A brief overview of the Toyota Highlander SUV

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Toyota Highlander crossover is a version of the Toyota Kluger (car for the Japanese domestic market). The car was originally developed for the needs of the American market, in translation the name means "highlander". Toyota Highlander occupies a position between models such as the RAV4 and 4Runner. She made her debut in Chicago in February 2000.

The appearance of the first generation of the vehicle in question is designed in a very conservative style, namely: strict design, original front optics, "inflated" wings, powerful bumpers, roof rails, rear spoiler. As a result, the car looks solid and courageous. Safety and comfort have become a priority for developers. Spacious interior (three people are comfortably seated in the back seat), enough legroom - due to the low placement of the engine, there is no cardan tunnel in the cabin, respectively, the floor is flat. Wide windows provide good visibility. Initially, the Toyota Highlander was equipped with an automatic 4-speedgearbox, as an additional option, a manual shift mechanism was offered.

The first upgrade of the model was carried out in 2003. "Toyota Highlander" has got a new bumper and grille - now it is distinguished by massive horizontal bars. A very multifunctional steering wheel appeared in the interior, the center console was updated. Instead of three-liter engines, they began to install units with a volume of 3.3 liters, respectively, increased power (up to 230 hp) and torque (up to 323 Nm). The SUV has front and rear fully independent suspensions, McPherson shock struts and transverse placement of the power unit.

Toyota Highlander (the photos presented to your attention allow you to form an objective opinion about this miracle of the Japanese automotive industry) is in high demand in the United States. Thus, the United States market accounted for more than three-quarters of sales in 2003, which amounted to more than 120,000 copies.

In 2004, Toyota already offered two versions of the Highlander: a basic front-wheel drive with an engine capacity of 2.4 liters and a power of 160 hp. with., as well as the top version of Limited with a volume of 3.3 liters. The latter is additionally equipped with an expensive stereo system, separate climate control, anti-theft system, electric front seats, all-wheel drive transmission with a symmetrical center differential. Since 2004, hybrid versions of the Highlander have been on sale: with an internal combustion engine (3.3 liters) andelectric motor (total power was 270 hp), with a permanent electric drive of the wheels. Models with a V-shaped six-cylinder engine are equipped with five-speed automatic transmissions. In all variations since 2004, the spare wheel has been removed from the luggage compartment and placed under the bottom of the car.

In 2008, the second-generation Toyota Highlander was exhibited at the Chicago Auto Show. The crossover has grown in size, it has new headlights of an unusual shape, a bumper with a chrome strip at the bottom, the radiator grille has changed. In addition, the ground clearance has increased to 206 mm. The interior of the car has also changed significantly: leather upholstery, wood trim, three-zone climate control, a color monitor, a rear-view camera, parking sensors, heated seats, electric drives. The model under consideration is equipped with a set of active and passive safety. The engine was replaced by a V-shaped six-cylinder with a volume of 3.5 liters and a power of 273 hp. With. Transmission - automatic, 5-speed.

In August 2010, the SUV debuted in a restyled version, besides, it became known that these cars will be delivered to Russia. The new car is not much different from the second generation Highlander. It is built on the basis of a lightweight chassis and a light platform. There are no downshifts, no transmission locks are provided. The drive is full, symmetrical. The faceted radiator grille is trimmed with chrome. Side mirrors are equipped with heating and electric drive. A feature of the "Russian" crossovers are stiffer shock absorbers, which allows you to confidentlykeep our course on our roads.

Not so long ago, Toyota introduced the third generation of the crossover, which is a completely new model. The Toyota Highlander car of 2014 differs markedly from its predecessors: a modern, original and solid design, a technological and spacious interior, and a choice of engine. So, a potential owner can purchase a car with a 2.5-liter or 3.5-liter unit, or take a hybrid: 2.5 liters plus a 141-liter electric motor. s.

It is not yet known what the price of the new SUV will be, but, as manufacturers promise, the opportunity to find out will present itself in the near future.