![]() Updates to the Highlander’s powertrain include a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 and new eight-speed automatic transmission. What's New for 2017?įor 2017, the Toyota Highlander lineup sees not-so-subtle updates to its exterior in the form of a new more extroverted front grille and headlamps, sleeker LED taillamps, and revised bumpers. Still, if a well-built, unpretentious, and highly flexible crossover is what you seek, the Highlander is worth a look. Its light refresh for the 2017 model year brought styling, active safety, and powertrain enhancements but-disappointingly-didn’t add Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or onboard Wi-Fi gadgetry. Instead, it relies on its core strengths: people and cargo hauling, fuel-efficient powertrains, and an agreeable ride. It’s a hard-working, capable three-row crossover, but despite its snappy new looks, it’s not an exciting vehicle to pilot. The Toyota name also has become tantamount to boring and, unfortunately, the Highlander doesn’t make an attempt to change that, either. The 2017 Highlander does nothing to alter those fine attributes. Additional features include a wireless charger, 14 cup holders, sunroof/moonroof, heated and power front seats, multiple Usb-A and C ports, and rear sunshades.To much of the car-buying public, the name Toyota is synonymous with reliability, longevity, and quality. The pros more than make up for the very few cons. And the rear seat headrests are in the way which is frustrating. As another reviewer mentioned, the back window is quite small, making rear visibility poor. Gas mileage is amazing at 21 city/ 29 highway (my much slower minivan averaged 18 mpg). And it is quite fast! Even in the Eco driving mode which adds 2 mpg. Steering is very responsive making it easy to maneuver through city traffic and park in tricky spaces. For a mid-sized SUV, the turning radius is small, making u-turns and sharp or tight corners a breeze. I really love the way it drives! The ride is smooth, quiet, and comfortable with a luxury feel. I can even set up “guest driver” restrictions like speed and distance. Through the Toyota app, I can monitor driver behavior and location when someone else is using the car. Perfect for inexperienced or otherwise safety-challenged drivers but features can be disabled. It’s loaded with safety features thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.5+) that comes standard. This makes it impossible to reach for anyone under 5’2” so kids will need the assistance of an adult (XLE and lower models, higher models have hands-free power liftgate). One problem is the button to close the back gate is located on the bottom of the tailgate. Cargo space is otherwise pretty limited if 3rd row seat is in use. Folded flat, it offers a ton of easily accessible rear storage space. It’s undersized and tricky to access but that’s not an issue for us. I wouldn’t depend on the 3rd row for daily use. This limits storage space between the seats (was a perfect spot for a cooler in my minivan) and limits accessibility to the third row. The rear captain’s chairs are nice but Toyota put drink holders in between the seats instead of incorporating them into the rear of the driver’s console. I have the 2nd row bench seat which offers maximum seating space. Very roomy and comfortable for four adults or families with 2 or 3 kids. My 2022 XLE with XP package is absolutely gorgeous with 20 inch gloss black rims, performance tires, blacked-out emblems, and running boards (perfect for kids, older folks and the otherwise vertically challenged). My minivan was totaled and I needed something ASAP. (All dealers are doing this, not just Toyota). I paid $3500 OVER sticker thanks to an added "up-charge" due to supply and demand issues. I bought at the worst possible time in early 2022.
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