The biggest Highlander ever made by Toyota made its world debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show, promising gas and hybrid versions into the upcoming year.
But the most important thing is that the unibody SUV is built on a completely new platform.

The new platform, called TNGA-K (Toyota New Global Architecture) allows multiple choices of engines, gearboxes and bodyworks. It will have four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited and the top of the line Platinum. Customers can choose between 5 or 7 seats on most of the versions.

On the inside, Toyota kept their promise of introducing a new 12.3” touch-screen for the top Platinum trim and 8” for the other. As expected, all the infotainment systems are supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rear doors are wide enough to ensure a comfortable entry for the passengers on the third row.

Under the hood, Toyota installed the well-known 3.5-liter direct gas injection V6 engine with 295 HP. For the hybrid version, the Japanese engineers installed a four cylinder 2.5-liter unit and two electric motors. Unlike before, Toyota installed these motors transaxle on the rear, with a parallel design. The result is a more efficient system, especially from the economy point of view.

The third generation Toyota Highlander (Kluger in some markets) got a facelift in 2016, upping the looks and performance.
Visually, the biggest change can be seen at the front, where the SUV got a big new trapezoidal grille, headlights, bumper, and new hood. Inside, the improved quietness, along with a soft-touch instrument panel and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents, add to the Highlander’s overarching premium feel. High quality materials and extensive standard equipment underscore the renowned Toyota value. The engine range got updated for more power and fuel economy as well.

The third generation of the Toyota Highlander was introduced in 2013 at the New York International Auto Show.
It looked like it finally met its shape.

The Highlander was the car used by those who bought an MPV for families in the past. It’s up to the eight-seat capability and the SUV-stance made it an instant choice when the minivan-era ended. Toyota understood it and it tried to offer a car fit for families, focused on passengers more than on the driver. But it wasn’t a boring car.

From the outside, the Highlander featured a new grille and swept headlights. The SUV-style and the bigger ground clearance made it a competitor for other vehicles in the segment. To cut costs, the Highlander was built on the Lexus RX platform, but without all the luxury or futuristic look. The flared wheel-fenders and the slightly sloped roofline added a more dynamic image to the car.

Inside, the Highlander offered an up-scale look for the dashboard accompanied by high-quality materials. An 8” infotainment touch-screen was installed on top of the center stack, at the same level with the steering wheel. Under that, there was a small shelf, ideal for storing smartphones, very close to the USB chargers. The second row was offered with either captain seats and a center collapsible tray, or with a bench for three. In the third row, there was room for three adult passengers. Not very comfortable, but they could fit in.

The Highlander was offered with a choice of gasoline or hybrid drivetrains. Apart from the hybrid version, which was mated to a CVT, the other versions featured a 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system was available for selected engines.

Based on the Toyota Camry, the Highlander was unveiled to the public in 2001.
While the first model felt a little too mild, Toyota worked on improving the model in every aspect. Thus, the 2008 version was a completely new SUV.

The new Toyota Highlander was longer, higher, wider, more powerful, and came with even more practical features. The overall exterior design was refreshed and the SUV’s look was more rugged than before with the more pronounced front grille, the wheel flares, and the bigger wheels.

With all of the changes mentioned, the fuel consumption remained the same good one.

For 2008, the Highlander was available in 4 trim levels: the base, the SR5, the Sport, and the Limited. The base and the SR5 trim levels came with 17-inch alloys, while the other two looked more rugged with the 19-inch alloys.

Inside, the Highlander was very practical with an initial configuration of 6 seats. However, if in need of a 7th seat, the center stow seat could be pulled out from the central console in the 2nd row.

To ease loading lighter items, the Highlander was fitted with a flip-up rear window. In need of a larger cargo area, folding the seats flat added an extra 500 liters capacity.

With the increased wheelbase, the rear passengers got extra legroom to enjoy long trips.

While the well laid out dashboard gave an airy feeling to the cabin, the hard plastics used were easily scratchable. The cabin was fitted with multiple storage spaces for all occupants.

As standard, the Highlander came with a full-time 4WD system and an all-independent suspension with coil springs. Hill-start assist and downhill assist were standard.

Successfully combining the capabilities of a station wagon, a minivan and an SUV, the Toyota Highlander was one of the best-selling brand in North America.
The Highlander shared its platform with the Lexus RX300, however, it was longer, taller and wider and lighter.

The high ground clearance and the fully independent suspension should have ensured driving on tough terrains, but the Highlander was mostly designed to handle beautifully in the winter time.

Four-wheel disc brakes with EBD and brake assist were standard and safety-wise, the Highlander was equipped with three-point seatbelts with automatic and emergency locking retractor. Front seatbelts pre-tensioners and ISO-FIX child seat anchors were also offered. Side airbags were optional.

Other standard features included air conditioning, cruise control, bottle holders, and grocery bag hooks.

The Limited trim level added automatic climate control, alloys wheels, fog lights, privacy glass and others, while the V6 models added leather upholstery.

The most powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine provided 200 hp and 22 lb.-ft of torque. The unit featured the Toyota VVT-i system to maximise power and efficiency.

Another engine choice was the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powerplant that developed 155 hp.

With the Highlander, the occupants enjoyed a spacious cabin. The trunk size was good for luggages and the SUV was overall a reliable car that represented the choice of many people.