What car company makes the Highlander? The answer is Toyota. The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Toyota. The Highlander was introduced in 2001 and for its entire production, Toyota has been the only manufacturer of the vehicle. Toyota Highlander caters to a wide range of customers which include families looking for a value-oriented SUV, those who prioritize fuel economy, and those who want to experience luxury. It is a reliable, well-rounded car that offers an efficient, comfortable, and modern driving experience.
The Toyota Highlander is a stalwart of the car market. It has consistently ranked among the best mid-size SUVs, receiving several awards since its launch. The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers the highest predicted reliability ratings among mid-size SUVs and received praises from U.S. News & World Report, noting its stability control, smooth ride, and spacious interior. Additionally, the 2020 Highlander earned the prestigious Kelley Blue Book award for the midsize SUV segment.
The Toyota Highlander is known for its safety, as well. Its advanced safety systems and driver assists help keep you safe, offering an impressive set of packages and features that include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, and blind-spot monitoring. Moreover, the Highlander has earned a 5-star overall rating in government crash tests and is recommended by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Highlander has also earned recognition for its fuel efficiency. The Highlander’s base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and is available as front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With the front-wheel drive model, the SUV is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. For the all-wheel-drive models, the ratings slightly drop to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The hybrid model is equipped with a 3.5-liter Atkinson-Cycle V6 engine, an electric motor, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient mid-size SUV and one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.
Highlander’s pricing is also attractive. The base model starts at around $34,000, with the higher trims ranging between $40,000 and $50,000. The hybrid model comes with a higher price tag, starting at around $40,000 and topping out at around $49,000. Prices vary, depending on the trim, number of seats, and distance from the car’s production facility. Additionally, the SUV comes with a generous list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Highlander’s Performance
The Toyota Highlander offers an enjoyable driving experience thanks to its powerful engine, smooth ride, and sporty handling. Its 3.5-liter engine offers ample power for accelerating and passing, even on hills. The SUV also has a lot of torque which helps it feel lively from a stop. Its ride is plush and its handling is surprisingly agile for a vehicle of its size. It also has excellent braking that provides assured and predictable stops.
Highlander’s Interior
The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers an impressive interior with plenty of space, especially in the second row. Its interior is comfortable and intuitive with a well-built cabin with many good materials. Its dashboard is modern and simple, with clearly marked buttons and knobs that are easy to use. Furthermore, its seats are comfortable, supportive, and perfect for long drives. Additionally, the cargo hold comes with a generous 78.9 cubic feet of space.
Highlander’s Exterior
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has an attractive exterior with tasteful design cues. Its design is not overly aggressive, but the SUV still looks modern and upscale. The lines are sculpted, the grille is bold, and the headlights wrap around the sides. The exterior is also highlighted by its large windows and smooth edges, which give it a contemporary look.
Technology and Entertainment Features
The Highlander is equipped with an impressive range of tech and entertainment features. Its standard infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. For music, the Highlander offers an 11-speaker premium audio system with Clari-Fi technology. In addition, the SUV comes with a suite of driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
