Toyota is bringing a new and “significantly enhanced” version of its Highlander SUV to this New York Auto Show, giving customers yet another choice if they want a high quality utility vehicle. The 2017 Toyota Highlander comes with new and updated equipment and technology plus new trim grades.
As a spacious three-row family SUV, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is mostly about the interior and the level of refinement and equipment you find in there. But we have to say, the exterior design isn’t bad, either. The car features a large and sporty grille and it looks more muscular than most other offerings in this segment. You also get plenty of choice when it comes to trim levels, where in addition to the existing Limited and Platinum you get the sport SE plus LE, LE Plus, and XLE, or if you go Hybrid LE and XLE.
As for the mechanical highlights of the new Outlander, the biggest change is the addition of a new Direct Shift 8AT automatic transmission to the 3.5 liter V6 engine which is mainly designed for enhanced fuel efficiency. All models with the exception of the LE (which gets a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission) also come standard with a new Stop and Start Engine System (S&S), further improving frugality. Hybrid models, meanwhile, continue to receive the electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Other highlights of 2017 Toyota Highlander worth mentioning include new exterior colors such as Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl and Salsa Red, up to five USB ports, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and tuned suspension on SE models, and Toyota Safety Sense package as standard.
