The 2011 Toyota Highlander is now available, a midsize three-row SUV that is affordable and ideal for the family. It offers comfort and is a fuel-saver, but there are reviewers who say driving it is not much of an enjoyable experience. The new Highlander has a new look and style from its predecessors which a lot of people claim is much better.
The affordability of the newest Highlander is what makes it appealing to buyers.
Engine Choice
The 2011 Highlander performs well due to its powerful engine which offers a smooth drive. It comes with an all-wheel drive but it is not ideal for off-road driving. It is really for the family who wishes to have a pleasant and a safe vehicle. The engine is an Inline 4 that allows it to produce 187 horsepower and a V-6 engine that can make it run up to 270 horsepower. The V-6 is preferred but it consumes more fuel. Steering the Highlander 2011 gives the driver a different experience, but the ride it gives feels like that of a car and is very smooth.
In terms of the interior, the Highlander is attractive. Its cargo space is limited with just 10.3 cubic feet when the third row is used; therefore, you would not be able to store many things there. Its three rows of seating can seat seven people although the third row is said to be not spacious enough. Going to the third row however is easy due to the sliding and folding seats in the second row.
Other Extras
The 2011 Highlander has a great sound system such as an auxiliary radio jack, CD player, Bluetooth, and an optional DVD system in its SE and Limited editions. Its doors and windows can be locked automatically and it has a user-friendly mirror in the front that will allow the driver to see his passengers without having to turn around. It can also be opened and closed automatically due to its remote keyless entry. It has cool storage areas such as big 6 cup holders, compartments and seat vents in the 2nd row.
The 2011 Highlander has not undergone a crash test yet, but its predecessor was given an excellent rating for safety. In frontal and side crash tests, the driver and the passengers are all protected. In case of accidents, its 2 wheel drive edition has only 17% chance of a rollover and its 4 wheel drive edition has around the figure. It is considered to be the “Top Safety Pick” of the insurance industry in its own crash tests. It has a driver’s knee airbag, 3-roll sensing side curtain airbags, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist Control, Traction Control and an improved Vehicle Stability Control.
In terms of reliability, The Toyota Highlander 2011 edition comes with the usual 36 months or 36000 miles warranty and 60 months or 60000 miles Powertrain warranty.
This SUV is ideal for the family’s use and is best for on-pavement running. It is not really for off-road adventures just like other SUVs. The family will enjoy using it in their weekend and out-of-town trips to the country.
The SuperCars Overall Rating = 75/100
What others say:
“The Highlander has long been one of our top-Rated SUVs, notably for its cushy ride, comfortable cabin, and smooth powertrain.”Consumer Reports
“The very family-friendly Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid impress us with their space and versatility, but show no sign of enthusiasm.”The Car Connection
“Growing in size and opulence over the years, many Highlander owners consider their vehicles to be nearly Lexus-like inside, which is not surprising considering the Highlander shares much of its structure with the Lexus RX 350.”KBB
“Powerful yet fuel-efficient V6; user-friendly cabin with innovative second-row seat design; easy to maneuver.”Edmunds
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $ 28,090.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.2 gallons | Miles Per Gallon: 20 city / 25 hwy |
| Length: 188.4 in. (478cm) | Width: 75.2 in. (191cm) |
| Height: 69.3 in. (176cm) | Weight: 3946 lbs (1790kg) |
| Wheel Base: 109.8 in. (279cm) | Ground Clearance: 8 in. (20cm) (unladen) |
| Luggage Capacity: Max Cargo Vol. 95.4 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 7 |
| Engine: 2.7 DOHC 16 Valve dual VVT-i-4 cylinder | Displacement: N/A |
| Horsepower: 187 hp | Torque: 186 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm |
| Max RPM: 5800 rpm | Transmission: 6-speed ECT-i automatic transmission |
| 0-60 mph: N/A | Max. Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1588 kgs) |
| Option:Highlander 4WD | MSRP: $30,695; MPG: 17 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Highlander SE | MSRP: $32,695; MPG: 20 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:Highlander Limited | MSRP: $35,595; MPG: 18 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Highlander Hybrid | MSRP: $38,140; MPG: 28 city / 28 hwy |
