The Toyota Highlander debuted in 2001, bringing Toyota's SUV stable up to five different models. For starters, Highlander is a Toyota Camry at heart, and the fact that it shares this same sedan platform with the luxury-aspiring RX300 from Lexus speaks volumes about the Highlander's character. Equally significant, from the aesthetic point of view, is Highlander's interior sense of calm.
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| Toyota Highlander |
The Toyota Highlander comes in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive configurations. In the event of tire slippage, torque is automatically applied to whichever wheel needs traction. Additional safety comes from standard antilock brakes equipped with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (which maximizes braking power during a panic stop). Toyota also offers Vehicle Skid Control (VSC). Toyota also equips the Highlander with whiplash injury lessening (WIL) front seats, five three-point seatbelts equipped with automatic and emergency locking retractors (ALR/ELR), front seatbelts with pre-pensioners and force limiters and ISO-FIX child seat anchors. Daytime running lights and side airbags are optional.
Inside, Toyota Highlander delivers 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear 60/40 split folding seat in use, and a whopping 81.4 cubes when it's folded. It does get air conditioning, CD/cassette combo stereo with six speakers, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, bottle holders and grocery bag hooks as standard. Opting for Limited trim gives you JBL sound, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, wood grain interior trim, alloy wheels with full-size spare, foglights, privacy glass and other upgraded features.
It’s the fifth member of Toyota’s SUV lineup. Both models are offered with front-drive or all-wheel drive.
Slightly longer and 5 inches wider than the truck-based 4Runner, the Highlander promises SUV versatility along with car like ride and handling.despite the styling differences between the Highlander and RX 300, the two models share the same, basic design. The "Toyota Highlander" rides a 106.9-inch wheelbase and is 184.4 inches long overall — 4 inches longer in both dimensions than the RX 300. In addition to prominent fender creases, the Highlander features squared-off styling instead of slanted roof pillars found on the RX 300.
The Toyota Highlander and RX 300 dashboards are similar in layout, but the Highlander’s has different audio and climate controls.The Highlander is available with front-wheel drive or permanently engaged all-wheel drive, which has no Low range. A limited-slip rear differential is optional.Antilock brakes and Brake Assist are standard. Options include seat-mounted side-impact airbags and Vehicle Skid Control, Toyota’s electronic stability system.