Toyota is introducing the new Highlander to Western Europe, offering the seven-seat SUV in the region for the first time. The new 2021 Highlander, which will sit above the RAV4 in the company’s model range, will be available solely with the company’s fourth-generation self-charging hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with front and rear electric motors and a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack mounted under the second row of seats.
The combined output of the 2021
Highlander’s hybrid powertrain is rated at 244 HP, which allows for a
0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h.
Toyota claims that their new SUV is also capable of traveling at speeds of up
to 125 km/h in electric mode.
The 2021 Highlander features a Drive Mode
switch with Eco, Normal, Sport, and Trail modes. All four remain selectable
even when the vehicle is operating in its also-switchable EV mode. Toyota has
also updated the CVT transmission, claiming that the new gear ratio is
optimized for maximum fuel efficiency and that thanks to the gear tooth surface
polishing, it offers reduced resonance and operation noise, making it quieter
than ever.
Speaking of quietness, the 2021 Highlander
also features an acoustic windscreen and front glazing, as well as extended
soundproofing on the wheel arches and loadspace, together with roof, dash, and
floor silencers.
All trim levels of Europe’s 2021
Highlander feature Smart Entry, LED headlights, three-zone air-conditioning,
seat heating, and wireless phone charging. The entry-level variant of Toyota’s
three-row SUV also features a 7-inch digital display in the instrument cluster,
an eight-inch infotainment system, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of
driver-assistance systems.
Go for one of the higher-spec models, and
you’ll get things like projector LED headlights with jet washers, 20-inch alloy
wheels, a power-operated tailgate, blue ambient lighting, and more. Options
include a panoramic sunroof, a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment system with
satellite navigation, and a 1,200-watt, 11-speaker premium audio system from
JBL.