Archive first published
The 8-seat Toyota Highlander is officially introduced
It has become longer and more spacious and is built on the new TNGA-K platform. Here is what else is known about the Toyota Highlander presented in New York. This is the fourth generation of Highlander, a large family crossover for Toyota.
The car has moved to the modular platform of New Global Architecture, which uses more high-strength steel. The already large car has grown by as much as 60 mm - now its length is 4950 mm. Much of the extra space has gone to the boot, but the third row has not lost out either.
The second-row seats slide forwards and backwards, and the seating can be arranged as 2 + 3 + 2 (7 people) or 2 + 3 + 3 (8 people). The standard boot capacity of 465 litres is increased to 2075 litres by the folded seats. Externally, the crossover has been transformed - a noticeable resemblance to the RAV4. The car's style is emphasised by:
- Black radiator grille.
- Chromed elements.
- New LEDs.
- Big panoramic roof.
- Revamped bumpers.
- 18- or 20-inch wheels.
Interior that feels like an apartment
The 4th generation of Highlander received an upgraded multimedia system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 11 JBL speakers, an 8-inch display and ambient lighting. The top version will increase the display size to 12.3 inches. The car's handling has been made more comfortable and secure with additional options:
- Cruise control - adaptive.
- Rain, light sensors.
- Emergency braking.
- Surround-view camera.
- Traffic sign recognition.
Big car - serious engines
The larger size has also affected the car's behaviour. With a stiffer body, handling on the open road has improved, and the turning circle is smaller. The top versions have the 3.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i with 223 kW (299 hp). It is not easy to resist the temptation to buy a hybrid Toyota.
The previous model was equipped with a gasoline V6 3.5 and an electric motor, with a combined output of 228 kW (306 hp). In the IV generation of Toyota Highlander there are three motors: a 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine and 2 electric motors. The petrol engine runs on the Atkinson cycle; the combined output of the system is 181 kW (243 hp), and the electric motors produce 156 kW (209 hp).
Some will find this choice controversial, but in a mixed cycle the car uses no more than 6.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. The new Highlander is also available with front-wheel drive. Fans of all-wheel drive can choose between 3 versions of the car:
- Basic. Half the torque can be sent to the rear wheels.
- Advanced Dynamic Torque. Additional clutches distribute the torque between the rear wheels.
- Hybrid. The rear wheels are driven by an additional 51 kW (68 hp) electric motor
It's too early to make predictions about the price of a Toyota Highlander car. In the American market sales will begin not earlier than December, the hybrid version will appear in the market in February 2020.
Photos (4)
