The subject of Toyota's latest refresh and the vehicle featured here, the 2011 Highlander, has been consistently successful over its lifespan. To keep customers streaming into the showroom, Toyota has updated its bread-and-butter CUV with updates like bolder projector-style headlamps and standard three-row seating. Limited-spec models like our tester start at $36,575 in front-wheel drive guise and $37,375 with all-wheel drive, and all trim levels receive a standard power liftgate, satellite radio and connectivity features including Bluetooth and USB. Each Limited model also comes with standard heated front seats and a no-charge power moonroof. Other standard features on the Limited trim level include 19-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver's seat and tri-zone climate control.
Outside of additional standard features like heated seats and various tech upgrades, the Highlander's cabin is largely carryover. The Highlander's glovebox is Mammoth Cave huge.
Among the latter are a 50/50-split-folding third-row seat and rear climate controls for base and SE trims. When it debuted 10 years ago, the Toyota Highlander blazed the trail for midsize crossover SUVs. A refresh for the 2011 Highlander brings updated styling and additional standard features. Otherwise, the 2011 Toyota Highlander stays the course. The Highlander also boasts a 40/20/40-split second-row seat with a removable center seat that allows walk-through access to the third row, not to mention the comfort of captain's chairs with fold-down armrests in the second row.
While the midsize 2011 Toyota Highlander has a lot going for it, this crossover faces some stiff competition.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Toyota Highlander is a midsize seven-passenger crossover offered in base, SE and Limited trim levels.
The entry-level Highlander comes equipped with 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, rear privacy glass, cloth upholstery, a 40/20/40-split-folding second-row seat that both reclines and slides fore and aft, a 50/50-split-folding third-row seat, air-conditioning (with rear controls), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack.
The cabin also gets upgraded leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, a 10-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat and wood-grain accents.
The 2011 Toyota Highlander is available with a choice of two engines. A five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. With front-wheel drive, the Highlander V6 returns EPA estimates of 18 city/24 highway/20 combined; adding all-wheel drive drops these numbers to 17/22/19.
Safety
The Highlander comes with a long list of standard safety features including antilock disc brakes, stability control and hill-start assist. The Highlander's cabin is fitted with a total of seven airbags, including side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats and a driver-side knee airbag. In government crash tests, the Highlander earned five stars (the highest possible) for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in frontal impacts, and five stars for side impacts. The 2011 Toyota Highlander features an attractive cabin, especially the top-of-the-line Limited model. The front- and second-row seats are plenty comfortable, but the third-row seat's lack of legroom makes it best suited to pre-teen passengers. The Highlander's second-row bench slides fore and aft and reclines for greater comfort.
The 2011 Toyota Highlander ranks 5 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. The 2011 Toyota Highlander may be the ideal family car. If you want something that’s more fun to drive than the Highlander, consider the Mazda CX-9. Like the Highlander, it seats seven in an interior that’s comfortable and inviting.
Details: Toyota Highlander
The Highlander comes in base, SE and Limited trims. The Highlander Hybrid is reviewed separately. For 2011, the Highlander gets a standard third row seat and some refreshed styling.