All three seat types — infant, convertible and booster — fit well, and the Latch anchors in the second row are easy to reach. Braking was the real issue I had with the Highlander. Handling and Ride The Highlander continues to build on its strength of delivering one of the most capable, smooth and quiet rides in the segment. This same screen displays the image from the rear backup camera whenever you shift into reverse. The first Highlander Hybrid followed, going on sale in 2005. The Hybrid has its own grille, which looks more like an Acura circa 2008 than the regular Highlander grille, which looks more like a Subaru Tribeca. The secondary controls are easy to spot, and they move with precision.
There are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, along with 10 cup holders, four bottle holders, two front and one cargo-area 12-volt auxiliary power outlets and cargo area tie down hooks. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. The Base grade Toyota Highlander could be mistaken for an upgrade model with its six-spoke 17-inch machined alloy wheels, color-keyed power remote outside mirrors, and silver-painted front grille. It accelerated briskly, reaching 60 mph in 7. We tackled steep icy hills and the all-wheel-drive did its thing to keep moving the car forward without noticeable slipping. If you opt for the V-6 engine, it performs as well as the rest, too.
It's the sliding second row that makes this crossover as practical a choice for carrying seven people as much larger crossovers, like the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer. Interior Features The Highlander has a quality, upscale cabin. Roll-sensing side curtain airbags help to protect the occupants of all three rows in the event of certain side collisions or vehicle rollovers. The design of the Highlander is clean, and accented on each side by a character line that leads into pronounced wheel arches. It may be fun to watch these screens, but be careful because they can distract attention from the road. The recall is expected to began in January 2015.
Heated leather front seats, HomeLink, a leather steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, and all the features in the Tech Package are also included. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859. Second row is removable, and leather seats plus 10-way power driver seat are available. To earn the rating, cars must receive top scores of Good in front, side and rear crashes, as well as pass roof-strength tests that measure rollover protection. Five stars is the highest rating, which the Chevy Traverse earned.
Remedy Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring. Chalk up the sales dominance to a variety of reasons, including the Highlander's established nameplate, Toyota's broader dealer network, and higher brand recognition. Interior Design The Toyota Highlander provides an open, airy and versatile interior with seating for seven or up to 95. Highlander models come better equipped for 2011, though prices have gone up, also.
Expanded Amenities and Tech for 2011 The Highlander remains a popular family vehicle and caters to that market more effectively for 2011 with more standard amenities and user technologies. Looking at sales numbers for 2008 and 2009 and through August 2010, the has outsold the Mazda nearly 4 to 1. Highlander's all-wheel-drive systems are designed for taming slippery pavement and wintry conditions, not for climbing rocks and traversing rough terrain. Head and leg room are generous in the first and second rows. The system pairs the gasoline V6 engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for total system output of 280 net horsepower. Four-cylinder models come equipped only with front-wheel drive.
The all-wheel-drive models all have the 3. If there was one thing my wife enjoyed about the Highlander, it was the four cupholders in the center console between the passenger and driver, with one more in each of the four doors and four more for second-row passengers. The optional tow package for V6 models enables up to 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The Hybrid powertrain, called Hybrid Synergy Drive, mates a 3. When Motor Trend last tested the Toyota Highlander, it was with the 3.
The two have similar dimensions, notes a source familiar with the tie-in. While the Highlander performs well objectively, it falls a little short subjectively. Steering feel is light, but the response is somewhat slow. Antilock brakes with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, and traction control are standard on Highlander and Hybrid. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base grade gains standard easy-clean fabric seating, along with an eight-way power driver's seat, the Tech Audio, the third-row seat and manual rear climate control.
From inside the cabin, the V6 can barely be heard, emitting only a refined growl under hard acceleration. The second row also slides fore and aft and reclines. Only the hybrid, which receives a new 3. Gasoline Toyota Highlander models are also equipped with a straight-line steering feature. Power was plentiful in my front-wheel-drive Highlander, which scooted from a stop with gusto and passed mightily at highway speeds. Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle. Clean, sculpted lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours give Highlander a contemporary, dynamic presence.