New Toyota Highlander / Toyota Highlander 2021: what the elite Japanese crossover looks like and when it will appear in Russia

At the beginning of 2021, Toyota will launch a new version of its premium crossover, the legendary Highlander (photo below). The 2021 Highlander, like its predecessors, belongs to the third generation of cars: after the restyling carried out in 2021, Toyota did not make any major changes to the appearance of the Highlanders.

The first generation of massive crossovers, called the XU 20 for short, was presented to car enthusiasts from all over the world back in 2004. The basis for the new model was Toyota's own developments.

In total, the cars were equipped with three types of gasoline engines:

Four-cylinder 2AZ-FE. The unit volume is 2.4 liters, power is 119 kW/155 horsepower. Installed in crossovers from 2001 to 2003.
Six-cylinder 1MZ-FE. Volume - 3.0 liters, power - 167 kW / 223 horsepower. Installed from 2001 to 2003.
Six-cylinder 3MZ-FE. Volume - 3.3 liters, power - 174 kW / 232 horsepower. Installed from 2004 to 2007.

The second generation Toyota Highlander, known as the XU 40, was produced from 2008 to 2013 exclusively for export. The release date of the crossover on the North American market is July 15, 2008 (the hybrid modification appeared a little later, in September of the same year). Cars were exported to Australia under the name Kluger.

Toyota equipped the new Highlanders, as in the previous case, with three types of engines:

Petrol four-cylinder 1AR-FE 2.7 liters.
Petrol six-cylinder 2GR-FE 3.5 liters.
Hybrid (3.5 liter petrol and electric).

All crossovers were equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The 2.7-liter units came exclusively with front-wheel drive, while the 3.5-liter units came with all-wheel drive with a reduction gear or front-wheel drive, depending on the wishes of the buyer.

In the Russian Federation, the Toyota Highlander was not officially sold until 2010. The situation changed after the presentation of the restyled version of the second generation of the crossover, which took place in Moscow in the summer of the same year. True, only two trim levels were available to domestic drivers (Prestige and Luxe) and only one engine option - a 3.5-liter gasoline engine.

The new generation of Toyota Highlander, the third in a row, was officially presented in 2013 at the New York Auto Show. The production of crossovers began in March 2014.

The new Highlanders have become larger and more massive; in addition, they got:

4.2-inch instrument panel;
8-inch on-board system touchpad;
new “driver assistants”;
improved suspensions;
8 front and side airbags;
already in the basic version there is adaptive cruise control.

Depending on the configuration, the number of seats in the crossover cabin was 5, 7 or even 8. There was more interior space in the new Toyota, and the manufacturer began to use high-quality materials in the interior design, including genuine leather and polished wood.

After the facelift carried out in 2021, the crossover acquired an even faster, “predatory” look, emphasized by narrow diverging headlights and a non-standard radiator grille, expanding downward.

One of the most significant advantages of the new third-generation crossover is safety. According to the results of tests conducted in Australia in 2014, the Toyota Highlander received 5 points out of 5 possible, including:

in a frontal collision - 14.97/16 points;
when hit to the side - 16/16 points;
passenger and driver safety rating - highest;
Pedestrian safety rating is highest.

The color scheme of the 2021 Toyota Highlander (photo below) is also unlikely to change: the manufacturer has not yet added any new ones to the traditional set of shades. The buyer, as before, will be able to choose between red, blue, white, silver and black crossovers. The interior design will also not undergo major changes: the same pastel, brown and noble dark tones.

Not everything is clear yet with the wheel sizes of the new 2021 Toyota Highlander (photo below): in addition to the standard 18- and 19-inch ones, the manufacturer promised to add larger “rollers” - up to 21 inches in radius. However, confirmation of this statement has not yet been found on the official website of the automaker - however, accessories may appear after the release of the Toyota Highlander; In the meantime, car enthusiasts can only guess about additional offers from the Japanese giant.

2021 Toyota Highlander Exterior Photos

The first thing that catches your eye in the new 2018 Toyota Highlander (photo below) is the huge radiator grille in the form of a two-part trapezoid, reaching all the way to the air intake. Toyota designers do not overuse chrome, and this is especially clearly visible in this case: of the chrome elements on the “nose” of the crossover, there is only a large manufacturer’s emblem and five parallel stripes of the radiator grille.

The air intake of the car (photo below) is a natural continuation of the “trapezoid”, without straying beyond the contours of this figure. The unusual appearance is given by the round fog lights, hidden in the complex recesses of the body. This decision of the developers is determined not only by the desire for originality, but also by practical considerations: when driving off-road or on a rural road, the fog lights will be protected from below and on the sides from pebbles, branches and other small objects that threaten their integrity.

On top, the “trapezoid” is complemented by stamping of the hood cover, expanding towards the windshield. But the headlights of the new 2021 Toyota Highlander (photo below) are completely standard, narrow and slightly rising to the sides of the crossover.

The wheel arches of the crossover (photo below) are almost square, ideally suited to the installed 18- or 19-inch wheels with wide tires. In the side view of the car, what is pleasing is the almost rectangular line of the side windows, only slightly tapering towards the “tail”. The doors for the driver and passengers are decorated with deep stamping.

The relatively low suspension of the 2021 Toyota Highlander (photo below) guarantees comfortable entry into the cabin for people of almost any height.

At the rear, the new Toyota Highlander (photo below) is decorated with red and white headlights in the shape of inverted trapezoids, symmetrically separated by the tailgate line. The door itself is equipped with a standard spoiler and windshield wiper. At the bottom of the body there are diamond-shaped side lights in chrome-plated openings, and under the body there is an exhaust pipe turned to the right.

On the lid of the new crossover (photo below) there are comfortable roof rails and, in advanced trim levels, an electric sliding sunroof.

Design restyling

The updated model is externally different from its predecessor. Now the car has become much brighter and more ergonomic. Japanese designers have not made any drastic changes, but some details and accessories have transformed the appearance of the Highlander.

The car has modern aerodynamic characteristics due to its lightweight and durable body. The body is made of durable, stable materials, which significantly increases the level of passive safety. The front part of the car has been restyled. The radiator grille, head optics have been changed, and there are more chrome bezels throughout the body. The top version is equipped with 19-inch wheel arches and a massive radiator grille.

The sophistication of the urban crossover design is ensured precisely by the stylish, modern radiator grille and bumpers. New bumpers, which are painted in body color, also enhance the speed of the car. On the sides of the bumpers, the designers made small stripes of slots. Round fog lights fit harmoniously into the overall exterior of the foreign car.

At the rear, the new car has modified taillights that are equipped with modern LED lights. Modern LED optics allow you to obtain ideal road illumination, providing the effect of daylight.

Car interior (photo of interior)

Inside, the 2021 Toyota Highlander (photo below) is spacious enough to accommodate five (or, in other versions, seven or eight) adults, including the driver. Armchairs with lateral support have become even more comfortable, their headrests are higher. The manufacturer has also worked on the upholstery: now improved versions of the Toyota Highlander will include seats upholstered in genuine leather. And, of course, all seats will be heated and ventilated.

The crossover dashboard (photo below) consists of two dual dials (tachometer/temperature/speedometer/fuel level) and a small rectangular window, which displays additional information - in particular, tips on resting after a long journey (driver monitoring system).

On the central panel of the 2021 Toyota Highlander (photo below) there is an 8-inch touch screen of the on-board computer with additional buttons and fine-tuning washers, surrounded by standard Toyota deflectors. The oversized three-spoke steering wheel, upholstered, depending on the configuration, in artificial or genuine leather, is also not without additional keys.

The central tunnel (photo below) is quite ascetic and contains:

four driving mode selection keys;
driver's side gear lever;
two sequential cup holders on the front passenger side;
seat adjustment wheels.

The number of USB connectors in the new 2021 Toyota Highlander has increased from one to five; Another decoration of the car interior is a spacious niche directly under the touchscreen, suitable for placing small items, phones or documents.

The rear seats of the crossover (photo below) fold down if necessary: this allows you to increase the volume of the luggage compartment to 2370 liters, which is quite enough for transporting large cargo.

The unified safety system of the new 2018 Toyota Highlander includes:

cruise control with pre-collision braking;
marking tracking system;
blind spot sensor;
pedestrian detection system;
8 front and side airbags, “embracing” the entire cabin in the event of an accident and maintaining the optimal position of the passengers’ bodies;
optional - all-round viewing system of four cameras;
ABS.

For an additional fee, precipitation sensors, tire pressure sensors, lighting and other useful little things that increase the level of safety can be installed.

2021 Toyota Highlander Design

By tradition, we’ll start with a review of the exterior, where the main metamorphoses have occurred with the front part of the body. The new Highlander has acquired a larger and more aggressive two-level trapezoid-shaped radiator grille, a bumper of a different architecture with modified side niches for fog lights and adjusted head optics, emphasized at the bottom by thin strips of LED running lights. The false radiator in expensive versions of the crossover will receive a solid chrome finish, while in the initial trim levels more modest silver accents will be placed. At the rear there is only one innovation – elegant lights with bright three-dimensional graphics formed by LED elements.

Externally, the SE modification should look most impressive, appearing for the first time and involving the installation of the most expensive equipment. The top-end version of the Toyota Highlander 2018, which stands apart, has a Salsa Red Pearl body paint, 19-inch aluminum wheels with an original design and 245/55 R19 tires, and the design of individual exterior elements in red tones. Also for this version of the car there is a special suspension with sports settings and a black leather interior with silver stitching.

Technical characteristics of Toyota Highlander

The following types of engines can be installed in the new Toyota Highlander (photo below):

Petrol four-cylinder. The power of the unit is 185 horsepower, volume is 2.7 liters. Fuel consumption is 11.8–14.1 liters per 100 km, depending on the route.
Petrol six-cylinder. Power - 295 horsepower, volume - 3.5 liters. Consumption:
12.3–14.9 liters/100 km - for all-wheel drive LE;
10.5–13.5 liters/100 km - for front-wheel drive LE Plus/SE/XLE/Limited/Limited Platinum;
10.9–14.1 liters/100 km - for all-wheel drive SE/XLE/Limited/Limited Platinum.
Hybrid: six-cylinder petrol 3.5 liters and electric 650. Gasoline consumption:
9.7–10.5 liters/100 km - for XLE/Limited/Limited Platinum.

The transmission will be used in two types: a six-speed, as in previous Toyota Highlander models, and an eight-speed automatic.

All modifications of the Toyota Highlander, with the exception of the base one, will be equipped with the original development of Japanese engineers - the S&S (Stop & Start) system, which allows you to save fuel by completely turning off the engine when the crossover is stopped.

Regardless of configuration, 2018 Toyota Highlander crossovers will be equipped with a towing package consisting of:

Extra durable radiator with engine cooling system.
Ventilation system couplings for 200 W.
Transmission oil cooling system.
150 mA alternator.

The maximum trailer weight can reach 2.5 tons if a towing package is used.

Cost and start of sales

An updated version of the Japanese car has been sold in Russia since the beginning of this year. The new product will be available to consumers in different configurations, depending on the needs of the potential buyer. As for the cost aspect, the price of the car will be at the level of 3.635 million rubles (in Russia) for the basic version. The most advanced version of this car will cost about 150 thousand rubles more.

Options and prices for the 2018 Highlander

In total, the manufacturer provides five configuration options for the new 2021 Toyota Highlander:

Basic version including:
6.1-inch touch screen;
advanced audio system with 6 speakers around the perimeter of the cabin;
seat upholstery and wear-resistant fabrics.
LE/LE Plus. The package includes:
LED fog lights;
navigation complex;
eight-position electric front seats;
seat upholstery material - SofTEx.
SE. The package includes:
navigation and multimedia complex Entune AppSuite;
power sunroof;
leather and fabric upholstery of seats.
XLE. The package includes:
blackened radiator grille;
19-inch wheels;
leather upholstery of seats with colored stitching.
Limited/Limited Platinum. The package includes:
heated steering wheel;
driver's seat with memory of last settings;
premium JBL audio system;
seat upholstery with perforated leather.

The price of the basic modification of the new crossover is $34,000 (about 2.04 million rubles); the maximum cost of a car, according to preliminary data, can reach up to $59,000 (3.54 million rubles). The specific price of the 2021 Toyota Highlander at the start of sales will depend on the dollar exchange rate against the ruble, as well as on the markups of Russian dealers.

Options for the new Highlander

Modifications for the 2021 model will be changed taking into account the wishes of customers. The number of trim levels, as well as their names, will not change. The vehicle's equipment level depends entirely on the specific trim level: LE Plus, SE, XLE, Limited and Limited Platinum.

The base 2021 Highlander LE continues to be powered by a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that's good for fuel economy, but not much else. However, Toyota Safety Sense Plus (TSS-P) also comes standard from the factory, which integrates high-tech safety features such as active cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic headlights and lane keeping assist.

The cabin features eight-passenger seating, a rearview camera, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview mirror with day/night lighting, three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen display with Toyota Entune audio, Bluetooth. and voice recognition.

Most of the changes in options relate exclusively to the interior:

LE Plus includes 3-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen display and faux leather seats;
The XLE is available with genuine leather and a better infotainment system with navigation.

The Limited and Limited Platinum gain even better audio systems, heated and ventilated front seats and even a surround-view camera, while a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats are added to the Limited Platinum. These trims also come with a panoramic sunroof, rear seat infotainment including Blu-ray and Driver Easy Speak.

Prices and photos of Toyota Highlander 2021 in a new body in Russia

Motorists did not wait for global changes. This is associated with repeated restyling of the latest generation. They were aimed at improving appearance and driving comfort.

Perhaps the most advanced car in its “J” segment ranks first in the sales rankings on the global car market and does not need fundamental changes at all.

Toyota Highlander 2021 in a new body and trim levels, photos and prices:

Elegance. The cost is 3.226 million rubles.

Prestige. Price - 3.374 million rubles.

Luxe Safety. For the top model you will need to pay 3.524 million rubles.

In advanced and top-end models, owners will pay extra for blind spot monitoring, front seat ventilation, a driver fatigue detection system, and cruise control.

Technical characteristics of Toyota Highlander 2017-2018 / Toyota Hydender 3

Below are the main technical characteristics of the new Toyota Highlander 3 / Toyota Highlander 2017-2018 in a new body for the Russian market. The table shows the main parameters: overall dimensions, fuel consumption (gasoline), ground clearance (clearance), mass (weight), trunk and tank volume, engines, gearboxes, drive type, dynamic characteristics, etc.

Body

Body type	crossover
Car class	large crossover
Length / width / height, mm	4890 / 1925 / 1770
Wheelbase, mm	2760
Ground clearance (ground clearance), mm	200
Trunk volume, l	269 / 813
Curb weight, kg	2110
Fuel tank volume, l	72

Engine and transmission

engine's type	petrol	petrol
Volume, l	2,7	3,5
Power, hp	188	249
Torque, Nm	252	356
Gearbox type	machine	machine
Number of gears	6	8
Drive unit	front	full
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s	10,3	8,8
Max speed, km/h	180	180
Fuel consumption, l
- city	13,3	12,8
- track	7,9	7,6
- mixed	9,9	9,5
Fuel type	AI-95	AI-95

For additional technical information, please contact official dealers.

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