Toyota Highlander car, model history and review

Toyota Highlander 2 was first introduced to the automobile market in 2001 by the Japanese company Toyota. Among Toyota's crossover lineup, the Highlander II sits among the RAV4 and 4Runner models. Toyota Highlander II was created by development engineers based on the Toyota Camry car. Its serial production and sales continued until 2007, then it was replaced by the more modern model Highlander 2 modifications.

Body design and dimensions

When examining the crossover, features of Camry and RX are noticeable. Distinctive features of the exterior are ergonomics and surface textures. Buyers are interested in what ergonomics are: in Highlander, these are large doorways and comfort when seating passengers. Since the Toyota Camry is taken as a basis, both the exterior and interior of the Highlander are similar to it.

The second generation has “sporty” features in the body design:

• the windshield is located at a gentle angle;
• the “muzzle” is quite heavy, but streamlined;
• dynamism;
• wide rear pillar;
• thickened back;
• lanterns expanding at the top.

Distinctive features of the third generation body:

• “muscular” exterior;
• trapezoidal false radiator grille;
• LED head optics;
• powerful wheel arches.

When developing the exterior design, engineers endowed Toyota (Highlander 4 model) with the following features:

• the massive radiator grille disappeared;
• the hood became prominent and high;
• optical elements have decreased in size;
• The radically modified bumper attracts attention with the architecture of the air intakes;
• The fog lights took a higher position and changed shape.

Dimensions of the Toyota Highlander TRD in millimeters vary depending on the generation:

The designers brought aggressive forms and “muscularity” to the exterior of the last row to attract a young audience.

Chassis

And now about the operation of the Toyota Highlander 3. This is a large and comfortable crossover that holds direction well on the highway and easily overcomes all the bumps along the way. Driving along a country highway in a Toyota Highlander 3 is a real pleasure. I’m still getting used to the dimensions of the car, so I don’t yet dare to accelerate the Toyota Highlander 3 to the maximum. Although the Toyota Highlander 3 has enough power to leave all other crossovers behind. Yes, the automatic takes longer to think than on the previous car, but this is not a problem for me. 6 gears are enough for me. The main thing is that now I don’t pay attention to small irregularities. Comfort comes first. Again, about the dimensions: I don’t always dare to drive into some courtyards, because it seems that a car simply won’t fit through some arches. Although in reality the Toyota Highlander 3 can climb everywhere, it seems big only visually, which is confirmed by reviews. And the rear view camera makes life easier. My friends supported my choice, which is very nice. The car is truly created for people - this is evidenced even by the presence of a huge number of various protective systems. But I hope that I never find out about them.

As for the space inside the Toyota Highlander 3, in my opinion, there is even too much of it. I have never used the third row yet, because the whole family fit comfortably on the second. I would like there to be a 5-seater version of the Toyota Highlander 3. I immediately moved the back row as far away as possible, so passengers can at least lie down on the second row. The family is happy - the airflow does its job perfectly. The trunk looks like a black hole - it is huge. The electric drive comes in handy here, because the door is heavy. But it takes quite a long time for the drive to open the door, but the trunk glass is provided for quick access.

Salon

If we look at all generations of the Toyota Highlander, we will notice slight differences in the exterior and interior.

The cabin of the first generation reveals a classic interior, with enough free space in the front and rear. In the interior decoration, the designers used high-quality finishing elements. Comfort during movement is almost equal to that of a business class sedan. The trunk volume reaches 1090 liters.

In the second generation Toyota Highlander, the seats are upholstered in dense material. The door cards contain wood-look inserts. The dashboard and center console are finished in black. The trunk volume with the rear sofa folded reaches 1200 liters from the original 290 liters.

The third generation salon is distinguished by good finishing and higher quality materials. Chrome and glossy elements with wooden inserts appeared in the interior. The usable trunk capacity of the 3rd generation car is 269 liters with the rear seat folded down. To dramatically increase the space in the trunk, lower the rear bench. After manipulation, the useful volume increases to 813 liters.

The latest models in interior design are interesting:

• enlarged multimedia system screen;
• ventilation deflectors located under the monitor;
• stylish dashboard with blue backlight.

In general, the interior is restrained. Transformation of the rear part of the car allows you to increase the base trunk volume from 391 to 456 liters. With the third row seats folded down, the volume increases to 1150 liters. The manufacturer took care of high-quality noise insulation and an improved set of equipment.

Engines and gearbox

New Highlander models are equipped with 2 types of engines. When manufacturing power units, engineers took into account Euro-5 environmental standards.

Engine characteristics:

For a car with a 2.7-liter engine, maximum power is achieved at 5800 rpm. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds. Maximum speed – 180 km/h.

The situation is different with the 3.5-liter engine. Maximum power is achieved at 6200 rpm. To accelerate to 100 km/h, the car will need 8.7 seconds. Maximum speed – 180 km/h.

The transmission for all generations is automatic transmission, that is, an automatic transmission. The number of steps depends on the year of manufacture.

The advantages of engines include unpretentiousness, simple design, good dynamics, and traction. Among the disadvantages are high fuel consumption and a small trunk.

Fuel consumption depends on the driver's driving style and driving cycle. Basically, the performance of the 2.7-liter engine reaches the following marks per 100 km:

• during a country walk - 7.9 l;
• with mixed driving - 9.9 l;
• during city travel – 13.3 liters.

The consumption of a V6 engine does not significantly change the performance per 100 km of road:

• on a country road - 8.4 l;
• with mixed driving – 10.6 l;
• in city mode - 14.4 liters.

In traffic jams and heavy traffic, consumption increases sharply to 20 liters. The gas tank capacity is 72 liters, so refueling is required on average once every 3 days.

Technical features of Toyota Highlander

Technical and design features include:

• Push start button. Required to start the engine.
• Leather upholstery in beige and black.
• Spacious seven-seater interior - precise lines, comfort of movement, free space.
• Spacious trunk. The ergonomic features of folding the seats allow you to increase the volume of the luggage compartment by 3-4 times.
• Traction control system (TRC). Necessary to reduce torque in case of slipping and redistribute traction force on each wheel.
• Bluetooth. Allows you to organize wireless communication.
• Multifunction steering wheel with leather trim.

Thanks to its technical and ergonomic features, the SUV looks bright and presentable.

First impressions of the Toyota Highlander 3

At the beginning of summer I got a Toyota Highlander 3, but I still can’t say that I am the proud owner of this car. No, the crossover suits me completely, but only 4 months have passed, and this is a very short period of time. So, now the equipment. I chose the Toyota Highlander III with a black leather interior, because it looks very stylish. The configuration is called LUX, the body color is white pearl, under the hood sits a 3.5-liter engine with 249 hp. Before that I drove a second generation Tuareg. The Touareg served me faithfully for about 3 years, then I found a buyer who dreamed of such a crossover.

Why did you choose this car?

There was a clear task to purchase a new car. Among the contenders were Outback, RAV4, Audi Q5. The one that attracted me most from this list was the Audi, because a friend had one. This means that I often took his car for a ride. True, the desire to buy this model disappeared after a friend had a well-promoted transmission. Subaru didn't fit either - the Oposit design turned out to be too complicated, and the body design looked too ancient for me. I seriously considered the RAV4, but then I realized that the technical characteristics did not correspond to the rather high price. Also put off by the exorbitant cost of service. Of course, I was also very interested in the new Touareg, which should be released soon. But I didn’t see the point in buying the same car, except perhaps with an improved chassis. Then we decided to ask how much the luxurious Toyota Highlander III costs. I was surprised by the price - it was not much higher than the cars listed above. I settled on it - now I'm driving a Toyota Highlander 3.

I know that the Highlander III is inferior to the Touareg in technical and dynamic characteristics, but now my family and I need a reliable and spacious car. I know for sure that in a few years I will be able to sell this car without losing even half of its value. Yes, and I have friends at the official Toyota service center. And this is a big plus - the service will not only be humane, but also affordable. Many reviews say that the car has an appearance that differs for the better from the previous generation Toyota Highlander.

How was the purchasing process? I ordered the Highlander two months before I received it. I was waiting for this particular set, but, as luck would have it, it was not in stock for some reason. But the wait was worth it, I am 100% sure of that. In general, I arrived at the salon, where they registered a car for me within an hour. More precisely, almost all the time I sat in a comfortable room, where consultants told me what and how. There were also some nice gifts - they gave me guarantees, services, a kit with a first aid kit, a rope, a fire extinguisher with a company logo, and an original pillow. I was especially pleased with the interior carpet. I did not expect such kindness from the salon. In general, they gave me all the necessary information about the car, they even outlined some negative aspects, which, to be honest, I was very surprised by. Reviews from motorists told me a lot of interesting things about the Toyota Highlander 3, so I decided to interrupt the consultants’ story, got into my new car and drove off, as they say, into the sunset.

I don’t argue, the rug is of course very cute, but the fuel in the tank was “the cat cried.” And this is found in almost all salons - there is enough fuel reserves just enough to get to the nearest gas station. Maybe they really calculate the distance, and the owner of the gas station provides monetary compensation to the salon... But let’s not talk about conspiracies, the 95th fueled, although reviews from friends were as follows: lei 92nd. But it’s okay, the car worked great even at 95.

I refused the test because I was in a hurry. I decided to do a mini-test myself on the way home. First impressions of the Toyota Highlander III: the car drives so softly and smoothly, and the smell of the new interior is pleasantly relaxing. The car turned out to be comfortable and soft - the suspension here is clearly better than in my previous steel horse. After a few miles, I came to the conclusion that the Toyota Highlander 3 would be perfect for me. Many reviews spoke of wobbly brakes and poor sound insulation. I don’t know, for me the brakes worked well, and the noise from the fairly powerful engine did not penetrate inside the car. I was also pleased with the quality of the interior: the leather is high-quality, everything is fastened well - there is no squeaking at high speeds.

Negative sides

But there are also some little things that did not suit me, but, nevertheless, I have to put up with them. I don’t really like the Japanese-American style ergonomics; I still sometimes get confused with all these buttons. In the previous car this issue was simpler. For example, some kind of caterpillar on the gearbox - what is it for? If anyone knows, please explain. After all, it was possible to make the selector simpler - much like the Germans. But this is already nit-picking.

Also, the work of the parking sensors is not particularly pleasing - the presence of a camera, of course, is pleasing, but it is not clear why this configuration does not have a visual indication of the distance. Only an indistinct sound breaks through. Moreover, it really makes its way, because the music in the Toyota Highlander III does not become quieter when the parking sensors start working. I expected more from this system, it’s 2014 after all. Therefore, with such a system, this squeak may not be heard.

That's why I turn off the music myself when the parking process begins. Strange function of locking all doors at start. That is, when you start to move, the doors all click into place, and you simply can’t get out using the handle. As for the engine, I haven’t even gotten into it yet. I hope that I will only have to open the hood when I need to add new washer fluid. Therefore, I can’t say anything about the features of the engine; only 4 months have passed. Although no, I can say about the fuel tank. It is a little small - 75 liters, I would like more. Some crossovers have tanks of 100 liters. I’m content with 75; you can’t add another as an additional option. Another nuance in the Toyota Highlander 3 that I noticed during operation (the reviews did not mention this) is the rather weak lateral support in the seat.

Equipment

There are 3 configurations available in Russia:

• Elegance;
• Prestige;
• Luxury

Available in the Elegance package:

• alloy wheels;
• color and monochrome display with numerous functions;
• LED optics;
• light and rain sensors;
• ABS;
• Cruise control;
• ESP;
• heated windows;
• keyless entry system.

The cost of the Elegance package starts from 3.5 million Russian rubles.

Available in the Prestige package:

• central locking;
• immobilizer;
• leather upholstery;
• climate control with three zones;
• heated seats;
• navigation system;
• blind spot tracking technology;
• side sun blinds, etc.

The price of a car with the Prestige package starts from 3.65 million Russian rubles.

The luxury package includes:

• package of active safety systems;
• improved audio system;
• 4 cameras providing a panoramic view;
• adaptive cruise control;
• front parking sensors;
• road sign and marking recognition systems;
• forward collision warning.

The cost of the most expensive configuration starts from 3.8 million rubles.

Pros and cons of Toyota Highlander

The advantages of the model range include:

• modern and stylish exterior;
• comfortable interior finished with quality materials;
• good noise insulation, smooth ride and timely response to driver manipulations;
• absence of shocks and vibrations when driving through uneven sections of the road;
• good base for traveling over rough terrain;
• the presence of halogen high beam and LED low beam;
• optimal price-quality ratio;
• affordable price.

As a result, according to reviews from owners and experts, the following disadvantages stand out:

• lack of all-wheel drive as standard;
• high consumption in heavy city traffic;
• weakened chassis;
• frequent timing change.

Basically, these disadvantages are inherent in the Toyota Highlander 2.

Results

The last thing I would like to talk about is the off-road capabilities. I had off-road experience, but it was short-lived. So I rely more on reviews. I know that off-roading is not the Toyota Highlander 3’s strong point, but for me it’s not particularly important. If I wanted an SUV, I would set out to purchase an all-terrain vehicle. And here there are all the necessary systems for easy off-roading. Flimsy plastic linings located throughout the bottom of the Toyota Highlander 3 indicate that it is better not to drive onto rocks. I tested the ground - it runs great, there was no slipping, comfort was not affected. In general, everything is great. Now I'm waiting for winter time to test the stability of the Toyota Highlander 3 on ice and snow. I'm even looking for suitable winter tires.

In the end, I will say that the Toyota Highlander 3 is worth the money. I really like the suspension, which allows you to forget about the quality of our roads. Excellent sound insulation makes it possible to enjoy music in the cabin, and, if necessary, a conversation. I’ll soon get used to the ergonomic features – it’s not fatal. For a large family, the Toyota Highlander 3 is what you need. Numerous reviews from owners also speak about this. I like the appearance and the interior too. I give it 10 out of 10.

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