Short story
Toyota Highlander (or also known as Kluger in Australia and Japan) is a mid-size crossover from a well-known Japanese company, built on the same platform as the Toyota Camry passenger car.
The model was first presented at the New York Auto Show in April 2000; the first generation was produced in a body designated XU20.
This generation was restyled three times - in 2001, 2003 and 2005, the car was equipped with 2.4L (2AZ-FE, 4 cylinder), 3.0L (1MZ-FE, 6 cylinder) and 3.3L (3MZ-FE, 6 cylinder) gasoline engines. 6 cyl.), four- and five-speed automatic transmissions, front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive.
In 2004, in addition to the five-seat version, a seven-seat version with three rows of seats appeared, and after 2005, cars with a hybrid power plant and 4WD drive were already offered.
The second generation of the SUV in the XU40 body debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in 2007. It was initially offered with a V6 3.5-liter 2GR-FE engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission; for the Australian market it was supplied under the name Kluger.
In 2009, the crossover received a new four-cylinder 2.7L 1AR-FE I4 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
For the first time, this car was equipped with electric power steering, and also acquired hybrid versions with 3.3 V6 3MZ-FE and 3.5 V6 2GR-FXE engines.
The car's facelift took place in 2010, and in 2011 there were changes in the trim levels and engine range.
The third generation of the Highlander XU50 launched in 2013; this SUV, unlike its predecessor, has increased in length and width, acquired a more rounded shape, and a modification has appeared with a cabin for 8 seats.
The range of engines here has expanded significantly; depending on the region of delivery and the degree of equipment, five different options have become available:
- four-cylinder engine (I4) 2.7L (model 1AR-FE);
- I4 2.0L 8AR-FTS engine (Chinese market only);
- six-cylinder internal combustion engine (V6) 3.5L 2GR-FE;
- V6 3.5L 2GR-FKS;
- V6 3.5L 2GR-FXE (hybrid).
In 2021, the Highlander 3 was restyled, where, along with a “facelift,” some technical changes were made, in particular, V-shaped 6-cylinder engines received a new 8-speed automatic transmission, and the 2GR-FKS engine acquired a Toyota D4- fuel system S with direct injection.
The 2.7 engine was still equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and was only available with 2WD.
On April 17, 2021, at the international show in New York, the Toyota brand presented the fourth generation of the Highlander XU70 SUV, created on the TNGA-K platform, and on December 18, serial production of this model began in the United States.
In total, five different equipment options were offered for the American market; at the start of sales, the car received a 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS power unit.
Later, in February 2020, a hybrid version appeared with a 2.5 liter A25A-FXS 4-cylinder petrol engine and 5NM electric motors.
The first generation Highlander SUVs were produced only in Japan, at a plant in Miyawaka; the assembly of Japanese cars of the second and third generations was still established in the USA (Princeton, Indiana) and China (Guangzhou).
The Toyota Highlander XU70 is currently produced only in the United States, but it is possible that the geography of production of this car will be expanded in the future.
New Toyota Highlander 2021: photo and price, crossover characteristics
The New York Auto Show, held at the end of April 1919, became a platform for the presentation of quite a large number of different interesting SUVs. One of these is the 2021 Toyota Highlander, which received its first major restyling in the last six years.
The new model boasts a completely redesigned platform, which makes the car much more comfortable and safer. The changes were also reflected in the appearance. The new body of the 4th generation Toyota Highlander has received a more aggressive and stylish design, which incorporates many signature elements of the Japanese brand. The characteristics of the car did not remain the same.
Navigation
Pros and cons of Toyota Highlander
+ Pros
- Salon
- Dynamics
- Liquidity
- Controllability
- Patency
- Trunk
- Reliability
- Economical
- Minuses
- Suspension
Reviews from Toyota Highlander 4 owners
Toyota Highlander 2021 prices and specifications
The price of Toyota Highlander 2021 in Russia ranges from 4,097,000 to 4,700,000 rubles; the crossover is offered in Prestige and Luxe Safety trim levels.
| Equipment | price, rub. |
| 3.5 (249 hp) Prestige AWD AT8 | 4 097 000 |
| 3.5 (249 hp) Luxe Safety AWD AT8 | 4 700 000 |
* AT8 - eight-speed automatic transmission, AWD - all-wheel drive
Technical characteristics of Toyota Highlander 4
Body
| Body type | crossover |
| Car class | large crossover |
| Length / width / height, mm | 4966 / 1930 / 1755 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2890 |
| Ground clearance (ground clearance), mm | 204 |
| Trunk volume, l | 454 / 1909 |
| Curb weight, kg | 2100 — 2110 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 68 |
Engine and transmission
| engine's type | petrol |
| Volume, l | 3,5 |
| Power, hp | 249 |
| Torque, Nm | 356 |
| Gearbox type | machine |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Drive unit | full |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | n.d. |
| Max speed, km/h | 180 |
| Fuel consumption, l | |
| - city | n.d. |
| - track | n.d. |
| - mixed | n.d. |
| Fuel type | AI-92 |
Behind the wheel
The new Toyota Highlander 2021 model year for Russia turned out to be slightly longer than the American one: 4966 mm versus 4950 mm. Width - 1930 mm, height - 1755 mm. The wheelbase, compared to the previous model, has grown by 60 mm (up to 2850 mm), so that engineers were able to accommodate three passengers on the third row and increase the total number of seats to eight. However, cars for Russia have only seven seats and two seat belts in the gallery. We will not have basic front-wheel drive versions, nor will we have hybrids. For the Russian Federation, only all-wheel drive options with a V6 3.5 naturally aspirated gasoline engine are intended, which, especially for the Russian market, have been derated from 299 to a tax-profitable 249 hp, although the torque remained unchanged (356 Nm). Toyota stated that the engine can run on AI-92 gasoline, the transmission is an eight-speed automatic. More detailed characteristics of the car will be known later, when the test drive takes place.
► New crossovers of 2021: photos and prices
► Chinese crossovers in Russia: what to buy
Video test drive of the new Toyota Highlander 4
Which car would you prefer?
Read test drives of Toyota Highlander at Autoreview, Drive.ru, Kolesa.ru, Behind the Wheel
Appearance
Even in the photo you can see that the 2021 Toyota Highlander in the new body is very different from the previous generation car. The all-terrain vehicle has increased in size, received completely new main parts, such as optics, air intakes and others, and is now decorated with a large variety of decor.
The biggest difference between the car and its predecessor is at the front. The car's muzzle has grown both in length and height. The hood lid, where it all starts, received several protruding stripes located in the center. Just below the hood there is a fairly large air intake grille, shaped like a trapezoid. Inside it is a fine mesh and a chrome-plated decorative element, which includes the Toyota logo. The perimeter of the grille is also finished with chrome.
The windows have changed the most in profile, forming together a long line edged at the bottom with a chrome strip. The black A-pillars make the windows appear to blend into the windshield. The car also received completely redesigned rear-view mirrors, distinguished by their large sizes, a bunch of adjustments and the presence of turn signals in any configuration. The car doors are decorated with numerous wave-like reliefs, which are also found on the wheel arches.
Like most other representatives of this class, the stern of the Toyota Highlander gradually widens, reaching its maximum only at the very end. The decoration here begins with an almost oval window, above which there is a modest canopy, which is a continuation of the roof. The main part of the trunk door is filled with stylish triangular headlight optics and a small stepped relief. On the bumper body kit you can see a solid protective insert, painted gray, as well as fog signals located on the sides of it. The Japanese decided to place the exhaust system here under the body.
Salon
Kolesa.ru
Inside, the new 2021 Toyota Highlander model adds significant improvements in both comfort and equipment. The car has an interior made of fabric or leather, depending on the configuration, as well as a modern multimedia installation. In such a car it will be comfortable for both the driver and passengers to travel, no matter what roads. The dashboard has received a completely different look - now there is a solid multimedia console, represented by a touch monitor, climate control buttons and washers, as well as deflectors. A lot of interesting things are also located in the tunnel, for which a decent amount of space is allocated. There are openings for cups, technical parts, numerous slots for accessories and a large armrest at the ideal height for both driver and passengers. Inside the latter there may also be a refrigerator, if this is included in the package.
The car can easily accommodate as many as seven people, and each of them will be equally comfortable. The seats in the new Highlander 4 are leather trimmed and are always equipped with a heating system, as well as electrical adjustments. You can get a lot of useful things for an additional fee. These options include front-row ventilation, rear climate control, split seats with armrests for the second row and much more. The trunk is also impressive, where you can store from 456 to 2,076 liters of cargo.
Photos of the new Toyota Highlander 2021
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Exterior design of Toyota Highlander 2021
The fourth generation Toyota Highlander is a mid-size three-row crossover, positioned as a family car, perfect for city trips and long journeys.
From the front, the SUV is easily recognizable by its large trapezoidal radiator grille and decorative chrome strip in the shape of a seagull with outstretched wings, which is complemented by the Toyota logo in the center.
Like many modern SUV-class cars, the 4th generation Highlander model has a streamlined shape with a hint of sportiness, a complex front bumper configuration with a lower narrow and long air intake.
Other characteristic exterior details of this car include:
- “muscular” rear wheel arches with continuing lines along the bottom of the doors, made in the style of the 2019 Toyota Supra sports car;
- solid and durable-feeling exterior mirror feet;
- a relatively short raised hood, but with a “hump”, like that of a bird of prey;
- the narrow lines of the L-shaped taillights, and here there is no connecting bar between them, which is now a fashionable element.
Due to the rounded and wider rear wings, high-mounted lights and raised bumper, the rear of the car is visually somewhat raised, although on R18 wheels in the basic US version the wheels seem disproportionately small and the overall stance is low.
Externally, the new Highlander looks original, and the crossover is difficult to confuse with other car models, but its exterior evokes mixed feelings, not everyone likes it, you need to get used to it.
Trunk
The new Highlander is slightly longer than its predecessor, the third-generation crossover, allowing for slightly more cargo space behind the third-row seats.
Now the standard trunk volume is 453 instead of the previous 269 liters, and with the backrests folded down on the “gallery” it increases to 1370 liters (for the Toyota Highlander 3 - up to 813 liters).
Although the rear seats, split in a 60/40 proportion, do not have an electric drive, they fold very easily using easy-to-grip handles and keys, literally with one or two hand movements, thereby creating an almost perfectly flat floor.
With all the seats folded, except for the front seats, the cargo volume becomes more than enough (2387 liters), and you can even transport a small-sized refrigerator in the car, or organize a sleeping place for one or two people.
The spare tire on this SUV is located outside the luggage compartment; it is located under the bottom of the car.
The trunk has a lower false panel with carpet trim, covered with a durable rubber mat, as well as a small and shallow “underground” where automotive tools are located.
The door is held in the upper position by two powerful pneumatic supports, equipped with an electric drive, lowers smoothly and slowly, and has a function for opening it with the movement of the foot.
Vehicle interior
The interior of the 2021 Toyota Highlander uses expensive and high-quality materials:
- the instrument panel frame and door cards are covered in leather;
- there are elements with wood finish;
- Depending on the configuration, various colors and finishes are available - from dark and brown to light beige.
In the “charged” configurations of the three-row SUV, the middle row of seats is represented by two separate seats that can easily move back and forth in a fairly large range, and they also have separate keys for tilting the backrests.
The passenger “gallery” is a standard rear sofa, although unlike other rows it does not provide such a comfortable and free seating; it is more suitable for children and teenagers, passengers with a small build and short stature.
The rear door windows are equipped with sunblinds that are manually raised and secured to the glass.
For user convenience, the dashboard is equipped with spacious shelf trays under the multimedia screen and above the glove compartment on the passenger side; the analog instrument panel is complemented by an informative on-board computer located between the speedometer and tachometer dials.
USB ports are provided both front and rear on the center console, which also houses the Drive Mode switch for Sport, Norm and Eco modes, the Snow button, and a rotary round knob that activates mud&sand or rock&dirt (“soil stones”).
We can talk a lot and for a long time about the various features of the interior of the Highlander 4, but it is better to note the main points that are of greatest interest to potential car owners:
- dual cup holders (total of them
are provided for passengers of all rows of seats, and in the “gallery” they are located in the side trims; - the middle two seats are complemented by folding armrests, similar to those found on airplanes or high-speed trains, and are also equipped with autonomous climate control with control keys and a small monitor;
- there are ventilation holes in the ceiling on the sides both in the middle and at the rear of the cabin;
- the front armrest cover slides back on slides, underneath there is a platform for a smartphone with wireless charging, and when you lift the charging station block, the inner box becomes accessible;
- in the basic version for the USA, an 8-inch multimedia screen is installed, in the “top” it is increased to 12.3”;
- on the main screen display, by touching your fingers, you can change the position of the menu, as well as expand it, for example, virtual air conditioner control buttons easily move from the right side of the monitor to the left;
- on the on-board computer there is a diagram of the car, from which you can easily understand which passengers in the cabin are not fastened;
- The interior mirror is equipped with a function for changing the brightness; it is adjusted using buttons at the bottom of the mirror element.
On the center console, right behind the cup holders, there are buttons for the electronic handbrake and holding the car in place; the last button is convenient to use when the car is stopped at a traffic light.
On the front ceiling, next to the backlight, there is a shelf-holder for storing glasses, and when you open it, a spherical mirror is revealed, making it possible to view the rear row of the cabin from the driver's seat.
The sun visors are additionally equipped with telescopic holders; they can not only change the angle of inclination, but also extend.
Engines and transmission
In the United States, the Highlander XU70 model went on sale in the second half of December 2019, and a hybrid version became available in February 2021.
There are currently two types of engines available for the North American market:
- model 2GR-FKS – 3.5L, six cylinders, V-shaped cylinder arrangement;
- A25A-FXS – 2.5L, four cylinders in line, with additional electric motors.
The 3.5 liter engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2.5 liter hybrid is coupled with a CVT.
2GR-FKS is a naturally-aspirated gasoline engine using the Atkinson cycle, built in approximately the same way as the 2UR-GSE or 8AR-FTS engine.
The power unit has four camshafts, VVT-iW phase regulators on the intake and VVT-i on the exhaust, a timing chain drive, an aluminum cylinder block, and hydraulic valve compensators.
Main technical characteristics of the engine:
- working volume – 3456 cm³;
- total number of timing valves – 24;
- engine type – DOHC, V-shaped;
- maximum power at 6600 rpm – 295 horsepower;
- torque max. (at 4700 rpm) – 356 N*m;
- piston stroke/bore – 83/94 mm;
- compression ratio – 11.8.
The 3.5 engine is brought into compliance with Euro-5 environmental standards; its declared fuel consumption per 100 km in the city is 12.8, on the highway - 7.6, in the combined cycle - 9.5 liters.
Depending on the modification, the Highlander 4 for America can have both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), and the Highlander Hybrid in the front-wheel drive version is complemented by two, and in all-wheel drive equipment, three electric motors.
In the hybrid version, the power plant has a maximum power of 243 hp. With. and torque of 237 N*m, while the promised gasoline consumption in the combined cycle is only 6.7 l/100 km.
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General technical specifications
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a three-row, seven- or eight-seat crossover with a length of 4.95 mm, width and height of 1.93 and 1.73 mm, respectively.
Some other characteristics of this car:
- wheelbase – 2850 mm;
- ground clearance - 200 mm;
- curb weight – from 1880 to 2100 kg;
- total weight – up to 2750 kg;
- wheel track, front axle – 1660 mm;
- wheel track, rear axle – 1690 mm;
- recommended fuel is AI-95/Ai-98 gasoline (in the Russian version it is possible to use AI-92);
- fuel tank capacity – 72 l;
- The standard tire size for the USA is 235/65R18.
The crossover is equipped with both independent suspensions (McPherson suspension at the front, multi-link at the rear), full disc brakes (with ventilated brake discs on the front axle), an electronic parking brake, and electric power steering.
Is it an SUV? Highlander on the move
Do you know what makes the Land Cruiser captivating? Complete indifference to the quality of the road surface. It would seem that you also sit high in the Highlander, you also notice all the potholes, but noticing does not mean not feeling them. The monocoque body and independent suspension did their job.
But in taxiing and stability, which the Cruisers so lack, the Highlander is very similar to the Camry. But I didn’t like the sound insulation. Its lack on the track is very noticeable. Sitting in a car of this class, you expect more.
And the SUV from the Highlander is extremely conventional, although from the outside it looks like a jeep. Essentially, this is a passenger car with high ground clearance, all-wheel drive and a free center differential. Therefore, you should not expect any space maneuverability and turns.
Also read: Easy to buy, hard to sell: 10 crossovers and SUVs that have been on the secondary market for a long time
Options and prices for the North American market
The 2021 Toyota Highlander SUV is offered in the US market with five equipment levels:
- L;
- LE;
- XLE;
- Limited;
- Platinum.
In all modifications, FWD wheel drive is considered standard, and AWD is available as an option; the proposed Hybrid versions are considered separately.
The initial configuration is considered to be the L option with a starting price of $36,400, where the front-wheel drive version is presented, the cost of the all-wheel drive crossover starts from $36,200.
The crossover cannot be called a budget car, but it does not belong to the high premium class, although it can boast a fairly rich set of options even in the basic equipment.
The standard set of equipment includes:
- LED headlights;
- three-zone climate control;
- multimedia with 8-inch display;
- audio system with AM/FM radio, MP3 player, WiFi Hotspot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six speakers;
- Safety Sense 2.0 suite;
- 2-inch color LCD display located in the instrument cluster;
- four USB ports and two 12V outlets;
- electric windows on all doors;
- tire pressure controller;
- adaptive cruise control;
- security alarm;
- intelligent Keyless Start system;
- trip computer;
- heated electric mirrors;
- on-board public address system;
- wireless charging of smartphones;
- headlight switch-off delay function;
- electric driver's seat.
In the basic configuration, the Toyota Highlander is equipped with fabric-upholstered seats, front and side airbags, curtain airbags and driver's knee airbags.
The car is equipped with a small-size spare tire, 235/65 tires on R18 alloy wheels, and six hooks for securing cargo in the trunk.
Of course, the car is equipped with various electronic assistants, such as ABS, ESP, HAC, EPB, etc.
Potential buyers of the American version of the Highlander 4 should also know that in the most budget L and LE trim levels, the car comes with eight seats, that is, the seats of both the second and third rows have the design of a single sofa with a 60/40 split backrest.
The LE modification, in addition to basic options, provides blind spot monitoring, LED fog lights, an electric tailgate, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and additional multimedia functions.
The price of a car in this configuration with FWD wheel drive starts from $36,800, with AWD – from $38,400.
The higher-end XLE version ($39,600 and $41,200) adds roof rails and a sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, and the size of the LCD display on the instrument cluster is increased to 7 inches.
Instead of fabric upholstery, artificial leather is used, and the middle three-seater sofa is replaced with two separate comfortable armchairs (accordingly, the car is no longer eight-, but seven-seater).
The Limited trim ($43,650 and $45,600) is additionally equipped with ventilated front seats, integrated navigation, 20-inch wheels, genuine leather interior, wood accents, and a premium JBL Audio system with 11 speakers, a subwoofer and an amplifier.
And finally, what is in the flagship Platinum version (46850 and $48800):
- a rain sensor is added;
- adaptive headlight control is provided;
- an interior mirror with a HomeLink®84 universal transceiver is installed;
- the instrument cluster is equipped with a 10-inch display;
- there is a 360-degree camera with various visual effects;
- there are some external cosmetic improvements;
- multimedia is equipped with a 12.3-inch screen.
Hybrid models with a 2.5L and a CVT are slightly more expensive than crossovers with a 3.5-liter engine and automatic transmission; the most expensive Highlander modification is the Hybrid Platinum AWD with a price starting from $50,200.
Options and prices
Russian car enthusiasts can count on purchasing a Toyota Highlander in 2 trim levels:
- The basic version of “Prestige” received simple all-wheel drive, a rear view camera, parking sensors and 7 airbags. And also - a three-zone climate control system, LED optics, R18 alloy wheels and an 8" multimedia system. There are heated 1st and 2nd rows, ventilated front seats and even an electric tailgate.
- The top-end “Lux Safety” configuration features a more advanced all-wheel drive system, which will provide increased cross-country ability on bad roads. In addition, the most expensive version of the car received more safety and driver assistance systems - from adaptive cruise control and automatic braking to lane control and blind spot control. The same version has a panoramic roof, and the wheel size is R20.
In Ukraine, you can also purchase two versions of the Toyota Highlander. The most profitable Elegance package is offered in Ukrainian car dealerships at a price starting from UAH 1.35 million. Top version - for the amount of 1.64 million UAH. All models received the same automatic transmission and 3.5-liter engine as for the Russian Federation.
Table 1. Car versions
| Equipment | Motor characteristics | checkpoint | Drive unit | Prices, rubles |
| Prestige | petrol, 3.5-liter, 249 hp | 8-speed automatic | full (4WD) | 3688000 |
| Lux Safety | 4291000 |
Toyota Highlander 2021 for Russia
How exactly the Russian version of the crossover will differ from the “American” one will become clear later, but there is information that the car will be 16 mm longer than the US model.
You shouldn’t wait for a budget 8-seater cabin yet; the car will arrive in Russia only in a 7-seater version, which will be more comfortable for rear-row passengers.
Most likely, the new Highlander in the Russian Federation will be supplied only with an automatic transmission-8 and a V6 engine, and only with all-wheel drive, although in order to reduce the transport tax, the power of the internal combustion engine will be slightly reduced (to 249 hp).
The 2021 Highlander has already received OTTS approval, but nothing is known for sure about its delivery dates; the car should be expected no earlier than early 2021.
