CARS OF THE WORLD

Toyota Highlander 2021.

Toyota Highlander 2021: a family crossover with a sporty character.
Few connoisseurs can name a brand of a comfortable and practical family car with a sporty-aggressive body design and dynamic parameters of internal combustion engine components.

An exception can be considered a new version of the seven-seater Toyota Highlander 2021 crossover prepared for mass production.

Despite a fairly deep upgrade, the new model has retained the recognizable features of the corporate identity in a harmonious combination with several layout and design solutions. The new version of the crossover promises:

• roomy, comfortable and safe in extreme situations salon;

• significant modernization of technical equipment and electronics;

• improved driving and off-road characteristics due to the increased diameter of the rims.

For lovers of high-speed modes, the crossover will be offered in a sports modification — Toyota Highlander XSE.

In the photo, both new items are identified by the presence of massive body kits, a modified lining of the front air intakes, an unkind squint of angular head optics units.

Exterior

The front side of the front end is characterized by massiveness and high seating position. In sight:

• deep longitudinal reliefs and raised sides of the inclined bonnet;

• decorated with a coarse mesh, a silvery perimeter and a brand logo pentagram of the radiator grille;

• multifunctional xenon or LED headlights equipped with bright boomerangs of DRL.

The bottom of the front end demonstrates a large format of the ventilation air intake, a vertical arrangement of narrow air diffusers, a set of classic round fog lamps and a compact plastic-metal body kit complemented by a decorative overlay.

In side projection, the new body of the 2021 Toyota Highlander crossover is associated with the characteristic features of business style.

The focus is on the gently sloping roof spoiler extended by the spoiler, the wedge-shaped window glazing, the stylish mirrors and the rounded corners of the square wheel arches.

The list of design features:

• compact dimensions of door handles recessed into the body;

• ribbed body relief ascending to the trunk;

• tonal silver-black contrast of off-road 20-inch wheels;

• combination of decorative and functional protective properties of the plastic skirt of the lower perimeter of the body.

The back of the new model assortment is decorated to the maximum aggressively. In keeping with the classic crossover layout, there is a steeply tilted rear window with a vertical trim for the tailgate.

Its standard configuration includes internal sections of combined lamps, brand symbols, stamping for fastening the registration plate and a pair of bright chrome nameplates.

The narrow figured bumper is complemented by fog lamps and double exhaust pipes placed in the right side of the body kit. The external sling mounted spare wheel and towing eyes are not visible from the upper viewpoint.

Interior

The next restyling marked itself as a significant modernization of the interior. The salon, decorated in black and red colors, demonstrates the decent quality of the fabric and leather materials of the finishing range.

Polished aluminum, plastic and artificial carbon fiber inserts are used as interior decor.
The front panel with a combined analog / digital instrument cluster and a block layout of a square center console looks fresh and modern.

The upper floor is reserved for the installation of a multimedia monitor, which includes part of the command functionality. Two washers and buttons on the ground controls are for activating and adjusting accessory options.

The design of the low and wide tunnel includes a transmission selector lever, cup holders, a regular list of organizers and a volume of a spacious refrigerating chamber hidden under the armrest. The salon offers:

• the commendable comfort of the second and third row seating in the form of separate seats;

• the highest level of safety in accordance with modern standards;

• wide functionality of onboard electronics.

We have effective climate control and navigation systems, video monitoring of blind spots, parking sensors and excellent output characteristics of the multimedia complex.

The new body provides a number of useful features, in particular the ability to transform the third row seats to increase the luggage compartment volume from 269 liters to 813 liters.

Specifications

In the new incarnation, Toyota Highlander 2021 retained the outer dimensions of its predecessor in proportional ratios of 4890×1925 and 1770 mm, elastic independent suspension of the chassis with an extended base and an off-road clearance of 197 mm.

The version of the new crossover for the Russian market will not please with the variety of the engine range.

As standard, the uncontested tandem of a 3.5-liter petrol «aspirated» with an output of 245 hp. and a four-wheel drive 8-band automatic transmission.

The test drive of the power unit showed the dynamics of acceleration, optimal for a full-size car, acceptable traction characteristics and moderate (at the level of 10 l / 100 km) fuel consumption.

Options and prices

In our market, the initial price of a new model range is announced from 3.6 million rubles. The cost of the top modification is on average 250 thousand higher.

Sales start in Russia

The release date of the new crossover in Russia, tentatively scheduled for the beginning of the first half of the year, may be postponed to the beginning of the autumn season.

Competing models

Even with basic equipment, the new 2021 Toyota Highlander has everything you need to successfully compete with its class peers: Volkswagen Touareg, Hyundai Grand Santa Fe, Ford Explorer, Kia Sorento Prime and Audi Q7.