Search:

On the Lookout for the Highlander: The Latest and Probably the coolest from Toyota.

By: Adam Wolfe Since Toyota has made public the all-new next generation 2008 Highlander and Highlander middle-sized sport utility vehicle last February, a lot of Toyota fans and motorists have been alert for any buzz regarding this fresh car from the Japanese huge car firm.

So, “what is so unique about this mid-sized SUV?” might be on every driver’s mind. On the word of automotive operations and TMS senior vice president, Don Osmond, this car model, anchors one of the industry’s only three-vehicle, mid- sized SUV line ups along with the 4Runner and the FJ Cruiser. He also noted that the Highlander which is now bigger and remarkably roomier than the preceding release, is a significant component in the industry’s only three vehicle hybrid strategy. Though it boasts of additional power, the fresh model has not altered its fuel efficiency. Described as a near perfect execution of the most up-to-date in auto parts engineering, this car will be more silent, more intelligent, resulting to better flexibility and ride comfort.

This vehicle comes with the regular package of the most up-to-date safety auto parts and accessories which is very much fitting for today’s industry where safety is a much mulled over feature. It comes with seven airbags, one of which is for the driver’s knees. It is also equipped with roll- sensing curtain airbags for the passenger seats. Other features include electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control, anti lock breaks and enhanced vehicle stability control. The car also is manufactured with electronic steering.

The Brand New Look

Designed by Calty Design Research in Newport Beach California, the all-new Highlander displays strength in every angle without losing the intelligent appearance. Looking all firm and powerful, this vehicle is accented with clean crisp lines a blend of which results in a compelling, vibrant and modern personality. The new Highlander rides on a chassis that is stemmed from the current Camry and Avalon, but it is four inches longer and three inches wider. It totally boasts of being big with an added inch of ground clearance and about three inches of added wheel base. A nineteen inch alloy wheel will also come on both Limited and Sport gas and hybrid models.

The dimension of the vehicle can be summarized below:

Overall Length: 188.4
Overall Width: 75.2
Overall Height: 69.3
Wheelbase: 109.8
Ground Clearance: Gas 8.1 / Hybrid 7.3
Seating Capacity: 5 or 7 passengers
Wheels: 17- or 19-inch wheels

The Latest in Vehicle Telematics

The outside of the Highlander is just a preview of why this SUV is a must own. What makes a big difference is the interior which is not just designed to near perfection but, filled with the latest in vehicle telematics as well. Dimension is something this car has as one can see from its roomy and open passenger compartment. The seating arrangement is also very compliant. The second row seats feature captain’s chairs with arm rests that can be turned in to a bench seat for three passengers when needed. A concealed compartment in the front seat keeps a Center Stow seat that can seat extra when in use. The second row seats also slide about 4.7 inches back and front and can recline. The third row seats have foldable head rests for a level rear cargo area that’s easily within reach via a rear glass hatch.

Not including the base models, all other models are afforded with a stand alone back-up camera with a multi- information screen, yet untied to a navigation system. Optional items also include a rear seat entertainment system with nine inch screens, power backdoor controlled with a key fob and a navigation system with an eight inch screen. Three- zone air conditioning is provided in the models as well as leather seat trims with heating systems, JBL audio with six-disc changer player, third row delete options, blue tooth speakers and a class leading 5000-lbs. maximum towing capacity.

Under the Hood: Unbridled Performance and Power

Cars for a large number of experts are made by what is under the hood. That is their heart and it is by what is under their hoods that they are differentiated from each other. In this aspect the Highlander remains uncompromising

On the outside, the vehicle is the first Toyota Division vehicle that features the new hood and fender system that is intended to crumple on impact with a pedestrian. Going inside the hood, the Highlander is a wower with its 3.5 liter V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower. Aside from this, the new Toyota Highlander will feature the manufacturer’s VDIM stability system. This system puts together full time four- wheel drive with intelligence, electronic brake and throttle control, and true electronically-controlled active steering.

For the hybrids, it has an advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive that is optimized for both power and economy. The fuel economy of the hybrid maintained at 31 for the city and 27 on the highway.

Enthusiasts and would be buyers need not be impatient for this coming dream car. Aside from being the most excellent in its class, Toyota, like usual offers the most excellent support when it comes to their fresh models when it comes to aftermarket car parts and accessories. This being one of their strongest points, the Highlander will have an arrayed support of auto parts and car parts that will take the knots of doubt from even the most choosy buyer.