Reviews on Limited Hybrid Highlanders Vs Limited Highlanders

Having had the privilege of driving many vehicles, in that location are few vehicle formulas which I consistently enjoy. Those that know me will be aware of my habit to high-revving, excellent handling, small two-seater roadsters. Judging by this, you'd think that a big vii-seat SUV would be incongruent with whatsoever of my tastes. While that assessment mightn't be far off-the-money, I tin can adjure to one thing, and that'south how much I dear an old Land Cruiser.

Why is that? They're imposing, no-nonsense SUVs that are built like absolute tanks. They're too a cornball experience for me, having spent years in the back of my parents Land Cruiser. My parents' one is nearly xx years old, and I know information technology'll still be running in some other twenty years.

The Highlander apparently isn't a Land Cruiser. Instead, it's Toyota's softer offer, existence the big crossover SUV sibling to the more rugged State Cruiser range and the Hilux-based Toyota Fortuner. The Highlander is a success story for Toyota, having celebrated its 20-year anniversary last twelvemonth.
Over those twenty years, the competition has become increasingly potent in the segment. This year, the four^th generation Highlander is up for New Zealand'due south Car of the Twelvemonth award. Let'due south see how the Toyota Highlander compares with its increasingly competent competition, and whether it'south worthy of  New Zealand's Car of the Year honour.

What We Like and Dislike About The 2021 Toyota Highlander Express

What nosotros like	What we don't like
Spacious Interior Comfy driving position Interior build quality and attention to detail Splendid ride quality Refined V6 engine Bullet-proof reliability	Dated Infotainment Not as technologically gifted as competitors Few amenities for threerd row passengers Low-end performance Thirsty

What's In The 2021 Toyota Highlander Range?

There are five different models available in the Highlander line-up. The models are separated by three different trim levels and two powertrain choices.

Each Highlander model is priced below:

Model	Driveaway Price*
Toyota Highlander GXL	$threescore,990
Toyota Highlander Limited	$63,990
Toyota Highlander GXL Hybrid	$63,990
Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid	$66,990
Toyota Highlander Limited ZR Hybrid	$74,990

*Driveaway price includes registration, WoF, number plates, pre-delivery costs, flooring mats and a full tank of petrol.

Of the 2 powertrain packages; at that place'south the petrol-powered 3.5L V6, producing 218kW of power and 350Nm of torque. Ability is delivered to all-wheels (AWD) via an 8-speed automated.

The second offer is a petrol-hybrid 2.5L 4-cylinder. The engine solitary produces 142kW of power and 242Nm of torque, while the hybrid organisation gives information technology enough shove to deliver a combined ability output of 184kW. This petrol-hybrid combo is paired with a CVT, delivering power via Toyota'southward E-Four all-wheel bulldoze. This substantially means the petrol engine drives the front wheels, and the electric motors bulldoze the rear.

2021 Toyota Highlander Standard Equipment Highlights

• vii Seats
• eight'' touchscreen infotainment west Bluetooth (Apple Carplay and Android Auto uniform)
• 4.2″ Multi-data Display
• Reversing Camera
• 6-speaker audio organization
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Cloth Seats
• Push Button Get-go
• seven Airbags
• 2x ISOFIX points
• LED Headlights with 24-hour interval-time running lights
• Powered door Mirrors
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Machine High Beams
• Road Sign Assist
• Lane Tracing Help with Deviation warning
• Toyota Pre-Collision Arrangement (feat: Autonomous Emergency braking, Pedestrian and Cyclist detection, Intersection Turn Assist and Emergency Steering Aid
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Auto Brake
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Down-hill Assist Control
• Emergency Stop Point
• Loma-outset Assist Control
• Trailer Sway Control
• Vehicle Stability and Traction Control

The Limited model variant adds:

• Heated leather seats (front only)
• x-way Power Commuter'due south Seat Aligning
• 8-manner Power Front end Passenger Seat Aligning
• Iii-Zone Climate Control Automated Air Conditioning
• 7″ Multi-data Display
• Power tailgate
• Sat-Nav with Suna traffic aqueduct
• Silvery roof rail

The Limited ZR model variant farther adds:

• 20'' alloy wheels
• 11-speaker JBL sound system
• Projector LED headlights
• Quilted leather finished seating
• Commuter seat retentiveness settings
• Heated and ventilated seats (forepart but)
• Heads-up brandish
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Rear door sunshades
• Panoramic sunroof
• Hands Free tailgate performance
• Chrome roof track
• Simulated woodgrain interior trim

The Highlander range offers vii different colour options, these are:

• Frosted White (White)
• Graphite (Deep Grey)
• Angelic Silver (Silver)
• Glacial Bluish (Light Blueish-Grayness)
• Eclipse (Blackness)
• Ruby-red (Red)
• Deep Sea Blue (Deep Bluish)

For more than details on the Toyota Highlander, visit the Toyota New Zealand website.

How Does The 2021 Toyota Highlander Compare To Its Competition

How long is a piece of string? Well, it actually mightn't exist that long in terms of competition for the Highlander Limited.  Certain, the marketplace for 7-seat SUV's is extensive, only there aren't many straight competitors which are exclusively petrol-powered.

Nearly of the competition either offer diesels or hybrid ability plants, which is the competitive segment for Highlander Hybrid that we'll have review of soon.

Here are some of your options:

Brand/ Model	Engine	Ability/Torque kW/Nm	Seats	Fuel Fifty/100km	Towing Capacity	Boot Space, litres	Price
Volvo XC90 B5 Momentum AWD	ii.0-litre turbo-petrol	183/350	7	8.2	2400	680	$99,990
Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel Elite AWD	two.ii-litre turbo diesel	148/440	vii	6.one	2,500	571*	$fourscore,900
VW Tiguan Allspace TSI R-Line AWD	2.0-litre turbo petrol	162/350	7	8.4	2065	700	$77,990
Toyota Highlander Limited ZR Hybrid	2.v-litre petrol hybrid	142/242	7	5.six	2090	658	$75,990
Hyundai Santa Fe Petrol Elite AWD	2.5-litre petrol	132/232	7	viii.7	2,000	571*	$73,900
Skoda Kodiaq Sportline TDI AWD	2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel	147/400	7	5.four	2000	630	$72,990
Skoda Kodiaq Style AWD	two.0-litre turbo petrol	132/320	7	eight.ane	2000	630	$69,990
Mazda CX-9 Express	2.five-litre turbo petrol	170/420	7	9.0	2000	810	$68,490
Kia Sorento AWD EX	ane.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid	169/350	vii	6.1	1650	608	$65,990
Seat Tarraco FR 4Drive	2.0-litre turbo petrol	140/320	7	7.two	2250	760	$64,990
Toyota Highlander Limited	3.5-Litre Petrol	218/350	7	8.8	2000	865	$63,990
Mitsubishi Outlander VRX 4WD	2.5-Litre Petrol	135 / 245	seven	8.one	1600	651	$54,990
Honda CR-V Sport 7	ane.5-litre Turbo Petrol	140 / 240	vii	7.3	one thousand	936	$49,000

First Impressions of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Limited

Did you know that the Highlander is assembled in the United states? No? Well, whether or non you did, it doesn't matter. The signal is the Highlander definitely has American dimensions.

This Highlander. Is. Big.

It'south most 5 metres long, and ii metres broad. Combine that with the vehicle'due south loftier-chugalug line (for prophylactic) and the outcome speaks for itself. Interestingly, this Highlander is built upon the same platform used for the Toyota RAV-4 and the Camry (TNGA-G). Notwithstanding, you can sort-of tell that the trunk is on the larger side relative to its wheelbase, judging past the trunk overhangs.

Despite the imposing mass, Toyota has managed to inject some flair into this generation. In that location's plenty of body sculpting, flowing lines, and large exterior features; information technology'south considerably more than stylised compared to the Highlander models before it.

The consequence of all this sculpting means the Highlander no longer has the artful of a breadbox. It'due south at present quite a handsome machine – for a 7-seat SUV, anyhow.

What'southward The Interior Like In The 2021 Toyota Highlander Limited?

While the outside styling might have injected some flair over the previous generation, the inside of the new Highlander is no departure from Toyota'southward usual formula.

The Highlander's interior is comfortable, well-built and vast!

On the inside, it'due south congenital like a tank. Everything feels undeniably sturdy. Would I call it luxurious? Not exactly, simply robust and well put together? Absolutely. It shouldn't come every bit a surprise to anyone who is familiar with the previous generation Highlander, or any of Toyota'southward SUVs, for that affair. You can absolutely torture them, whether that's with barrages of children, or travelling endless miles up and down the country, and you'll rarely hear any trim rattle.

Although obvious, this new Highlander'due south sizable stature pays dividends inside the cabin. There's plenty infinite inside to rival a minivan, whilst sparing you from the embarrassment of driving one.

Once you've finally gotten comfortable with all the infinite around y'all, you'll soon begin to capeesh the driving position. The front seats are comfy and supportive, and were non-fatiguing on longer journeys. The center arm-residue is perfectly positioned to requite you lot a Captain'southward chair feeling from the driver's seat – or if you're inclined to recline – it'southward at the optimal elevation for your gangster-lean.

There'south also an first-class use of storage throughout the Highlander. There'southward deep centre panel storage, with a slider for access. At that place'southward space to stow valuables under the climate controls and in a recess carved into the dashboard on the passenger'due south side. Both areas have grippy materials too, preventing your wallet from flying into the backseats afterward a spirited corner.

If that'southward not enough attention to detail, the space under climate controls too has a small pass-through for a cable to connect to the USB controls on the lower shelf – information technology's the little things.

Jump back into the second row, and you lot'll immediately see the benefits of such a large body. At that place'due south and so much room for activities dorsum hither. Even with my driver's seat positioned, I still had several inches of infinite before my feet would fifty-fifty get remotely virtually the forepart seat. In the Limited model, 2nd row passengers will get a set of contained climate controls and a couple of USB outlets, just rear heated seats and sunshades are reserved for the higher specced ZR. The second-row seats also have four different handles on them – three at the base, one at the tiptop.

Why then many handles? Adjustability is the obvious answer, just it'due south more that Toyota is showing their forethought for every single potential trouble. For example, the top handle partially collapses the seatback and slides the seat forward, assuasive tertiary row passengers to get out easily. Although, this isn't ideal if you've got items, say a car seat, in the second row. Then, Toyota chucked another handle downwardly the base of the chair, allowing the seat to slide forrard without collapsing – told ya they'd thought about it.

Although space in the forepart and second row is more than generous, the tertiary-row seats are where you lot start to come across the compromise. Fortunately, the kids won't care. They seem to be happy just getting distance between themselves and the adults in the forepart. Although you might start to hear some groaning once they've realised at that place'south no USB ports or ability outlets back there. This seems similar an oversight from Toyota, every bit nosotros've started to meet this offered in the Highlander's competitors.

Fortunately, Toyota has considered kicking space. Even with the 3rd row in place, there's still a modest corporeality of space left in the boot, significant yous needn't leave any belongings behind if yous're stuck with the kids for the weekend.

In many tangible metrics, the Highlander'due south interior is excellent and arguably amid the best in its class. However, where the Highlander falls short is on the intangible – specifically, on technology. It's slightly behind the viii-ball when compared to some rivals, say for case, the Kia Sorento.

The infotainment is the main culprit here. The 8'' unit is starting to feel blowsy relative to its contest. The user interface is fairly simple to understand and navigate, cheers mainly to the concrete shortcuts on the screen bezel. Otherwise, the screen responds slowly to touch, making it difficult to interact with on the fly. I know you shouldn't be doing this while driving, but some volition.

The resolution also isn't up to 2021 standards, which you'll really observe once the reversing camera opens up. I have a further nit-to-pick with the sat-nav system besides. For some reason, the default view will prove a handful of nearby locations on screen. Sure, many systems do this, but I couldn't understand the system logic.

If you have a closer look at our photo, we tin can run across highlighted locations of the nearby mall surface area, the local constabulary, a nearby higher and a few other niche didactics providers, and a women's gym. In that location are two issues; 1, I've never searched for any of these places, nor have I been to many of them; and two, the information is out-of-appointment. For example, that women's gym hasn't existed for nearly five years.

This is one of the many reasons, I suspect, that many who will drive the Highlander will use Apple Carplay or Android Auto, which fortunately, the system does have.

It's likewise slightly disappointing knowing that this is an issue specific to the Australasian market. In the US, the Highlander comes with a crisp 12.three'' inch unit of measurement, which is more modern and uses Toyota's latest software. Why don't nosotros get it? Perhaps considering New Zealand, next to Australia and the UK are the just right-hand-bulldoze markets to get the Highlander. Only you can become the new unit in the United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland on higher-trimmed cars.

Overall, the aging infotainment and related tech is a blemish on what is otherwise a well-built and well-thought-out interior. This shortcoming means the Highlander is exposed to more than technologically competent rivals, similar Kia'southward Sorento. Merely the Kia can't friction match Toyota'due south robust build quality on the inside.

What'due south The 2021 Toyota Highlander Limited Similar To Drive?

As we mentioned earlier, this Toyota Highlander is built in the USA. It's besides a rubber bet to say that's where they'll sell the nearly Highlanders too, if history is anything to become by. For that reason, the Highlander'south driving experience does have enough of Americanisms about it, if the size already wasn't a giveaway.

Let's start with the best bit, and that's the ride quality.

Much like the appearance of many Americans, the ride quality of the Highlander is pillowy. It wafts down the road like a deject; it'south a supremely comfortable experience for those inside. You're unlikely to register going over whatever small bumps either. I recall a few lane changes where I barely noticed the cats-eyes on the road. Whether this is the Highlander's pause and tyres smoothing them over, or the sheer weight of the Highlander pushing them into the tarmac, one cannot be sure.

Given the soft ride, I'chiliad guessing it corners like a skyscraper? Well no, actually.

Allow'due south not forget, America is a diverse mural. Sure, you've got miles of direct road, merely they've besides got plenty of mountainous ranges, and everything from searing summers to frigid winters. The point is, yep, the Highlander will pitch a bit through sharper and more than spirited corners, merely within its own natural limits, the Highlander corners reasonably well. You tin credit the all-wheel bulldoze system and rear differential in the Highlander, helping to proceed all that mass stable. It's safe to say, yous're unlikely to be in for any pilus-raising moments taking the Highlander over the Remutakas.

Although cornering is well-behaved, at that place are moments where the Highlander cannot hide its Snorlax-like dynamics. Accelerate sharply from a standstill, and y'all'll definitely notice the weight transition over the rear.

Which brings us onto the powertrain of our Highlander. Powering our exam vehicle is a 3.5-litre V6 producing 218kW of power and 350Nm of torque. This engine is Toyota's 2GR-Atomic number 26 V6, which is an engine architecture that first saw the calorie-free of day back in 2004.

Does that mean it's past its utilize-past appointment? Admittedly not.

This engine has been continuously adult and seen various updates through the years. It also means we know the history of this engine, and the fact that it'due south nearly unbreakable.

Toyota uses this engine in everything from a apprehensive Camry through to some Lexus models. I mentioned earlier that the Highlander is built upon the aforementioned architecture as the Camry (TNGA-Yard). In America, the same platform and engine are used in the Toyota Avalon sedan and the Toyota Sienna minivan. If yous've ever been to New York, you'll know that the Avalon and Sienna are a common mainstay of yellow cab taxis. These Toyota's are known to rack-upwardly over 400,000 miles (aye miles, not kms), before they're fifty-fifty considered to be on their last legs.

So, how does this Highlander perform on the day-to-day?

The V6 is remarkably smooth and quiet. All of those development years means that Toyota tin really dial in the engine only correct. With peak power of 218kW, you'll also notice a healthy mid-range powerband.

Where performance is lacking is at the low cease. The engine has a alpine power bend, producing peak ability at 6,600rpm and meridian torque at 4700rpm, meaning you exercise need to have the cogs in motion if you lot're going to notice the auto accelerating. Combine this fact with the Highlander's natural heft, and you'll find yourself desiring a bit more off-the-line operation.

Fortunately, you aren't left sitting-even so for as well long, cheers largely to Toyota's viii-speed automatic transmission. Toyota's transmissions are solid, and this 8-speed is no exception. You'll barely notice the gear shifts as the car steams on-ahead.

One unexpected perk was how the engine sounded nether-load. It's no operation engine, merely it has a good for you V6 mumble when yous're stepping on it. This was honestly quite refreshing, given that many mod cars sound similar they're choking when you step on the correct pedal.

So, what are the advantages of getting the V6 over the Hybrid? We both know each engine will be reliable, but ane clear reward is that the V6 is the gruntier engine. The Hybrid produces combined power output of 182kW, relative to the V6's 218kW. The V6 also has a total split all-wheel-drive arrangement, and you'll also take some light off-route adequacy.

In the Hybrid, yous go Toyota's E-iv all-wheel drive, which is dissimilar to the way the V6 all-wheel drive organisation operates. In the E-four system, the petrol engine powers the front wheels and the electric motors run the rear. Interestingly, the Hybrid versions do non get downhill assist control, meaning the V6 does announced to have a slight off-roading edge in this respect.

If towing is your objective, fortunately at that place is no compromise between either model. Both are rated for 750kg of unbraked and 2000kg braked towing capacity.

The master downside of the petrol Highlander relative to the Hybrid is its thirst. During our time with the Highlander Limited, we accomplished a fuel consumption charge per unit of 11.8L/100kms. This figure is bang-on Toyota's estimated urban driving effigy. Still, Toyota's combined rating for the petrol-driven Highlander is 8.8L/100kms, and nosotros did spend plenty of time on the throughway (extra-urban), so we missed this past some margin. Compare that with the combined claimed effigy of the Hybrid at 5.6L/100kms, and you'll see the V6's natural handicap.

Every bit for all the safety gear on-lath the highlander, everything worked every bit expected without any major quirks. The adaptive prowl control works smoothly and down to a halt, and everything else was well tuned for its purpose. This is a big tick for the Highlander, every bit too oft these safety systems are overactive in many cars. My only complaint would be that the Highlander is a big vehicle, and there were times I would have welcomed having a 360⁰ view, or birds center camera (particularly in tight carparks). Unfortunately, Toyota saves this for the Express ZR only, which comes at a $12,000 premium over the Limited. Personally, I think this should be standard in a new vehicle, which has these dimensions.

2021 Toyota Highlander Limited Specifications

Price as Tested	$63,990
Engine	3.5-litre 6-cylinder 24-Valve Quad-Cam
Power, Torque kW/Nm	[email protected],600rpm / [email protected]
Transmission	8-speed Automatic
Spare Wheel	Full size (Alloy)
Kerb Weight, Kg	1,970
Length 10 Width x Pinnacle, mm	4966 x 1930 ten 1755
Cargo Capacity, litres	241 (all seats up) 552 (third row down) 1150 (2nd row downwards)
Fuel capacity, litres	68
Fuel Type	Petrol (95 or higher)
Fuel Efficiency	Advertised Spec – combined – eight.8L/100km Real World Test – combined – 11.8L/100km Low Usage: 0-half dozen / Medium Usage six-12 / High Usage 12+
Towing Chapters Kg, unbraked/braked	700/2,000
Turning circumvolve, metres	11.4 Small: half dozen-10m / Medium 10-12m / Large 12m+
Warranty	3-twelvemonth, 100,000Km New Vehicle Warranty 4-yr Roadside Aid
ANCAP Safety Ratings	ANCAP Rating – 5 stars Rightcar.govt.nz – v Stars – NSL27

lefebrerefes1997.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.drivelife.co.nz/2022/01/2021-toyota-highlander-limited-car-review/

Share this post