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.