Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander
New Toyota Highlander
Introduction
Toyota extends its SUV range with the Highlander to sit alongside the RAV4 and C-HR. It’s comfortable, spacious and pairs its self-charging hybrid engine with intelligent all-wheel drive for a fun and dynamic drive. Throw competitive efficiency and ultra-low emission levels into the mix and we’re excited to see how Toyota’s 23 years of hybrid experience fairs in the Highlander, available in Excel and Excel Premium trims.
Technology
There’s all the technology features you’d expect in the Highlander, including the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system on an 8” display, Go Navigation, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a head-up display, smart rear-view mirror and JBL Premium Sound System. Of course, this all varies depending on the trim you opt for.
Performance
The Toyota Highlander features a
full hybrid powertrain made up of a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with front
and rear electric motors, and a battery that’s stored under the second-row
seats. All of this produces 248bhp, CO2 levels of up to 163g/km and
fuel consumption up to 39.7mpg.
To top it all off, if you’re prone to towing the odd trailer or caravan (which, as you’re looking at an SUV, you may well be), you’ll be glad to know the Highlander has you covered with a two-tonne towing capacity.
Design
A Toyota Highlander wouldn’t look
out of place in the city thanks to its sleek and sophisticated body, panoramic
sunroof and 20” alloy wheels, but it also has a sense of durability and
ruggedness – something we all find desirable in an SUV.
The interior, however, tells a different story; an acoustic windscreen and silencers in the roof, dashboard and floor of the car help to create an almost silent and peaceful atmosphere in the cabin. This complements the already smooth and quiet nature of the hybrid powertrain, making for a comfortable driving experience – perfect for motorway journeys.
It’s also particularly roomy, priding itself on practicality and versatility with three rows of seats and space for seven people. There’s a 180mm sliding range for the second-row seats to make room for two adults to squeeze into the third row. With all these seats up, there’s 658-litres of available boot space. Fold the second and third row down, however, and this extends to a whopping 1,909-litres. There’s underfloor storage space, too, should you ever need it.
Verdict
The Toyota Highlander does exactly
what it says on the tin; its comfortable, easy to drive and has all the space
you’d need from an SUV. What’s more, the hybrid powertrain works hand-in-hand
with the intelligent all-wheel drive system so you’ve got power when you want
it most whilst providing stability and great handling. If you’re new to
electric vehicles, Toyota’s self-charging hybrid powertrain allows you to drive
like you always have and does all the work for you. The Highlander works in
sync with you, so that you can drive with confidence, no matter where your
adventure takes you.