Toyota has just confirmed the arrival of the Highlander. An SUV in the E segment that will become the top of the range for the Japanese manufacturer. This move is reminiscent of that carried out with the Camry, a model sold for decades in markets such as the American.
The first Highlander units will arrive in early 2021. The model, which is currently in its fourth generation, sits on the TNGA-K modular platform. This attractive SUV will be sold exclusively with hybrid motorization (a four-cylinder 2.5-cycle Atkinson gasoline engine combined with two electric motors, one on each axle) of 244 hp, thanks to which it will announce a consumption of just 6.6 liters to 100 km.
The AWD-i intelligent all-wheel-drive system has previously been used in models like the Prius or Yaris Cross. However, it is unknown what type of off-road performance it can give a model like the Highlander, which will have a mode Trail driving (in addition to the typical ECO, Normal, and Sport, all of which can be used in 100% electric mode).
Aesthetically this model will be “very Toyota,” with a front similar to that of its younger brother RAV4, which will feature torn design optics and trapezoidal air intake. The rear will have a somewhat more conservative personality, while the 20-inch alloy wheels will visually lighten the whole.
The Highlander will have seven seats distributed in three rows of seats. Its trunk will be 658 liters with the third row folded and 1,909 liters if we also fold down the second. Therefore, we are facing a family-style vehicle called to face heavyweights in the market like the Volkswagen Touareg.
As for the equipment, the model will have two finishes, one for access and the other for “Premium.” In both cases, the endowment of series will be complete, as would be expected of a car of its category.