Active families looking at midsize crossover sport utility vehicles will be checking out the Toyota gasoline-powered Highlander and the Highlander hybrid variant. Within the model lineup, trim levels are multiple. For the 2016 Highlander, there are four, the $29,990 LE, $33,895 LE Plus, $36,815 XLE and the $40,515 Limited. An XLE was evaluated recently for two weeks by the reviewers.
Fresh exterior design elements include a retouched trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlights, deeply chiseled fenders, sculptured wheel wells and rear panels. A newly designed height-adjustable rear liftgate is available with one-touch power open/close function.
Highlanders come equipped with a soft-touch instrument panel; and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents throughout the interior. Thanks to acoustic-type glass used and the most insulation coverage ever applied in a Highlander ensures a hushed cabin and serene ride for all.
The tested XLE's interior quietness and exterior power feels like that found in full-size luxury SUVs. The ride was that secure and good. Insulation fills all body cavities surrounding and inside the cabin from doors to dashboard, floor and roof. The quiet ride is phenomenal. Besides acoustic glass for the windshield, three hydraulic engine mounts and effective body sealants help dampen vibration. Even the panoramic power moonroof was designed to reduce wind noise, even when open.
The three-row Highlander offers theater seating. Those sitting in the third row are several inches higher than those in front or the middle row. Entry to the third row is relatively simple as the split middle row seats slide forward on both driver and passenger sides. Grab handles are provided.
Highlanders can seat seven or eight adults depending if one wants captain's chairs in the second row or the split and fold bench seat. The captain's chairs offer an aisle to the third row. A collapsible side tray with cupholders can be collapsed. Each row, including the bench in the third row and buckets in front, offer multiple beverage holders.
Toyota realizes that there is a good distance between the first and third rows so it has provided "driver easy speak" as standard equipment on the XLE. No need to shout from the front if children, for example, require an admonition or two. DES works like a bullhorn. A microphone carries the driver or front-seat passenger's voice via the audio system to the rear speakers.
With the third row in use, there remains 13.8 cubic feet of storage space behind it, which is a 34 percent increase over the previous (second) Highlander generation. The 2016 model represents the third generation Highlander. With the third row stored in a floor cavity, the flat cargo capacity is 42.3 cubic feet. With both rear seats flattened, cargo area expands to 83.7 cubic feet. The floor is carpeted and comes with cargo area lights and four tiedowns. Of the three 12-volt power outlets, two are in front and one is in the second row.
Standard amenities include first and second row reading lights, retractable manual sunshades in the second row, leather trim with metal accents, heated and power front seats, power and heated exterior mirrors, heated three-spoke steering wheel, power door locks and open-tilt-close moonroof. Plus the liftgate operates by power (remote key fob or control on dashboard).
Second-row seats slide and recline. Third-row seats can recline and have sliding headrests.
Standard are cruise control, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, three-zone automatic climate controls, pushbutton start, keyless remote and lighted entry, hill-start assist, liftgate defogger, lighted vanity mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free phone, voice-command, navigation and a 4.2-inch color multimedia display within a gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. Information is lined up with a driver's eyes. The sound system includes AM-FM-satellite radio, USB ports and multiple inputs for personal devices.
On the exterior are chrome roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels supporting all-terrain P245 tires.
The quiet ride is enhanced by a suspension system including MacPherson struts in front, double wishbones in the rear and front and rear stabilizer bars. Although of unibody and not ladder-frame truck construction, this Highlander has a stiff body structure, which helps explain a secure feeling while riding in it.
There are three powertrain choices: a fuel-efficient 2.7-liter, four-cylinder that produces 185-horsepower, a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, and a gasoline-powered V-6 Hybrid model that is paired with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for total system output of 280-horsepower. All of the powerplants are mated to a new six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with selectable manual sequential shifting.
New for 2016, Toyota has made the towing package standard on all V-6 models. When properly equipped, the V-6 engines enable up to 5,000 pound towing capacity, while the four-cylinder tow parcel provides a maximum of 3,500 pounds. Standard equipment includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling and a 150-amp alternator.
During the test weeks, the XLE occasionally transported six people here and there. The engine showed no lack of power or acceleration hesitation with the weight aboard. During the test weeks, fuel usage averaged 20.9 miles per gallon, which is not exceptional but expected in a vehicle that weighs 4,464 pounds. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the XLE as averaging 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The XLE was driven mostly in Chicago suburban locales.
All 2016 Highlanders include enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, anti-lock braking system, smart stop technology, hill-start assist control and a backup camera
Although the Highlander is an all-wheel-drive vehicle, most of the time the torque is directed to the front wheels. But, in slippery, muddy or wintry road conditions, the Highlander's torque control system distributes power to the rear wheels too. The system uses input from multiple sensors (vehicle speed, steering and throttle angle, yaw rate) to govern torque distribution to rear wheels via an electro-magnetic controlled coupling in the rear differential. In routine road and
cruising conditions front-wheel-drive is the norm. The torque distribution is displayed prominently on the color screen behind the steering wheel.
Safety elements include a four-wheel antilock braking (discs, 12.9-inch ventilated in front, 12.2-inch solid in rear) system, vehicle and stability controls, brake assist and brake-force distribution, eight or nine airbags depending on how one counts (overhead curtains three rows, driver's knee, front, front sides), three-point seatbelts and headrests for all seating positions, adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters.
Warranty coverage of three years or 36,000 miles and five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain also includes free scheduled maintenance and 24-hour assistance for two years or 25,000 miles.
FAST FACTS
Vehicle: XLE all-wheel-drive model of
2016 Toyota HighlanderType: seven- or eight-passenger midsize sport utility vehicle
Price: $36,050
Engine: 3.5-liter 270-horsepower double overhead cam V6
Transmission: six-speed shiftable automatic with snow mode
Towing: 5,000 pounds
Ground clearance: eight inches
Weight: 4,464 pounds
Cargo: 83.7 cubic feet rear two rows flat, 42.3 cubic feet third row flat, 13.8 cubic feet behind upright third row
Leg room: 44.2 inches front row, 38.4 inches second row, 27.7 inches third row
Suspension: MacPherson struts front, double wishbones rear, front and rear stabilizer bars
Tires (P245), alloy wheels: 18-inch
Brakes: discs, 12.9-inch ventilated in front, 12.2-inch solid in rear
Turning circle, curb to curb: 38.7 feet
Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
Height: 68.1 inches
Length: 191.1 inches
Width: 75.8 inches
Warranty: 36 months or 36,000 miles, five years or 60,000 miles powertrain, free scheduled maintenance and 24-hour assistance two years or 25,000 miles
The Highlander is assembled in Princeton, Ind. and exported to 12 countries.
Information: www.toyota.com