The Toyota Highlander entered production in 2000 and, in 2007, Toyota was already offering the second generation of the SUV. Being the first car-based midsize SUV or midsize crossover offered in North America, the Highlander soon became one of the most successful models on the market, setting the industry standard for car-based SUVs in innovation, comfort, and sales.
The second generation revealed in 2007 was significantly larger, roomier, and more powerful than the previous Toyota Highlander. It is noticeably quieter, smarter, and more spacious with improved unprecedented versatility and ride comfort. It is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 with dual independent variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that delivers a total of 270 HP - a 55 HP increase over the previous generation. This engine delivers an impressive fuel economy of 31 city and 27 highway, making the Highlander the most-fuel efficient mid-size SUV.
Hit the jump to read more about the second generation Toyota Highlander.
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The 2011 Toyota Highlander is here and the Japanese company has upgraded this year’s model with new exterior styling, new technologies, an improved interior, and updated engines. The 2011 Highlander will be offered in Base, SE, and Limited grades in both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD). Prices for Highlander will begin at $27,390 for the base four-cylinder two-wheel drive model; $33,150 for the SE V6 two-wheel drive, and $36,345 for the Limited V6 four wheel-drive model.
The 2011 Highlander looks like much better than the old model. This year, the Highlander will get a new front fascia, hood and fenders, redesigned headlights and tail lamps, and newly designed wheels to bump up the benefits in the look s department. New technologies will include a backup monitor with 3.5-inch multi-information display, an eight-way power drivers seat, tonneau cover, engine immobilizer, easy-clean fabric interior, flip-up liftgate window, fog lamps, and black roof rails.
Under the hood there will be a choice of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 HP or a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 HP.
Press release after the jump.
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The Toyota Highlander was first unveiled in 2000 and it wasn’t until 2008 that the second generation went on sale. Now, in apparent record time for the Highlander, the crossover will be receiving its first major facelift. The new 2011 Highlander will make its debut later this month at the Moscow Motor Show and will go on sale later this year.
The model will come with a redesigned front fascia that includes new headlights, a new grille with two horizontal lines instead of three, and the front bumper. While there are no details on the car’s specifications we expect to see a 273 HP 3.5 liter V6 engine under the hood and a 2.7 liter four-cylinder unit for the American market. A hybrid version will also be unveiled.
We have to inform you that even if you are looking at the European version, the exact same model will also be offered for the North American market. So what you see, is what you get!
Toyota has confirmed that Russia and the Ukraine will be getting the Highlander crossover, according to AutoBlog. Why should we care about those places? Well, the new look Highlander that will be unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show on August 25 will most likely be the one that we’ll get as well.
The new Highlander looks pretty good compared to the dull design of the old model. The bodylines are pronounced and the conservative front fascia is gone, having been replaced by an aggressive looking nose with bits of chrome here and there. We have only seen the front of the vehicle since there aren’t any official photos of the rear, but we would expect that to have the same characteristics as well.
Toyota has not confirmed that we are getting this same machine, but we would imagine that it would look similar to what you see above. With only three places in the world building these vehicles, it would be hard to imagine different models for different countries.
That’s about all we know at the moment, but when we find out more we’ll pass the info along.
According to AutoNews, Japanese automaker Toyota plans to move all of the Highlanders’ production to Indiana. This move is going to be made in order to localize the production of the vehicle for North America, as well as reduce the companies chances of being affected by exchange rates.
Highlander production has been in Indiana since last fall, but the company was still importing from a plant in Kyushu, Japan. These imports account for 17 percent of all Highlanders sold in the United States. Toyota now plans to stop the importation of vehicles and produce the SUV solely in Indiana, said Toyota spokesperson Paul Nolasco to AutoNews.
“This is part of our continuing trend to build more product where we sell,” Nolasco said.
So what is the affect of building its cars only in Indiana, rather than half and half? Simple, Toyota won’t be affected by rapidly fluctuating exchange rates.
Nolasco could not say when the shift would be complete, but in Japan, the Nikkan Kohyo business newspaper has reported that production of Highlanders will stop at Toyota’s Kyushu plant in August. The report also said that the production of the SUV in Indiana would increase to 2,000 units a month.
Sales of the Highlander were up 24 percent to 27,072 units in the first four months of 2010 and if this trend continues, this decision could be a wise one in terms of saving money.
