Searching through the best current midsize SUVs and crossovers that come on like gangbusters and barely miss on anything tech-related will bring you to the all-known Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chevrolet Traverse. The badges and models, nevertheless, don't give the final verdict. Thus, you need to take into account whatever makes an SUV a killer.
If we wanted to select one SUV that should gather more attention, there's no other way to single out the Toyota Highlander. With near 170,000 units sold in 2021 and only in the US, the Highlander comes about to be one of Toyota's most favorable cars. A bouncing V6 powers it, and several extra amenities shovel the Highlander between some of the ritziest SUVs on the market.
Customers can plump for the suitable choice as the Highlander offers seven variants with a starting price of $36,000. There are undoubtedly thousands of people who have saved up some money to put into the upcoming 2022 Highlander as soon as it goes on sale. However, it's fair to say the current Highlander should receive more credit, as it has what it takes to be a brute that wanders unexplored lands.
A Moderate Family Car In Town, An Unleashed Beast Venturing Out Into The Dark
Whether it's because of other zero-cool SUVs or just a sudden shift in the public interest, the Toyota Highlander has been on a downward trend for the past few years. In contrast, a series of functional upgrades have made it deserve even more appreciation. Now, let's find out what makes this estimable car a true banger.
The Toyota Highlander has nothing less than a two-faced villain who's friendly to the children at parties and goes mad after dark. You can decide on whether an FWD or an AWD model and see which one's a good match for you, but there's no way out of the single-engine option unless a hybrid powertrain fits your needs. It carries a blistering 3.5-liter V6 engine that reaching a maximum output of 295-HP and a 263 lb-ft. of torque. Although the Highlander looks bulky (and posh), it can reach 60 MPH in 6.7 seconds from a standstill. That's enough power to make the Highlander aim high.
Though some SUVs come off as gas-guzzling cars, the Highlander goes the opposite and makes a U-turn with hitting 27 MPG on the highway. That proves the Highlander to be a fuel-efficient vehicle by all means. Likewise, a hybrid variant comes available, leaving up a more comprehensive range of preferences. Along with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the hybrid model hauls two electric motors to raise the overall output to 243 ponies.
The gas-powered engine is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a more vintage manual one is missing. Also, a continuously variable automatic transmission gets paired with the hybrid power system to indicate Toyota has a vision for its Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander Offers Top-Quality Interior, Even For The Base Trims
Since comfort and a sense of luxury are most sought-after for SUVs, it's more profitable for car manufacturers to keep the good ones for the top-of-the-line trims. However, that's not the case with all the ship's crew. As one of the most affordable three-row SUVs, the Toyota Highlander doesn't bother to be generous in providing the customers with first-class materials.
In terms of cabin space, the Highlander prefers to remain unrivaled. The Base L and LE models get power-adjustable driver's seats and cloth seats; they're highly comfortable, especially for long-drawn-out trips. But more special leather-wrapped seats come with the XLE and XSE trims. Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot and tri-zone automatic climate control also come standard.
The Highlander Builds Up A Beneficial Rapport With Technology To Extend The Credibility
It's no problem if your budget doesn't live up to the luxurious trims because the base L trim and the LE trim also guarantee the integral tech elements and your safety. The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen is so advantageous that it's unlikely for you to feel inferior to those enjoying the top-level 12.3-inch infotainment system. All models are featured with Amazon Alexa integration and also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota equips the Highlander with its Safety Sense suite that includes the essential driver-assistance options; adaptive cruise control, frontal collision mitigation, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign reader constitute the package.
Nonetheless, more flexibility is at your service if you invest some extra bucks. A blind-spot monitoring and surround-view camera spice things up a little bit, as well as for several additional fancy features such as head-up display, 11-speaker JBL audio system, and navigation system. That said, Toyota Highlander is a real bang for your buck that easily holds itself against many trending SUVs.