Elegant and Homely Family Cars
Buyers seeking a vehicle capable of hauling both people and cargo are more and more frequently selecting three-row crossovers over minivans, and among the throngs of available options is the Toyota Highlander. It’s a satisfactory if unexceptional choice with a spacious cabin, good build quality, and efficient engines. Driving enthusiasts won’t find the Highlander to be gratifying, but its smooth ride and muted dynamics will appeal to most everyone else.
A host of active safety technologies gives the Highlander bonus points among the safety conscious, but those who value in-cabin infotainment technology may find its offerings lacking. The Highlander sells itself on its good value and long-term durability, and to some buyers those things are worth more than gizmos and corner-carving prowess.
What’s New for 2018?
Following a thorough freshening in 2017, the Highlander—unsurprisingly-receives zero updates for 2018.
What Was New for 2017?
For 2017, the Toyota Highlander lineup saw not-so-subtle updates to its exterior appearance in the form of new, more extroverted front grille and headlamps, sleeker LED taillamps, and revised bumpers. Three new exterior colors became available: Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl, and Salsa Red Pearl. Updates to the Highlander’s powertrain included a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. An automatic stop/start function, which shuts off the engine during idling to further save fuel, became standard on all but the base LE trim. On the safety front, all Highlander models gained Toyota’s Safety Sense P active safety suite, which includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps. A backup camera also became standard for 2017, and XLE models and higher trim levels received blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Four new USB ports joined the infotainment party, bumping the total number of ports to five. The gas-powered Highlander gained a sporty-looking SE model, and the Highlander’s hybrid powertrain became available in entry-level LE and midrange XLE trims.
Trims and Options We’d Choose
Recommending the mid-level XLE is a no-brainer, as it bundles the segment’s most popular options into one value-priced package. Compared with the base LE and LE Plus, it adds:
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Power sunroof
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation
• Leather seating with heat and power adjustments for the front seats
For 2018, the front-wheel-drive XLE sees a slight $400 price increase to $39,915, keeping it just under that magical $40,000 mark. All-wheel drive adds $1460 to the bottom line. Source by caranddriver.com
No comments:
Post a Comment