japanese is that lands late in a market where its closest rivals have been dealing for a long time. Figures such as: Volkswagen Touareg, Lexus RX, Volvo XC90 y Listen Q7, among others. If we take these units into account, the Japanese is positioned as the cheapest and the only one to offer exclusively hybrid mechanics. Of course, its biggest enemies are the generalist models like the Ssangyong rexton, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Edge.
Highlight
- Integrated
- habitability
- efficient mechanics
To improve
- Size
- Benefits
- Consumption
Toyota Highlander Prices
Being one of the largest models of the house, the Highlander is on the podium of the most expensive of the Japanese firm. The starting price of the Toyota Highlander stands at 54.000 euros, without added offers or promotions (Price related to the model before the 2023 update). That value corresponds to a Hybrid 250H 4×4 model with Advance finish. The most expensive model is the Highlander with Luxury trim and the same Hybrid 250H block with all-wheel drive. Your minimum bill is 64.502 euros.
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