Since its launch in 2001, Toyota’s Highlander has been quite a favorite among buyers, thanks to its amazing features. Two decades later, the SUV remains one of Toyota’s most popular offerings. With its fresh new updates, the latest variant of the car is worth its value. If you are looking to upgrade your vehicle this year, here is a lowdown of the features of the Toyota Highlander and reasons why you should consider this one.

What’s new with Toyota’s Highlander this year?
The latest Toyota Highlander has quite a lot going for it. With hybrid variants and a beast-like exterior, it seemingly gives people the best of both worlds. There are seven variants available, namely the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum; you can opt for the Hybrid version in several of these variants, and here are some of the top features of the SUV to check out:

Interiors
The new Toyota Highlander comes with superior interior quality. It is available in a two-tone rustic color scheme that gives it some depth and weight. Its silver trims on the dashboard and painted door and black door handles add more contrast. Higher variants sport greater luxury, with the dashboard, doors, and center console padded with SofTex vinyl that is soft to the touch. The steering wheel, front-row, and second-row seats are leather-trimmed.

Some of the best features of the new Toyota Highlander are the removable utility tray, 14 cup/bottle holders, in-dash split-level shelf, and other storage options that make it easy to travel in your Highlander for hours on end.

In-car technology
One of the best features of this year’s Highlander is its 8-inch touchscreen, which has an easy interface. It offers minimalist graphics, quick responsiveness, and natural speech recognition. Other hallmarks include a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are enjoyed across all variants, but higher variants enjoy a 12.3-inch screen instead of an 8-inch screen.

You also get tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and remote keyless entry. Besides these, the SUV has a panoramic moonroof, LED ambient lighting, and a universal garage door opener.

Engine and fuel economy
The gas variant of the Toyota Highlander comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline engine. This is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and generates almost 309 lb-ft of torque and 265 horsepower.

The hybrid variant of the SUV combines a 2.5-liter engine with four cylinders and two electric motors. It gives the car a horsepower of 243 and a gas mileage of 36 mpg. The towing capacities of both are 5,000 and 3,000 pounds, respectively.

Safety features
The safety features of the Toyota Highlander are class apart. It is heartening for potential buyers to know that the SUV received the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety). The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has given the vehicle a rating of 5 stars.

The car is also equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ and a host of driver assist features like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Other safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear-seat reminders, lane-departure warnings, and rear-camera mirrors.

How are the different variants of the latest Toyota Highlander priced?
The price of the base variant of the SUV starts at around $36,000. For the upgraded version with mid-tier trims, the cost is between $38000 and $46,000. The top-trim variant, the Platinum model, is priced at around $49,000. These prices will, of course, vary a bit depending on where the dealership is located.

In conclusion
With its sturdy body design, robust drivetrain, contoured lines, and refined interiors, the new Toyota Highlander offers a fantastic ride. It is equipped with the latest features and technology that make any journey enjoyable for the passengers and the driver.