Toyota Highlander 2021 – technical specifications

Toyota Highlander 2021 in a new body is a representative of the latest, fourth generation of the mid-size crossover. The updated version is presented on the world market with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but in Russia only all-wheel drive is offered, although with different systems. This car is intended for family trips, but it is also quite suitable for everyday use, especially when it is necessary to transport large loads. Unlike a number of other Japanese crossovers, the Highlander 2020-2021 is already on sale in Russian and Ukrainian car dealerships.

Appearance and dimensions of Toyota Highlander 2021

The design of the updated crossover remains quite recognizable. However, the car turned out to be less aggressive compared to the previous generation and visually looks better. Instead of a massive radiator grille, the car received a more modest-sized design, similar to an element of the RAV4. The emblem is higher, the headlights have become narrow and stretched along the front fenders. The hood lid has become more prominent.

When looking at the car from the side, you should pay attention to the stylish stampings on the doors and the rising sill line. And also on the visor-shaped spoiler above the luggage compartment. At the rear there are taillights extending onto the fenders, which are just as horizontally oriented as before, but have become narrower.

The car is offered in 8 colors - three old ones (silver, black and pearl) and 5 new ones. Wheels can be 18 or 20 inches. And the length of the crossover turned out to be slightly longer than that of the American version - 4.966 m instead of 4.95 m. Although the car itself is only seven-seater, and not eight-seater, as for the USA. The width of the car is 1.93 m, the height is 1.755 m, the wheelbase is 2.85 m. The ground clearance of 20.4 cm is not impressive, but quite decent for a crossover and sufficient for off-road travel.

Luggage rack for long trips

You will like the new Toyota station wagon at first sight. It has sweeping shapes and an updated silhouette. At the same time, the car is functional and suitable for different situations. An important detail for travelers is the volume of the cargo compartment. In the photo of the interior, the Highlander has an impressive trunk. In the previous generation of the crossover, the volume of transported luggage was stated to be 391 liters. The new SUV, even with the rear row of seats installed, is capable of carrying cargo of up to 456 liters. If this space is not enough, then you can fold the seats, after which the permissible maximum trunk will approach the size of a small van. This volume is suitable for long trips with a lot of equipment or for a short move.

Toyota Highlander 4 interior

In addition to updating the interior, the car received many changes inside. Thus, the quality of finishing materials of the new Toyota Highlander 4 2021 model has become higher. And the interior now looks more modern and technologically advanced. There is more space for both the driver and 6 passengers. The visibility from the front seats has improved, which has a positive effect on control of the road situation.

On the front panel of the crossover you can see not only a modern multimedia screen, but also several conveniently located tray shelves. There is a glove compartment on the passenger side. In front of the driver, behind the large multifunction steering wheel, there is a dashboard with analogue dials and an on-board computer screen. There are several USB ports for recharging various electronics. And special controls allow you to switch vehicle driving modes.

The crossover interior has a three-row layout - 2 + 3 + 2 people. This scheme assumes the most convenient placement only in the front. But you can also increase comfort for the second row by choosing “captain’s” chairs instead of the usual sofa. The rear seats are suitable for two short adults or children. The backrests of the second and third rows can be folded down to increase cargo space.

Memorable design

The new SUV station wagon has a stunning interior. The elite interior design will lift the spirits of the driver and passengers on every trip. The Highlander is designed down to the last detail. It is luxurious and functional. The entire interior is made of pleasant soft materials with artistic perforation; LED lighting creates a soft backlight. For the convenience of passengers, wireless charging, a large touch screen and a modern audio system are provided.

Although the crossover does not look gigantic, its spacious interior can accommodate 7-8 passengers. The driver's seat is heated and ventilated for maximum driving comfort in all conditions.

And finally, read here about the comparison between the Highlander and the Kia Sorento.

Technical specifications of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 4

For Russian users, the model is available with only one engine option. Power unit with a capacity of 249 hp. has a volume of 3.5 liters. Among its other technical characteristics are fuel consumption in the range of 7.6–12.8 liters (highway - city) and acceleration to hundreds in 8.8 seconds. The maximum speed of the crossover is only 180 km/h, the same as the previous generation. However, the engine remained the same as that found on the Toyota Highlander III.

The volume of the luggage compartment is no longer 269 liters, as before, but 454 liters. Although this is not enough to accommodate a large amount of cargo. And, if one or two rows of the crossover are not occupied by passengers, the seatbacks can be folded, increasing the space to 1.36 or 2.075 cubic meters. m.

The list of basic car equipment includes modern active and passive safety systems. The top version received the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 kit. High-strength steels are used to create the body, and torsional rigidity is increased. And according to the results of IIHS crash tests, the model received the best ratings in almost all indicators.

conclusions

The Toyota Highlander has been a top seller in the crossover category since its debut two decades ago. The hybrid version competes in the exclusive segment with its only real competitor, the Ford Explorer Hybrid. While the 2020 Explorer Hybrid (which we'll review soon) has sportier looks and performance, the 2021 Highlander Hybrid's sedate exterior gives way to an impressive interior and plenty of great tech features, making it our pick of the two.

Toyota Highlander 4 2021 Competitors

The list of car competitors includes such models as Kia Sorrento and Hyundai Grand Santa Fe. Moreover, the price of each rival with similar characteristics is lower, and the handling and dynamics are slightly better. Although the Kia model has noticeably fewer options. And the Grand Santa Fe has not been updated since 2021 and is less common for sale. And, if the factor of price and dynamics is not decisive, it is better to choose a Highlander instead of Korean crossovers.

Another car similar in a number of parameters and price is the Ford Explorer. For the price it turned out to be a little more profitable. And the characteristics of the motor are almost the same. However, Toyota's engine is more reliable, and the 8-speed automatic transmission is more convenient than Ford's 6-speed. And even in the base model it has heated front seats, a high-quality multimedia complex and 3-zone climate control.

Options and prices

In Russian car dealerships in 2021, only 2 crossover options are presented. The first, Prestige, is equipped with a simple all-wheel drive transmission with a clutch that connects the rear axle. The equipment list includes climate control with 3 zones, LED lights with washer and a rear view camera. In addition, the version received two color screens - a 7-inch on-board computer and an 8-inch multimedia system. The steering wheel and the first two rows are heated, only the front seats are ventilated. The wheels are 18-inch, there are parking sensors front and rear.

The Lux Safety version is also all-wheel drive – but using the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system. The package includes a panoramic roof, a 10.5" diagonal head-up display and a premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers. The list of equipment also includes heated front glass, the Safety Sense safety complex, R20 wheels, all-round visibility and a navigator.

On the Ukrainian market you can also purchase at least 2 crossover options. The Highlander Elegance is equipped with the same 2.5-liter engine producing 249 hp. costs 1.385 million UAH. The top version, Premium, received the same power unit and will cost 1.679 million UAH.

Table 1. Car versions

Practicality and technology

The new Highlander's seven- or eight-passenger capacity puts it in the center of the competitive space—more than the driver-oriented Mazda CX-9, but not as much as the Chevrolet Traverse or Volkswagen Atlas. Its front seats are well designed for good lateral and lumbar support, as are the spacious second rows, which also have comfortable slide and recline adjustments; Depending on the trim level, there are three middle-row seats or captain's chairs. The third row, however, is no larger than before, it's flat as a bench, and while tolerable for short trips, it's too small for adults to sit on and be comfortable. What's more important, at least to Toyota focus groups, is that the Highlander's increased length gave it a respectable 450 liters of cargo space with the third row up - that's 56 liters more than before. Remove the third row and the boot grows to 1,360 liters and 2,370 liters with the second row folded. Impressive space, isn't it?

Considering that the previous Highlander debuted for the 2014 model year, the new model's biggest advances were made in terms of technology and design. The instrument panel and center console have been redesigned and the quality of materials has increased. Toyota may have been trying too hard to get to the top of the lineup. The sheer number of different materials and intersecting shapes in the top-end Platinum models we tested makes it feel a little fussy and overdone. Everything is better in the bulky XLE model, where you get a more cohesive and less dressy presentation of colors and textures. However, none of the available trims can compromise the packaging, usability and high-quality finishes of the class-leading Kia Telluride and its Hyundai Palisade, both of which also offer some luxury not available from the Toyota, such as the micro suede headliner and ventilated second-row seats.

The Highlander's tech factor is bolstered by a standard 4.2-inch digital display between analog gauges that can be upgraded to a 7.0-inch unit, as well as a standard 8.0-inch center touchscreen or an optional 12.3-inch display. Current Highlander owners will be delighted with how clearly and relatively logically all the new gauges display information, as well as the numerous redundant hard buttons on the center stack and console. Along with the aforementioned active safety features, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and Wi-Fi are all included as standard. Additional welcome items include an optional digital inside rearview mirror, wireless device charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and a customizable 10.0-inch head-up display.

Reviews

Sergey N., Krasnodar : I’ve been using it for four weeks. And I can note that the new Highlander has noticeably more advantages than disadvantages. Among the main advantages are a smooth ride and excellent handling. Noise insulation is excellent, cross-country ability is good, even taking into account the long body and large front overhang. The disadvantages include the lack of any sharpness. The speed picks up slowly, despite the fairly powerful engine. When turning, you can feel the roll and there is a slight longitudinal sway. However, if there is nowhere to rush, such a crossover is simply an ideal option.

Oleg S., Kirov : I was choosing between this car and the Mazda CX-3 2021. But, after comparing the configurations, prices and release dates, I still decided to buy a Highlander. I liked the appearance of the car, and previous versions also had good reviews regarding cross-country ability. And this was confirmed - although I rarely drive off-road, I can count on easily overcoming most road irregularities. The car is also spacious and comfortable, the driver’s seat is especially cozy. Of the not-so-pleasant aspects, I’ll only mention the complex multimedia interface and fuel consumption, which turned out to be noticeably higher than stated. In the city it’s not 12 liters at all, but 13 and even 14.

Yuri L., Vladivostok : The car looks just great - impressive and a little brutal. However, if you look closely, you can notice a slight difference in color on the plastic and metal parts of the body. But this becomes noticeable only from a certain angle. The salon is comfortable and large. Even in the second row as a passenger, I feel good – with a height of 186 cm. But the two rear seats are only for short people or children. I like the sound insulation - there are no extraneous sounds when driving. The suspension runs smoothly on any surface, and there is a reserve of traction even at speeds over 100 km/h.

( 1 ratings, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Calm and respectable driver

The winding, back roads of our driving route offered little opportunity to test the Highlander's handling limits without tripling the posted speed limits. Under these driving conditions, passengers are very comfortable in the second row of seats, and to be honest, it feels like the doors have been replaced with sliding doors taken from a Toyota Sienna minivan. The electric power steering responds well to driver control commands, although it may seem the opposite. The brake pedal offers maximum confidence, especially in the hybrid model. Quite softly tuned front struts and a multi-link rear suspension guarantee smooth body movement and provide a comfortable ride on poor-quality asphalt, even on optional 20-inch wheels (18-inch ones are standard).

The 2021 Highlander, even at high highway speeds, absorbs all extraneous road, engine and wind noise thanks to excellent sound insulation. You can choose either the Limited or Platinum trim, with laminated sound-absorbing windshield and front side glass that significantly reduce noise levels, allowing you to enjoy the impressive upgraded 1200-watt JBL audio system. Competent and predictable, sometimes soft, these are the hallmarks of Toyota's road manners, and they apply to the maximum extent possible with the 2021 Toyota Highlander.

Cons: Driving experience, modest, sometimes sloppy interior trim, third row still cramped for adults.

The standard 3.5-liter V-6 is unchanged from last year and still produces 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. (The previous standard 2.7-liter inline-four engine has been discontinued.).

Married to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the V-6 is a bit noisy but provides plenty of thrust when pushed to the max. The eight-speed transmission is often quick to upshift to improve efficiency, but it's smartly tuned and operates quietly, which helps it blend in with the V-6 engine. Additional performance comes from a claimed weight reduction of about 550 kg for the V-6 model and slightly more for the hybrid versions. All V-6-powered Highlanders come standard with front-wheel drive; All-wheel drive ranges from $1,600 to $1,950, depending on trim quality, with Limited and Platinum versions featuring more advanced powertrains.