Toyota Highlander 2011

Toyota Highlander 2011 - The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that's smooth and also quiet underway, with a versatile cabin that seats seven.

For 2011, Highlander includes a number of changes. All 2011 Highlander versions get a fresh look with a brand-new hood, fenders, grille as well as front fascia, plus fine-tuned taillamps. The Crossbreed has its very own grille. Highlander versions come better furnished for 2011, though rates have actually gone up, also. Standard on all 2011 Toyota versions is Smart Quit Technology, which instantly lowers engine power when the brake as well as accelerator pedals are used simultaneously under certain motoring problems. 2011 Highlander SE as well as Limited versions feature Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, and a USB port, and a rearview camera is offered for base designs.


Toyota Highlander 2011


Highlander comes with a choice of powerplants. The base 2.7-liter four-cylinder makes 187 horse power and also 186 pound-feet of torque, and also provides EPA fuel economy ratings of 20/25 mpg City/Highway. It's matched with a 6-speed digitally controlled automatic overdrive transmission, and is available only with two-wheel drive.

The 3.5-liter V6 is exceptionally smooth as well as provides 270 horsepower as well as 248 pound-feet of torque. Also smooth is its 5-speed automatic transmission, which downshifts effortlessly to offer enough strike for passing. Front-wheel-drive Highlanders with the 3.5-liter V6 are EPA-rated at 18/24 mpg City/Highway; Highlander AWD all-wheel drive versions are rated a little reduced at 17/22 mpg, which is about just what we entered the AWD V6 we drove, including a 300-mile highway run.

The 2011 Highlander Crossbreed makes a huge advance with more power and also better gas gas mileage, in addition to an updated sound and modern technology bundle. The gas/electric powertrain makes use of three electric motors and also an online regulated continuously variable transmission (ECVT). For 2011, its gas engine grows from 3.3 litres to 3.5 litres, increasing total horse power from 270 to 280 hp, while its EPA-rated fuel gas mileage boosts to 28 City and also 28 Freeway from 27/25 mpg. We discovered it hard to achieve that throughout our winter season examination drive making use of power devices full blast.

The Highlander is a crossover SUV, meaning it's constructed more like a vehicle than a truck, while feeling wonderful as well as large like a vehicle SUV. It's based upon the platform of the Toyota Camry midsize sedan.

Highlander supplies a silent cabin and also a comfy ride, while being a pleasant method to bring a team of individuals, with charitable area for passengers as well as freight. A versatile cabin includes in its attractiveness as a family lorry. The 2nd row could glide forward and back, and also the third-row seat benefits kids and efficient in lugging grownups. Getting in and also from the very first two rows is simple, and also Toyota gives both a walk-through and a fold-and-slide-forward second-row seat to relieve accessibility to the third row.

Design Lineup

The 2011 Toyota Highlander uses an option of 3 powertrains, 3 trim degrees as well as front or all-wheel drive. The base Highlander has the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine ($ 27,390) or a 3.5-liter V6 ($ 28,545). Highlander SE features either the four-cylinder ($ 31,995) or 3.5-liter V6 ($ 33,150). Highlander Limited ($ 34,895) comes standard with the V6. Every one of these models are front-wheel drive.

The all-wheel-drive versions all have the 3.5-liter V6, and also are readily available in base ($ 29,995), SE ($ 34,600), and Minimal ($ 36,345) trim. Highlander Crossbreed models come standard with four-wheel drive and also are offered in base ($ 37,290) as well as Minimal ($ 42,945) trim just.

Highlander comes requirement with towel upholstery; 40/20/40 second-row seat with a removable facility section that can be stowed under the first-row center console; 50/50 third-row sitting with climate control; AM/FM/CD with 6 audio speakers and MP3/WMA playback; cooling, power windows, door locks, folding mirrors and also remote keyless entry; cruise ship control; variable intermittent wipers front as well as back; rear defogger; rear spoiler; tilt/telescope steering wheel; 2 front as well as one cargo-area 12-volt power outlets; and also 245/65R17 tires on alloy wheels.

Crossbreed models include keyless access as well as beginning, and a 3.5-inch multifunction display screen that includes a rear backup video camera, a clock, tire-pressure display, a/c readout, as well as outside temperature and journey computer information, in addition to all the hybrid-related functions.

Highlander SE includes natural leather seats with warmth for the front row, tri-zone automated climate control, power tilt/slide moonroof, 6CD changer, Homelink universal transceiver, heated up outside mirrors, daytime running lights, as well as a tow plan.

Highlander Limited versions upgrade with a 10-way power chauffeur's seat, four-way power front passenger's seat, Smart Entrance, fog lamps, a multi-function screen, leather-wrapped wheel with audio as well as screen controls, lighted vanity mirrors, visor extenders, second-row reading lights, opening up glass in the rear hatch, a back tonneau cover, as well as a bar in the freight location to fold up the second-row seats. The Restricted versions are distinguished with more chrome and also intense trim compared to other models, and vibrant 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels wearing 245/55R19 tires. Crossbreed Limited models include the very same attributes as the Limited.

Alternatives consist of a power tilt/slide moonroof, a multi-information screen, power-adjustable motorist's seat, back a/c, tow plan, winter bundle containing a windshield-wiper de-icer grid as well as heated outdoors mirrors, and power liftgate. Higher-level versions supply a JBL stereo with nine audio speakers and a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone link, with or without navigation ($ 2,625), and also rear DVD home entertainment ($ 1,780).

Safety features on all designs consist of twin front airbags, front side-impact air bags for thorax security, head-protecting drape side air bags that cover all 3 seating rows, a driver's knee airbag, active front headrests, tire-pressure monitor, anti-skid brakes, traction control, antiskid control, and hill-start help. Downhill assist control is basic on AWD versions.

Walkaround

The Toyota Highlander is in the heart of the midsize crossover SUV market, as well as has to do with the exact same dimension as the Honda Pilot. Highlander's 95.4 cubic feet of freight space is greater than just about a handful of competitors in the prominent midsize class.

The Highlander suits the center of Toyota's four-pronged midsize SUV schedule. It includes softer styling than the 4Runner midsize SUV and also the retro-styled FJ Cruiser. Truck-based platforms, rugged suspensions as well as low-range transfer cases make 4Runner and FJ Cruiser highly capable off road. The Highlander is based on the exact same design as that of the Camry as well as Avalon sedans. Highlander's all-wheel-drive systems are developed for subjugating unsafe pavement and icy problems, not for climbing rocks and going across harsh surface. Likewise, the Toyota Venza is a mid-size vehicle that further blurs the line in between wagon and SUV. Also based on the Camry platform, the Venza is even more carlike compared to the Highlander.

The layout of the Highlander is clean, and also highlighted on each side by a character line that leads into pronounced wheel arches. The look is a lot more SUV compared to station wagon, and also the readily available 19-inch alloy wheels add to the muscle position.

For 2011, all Highlander versions obtain a fresh look, with a brand-new hood, fenders and front fascia with foglamps. The Crossbreed has its very own grille, which looks much more like an Acura (circa 2008) than the normal Highlander grille, which looks more like a Subaru Tribeca. Both are plastic, as they almost all are nowadays, yet the Highlander grilles are clearly so. The foglamps on the V6 have odd silver eyebrows that seem reversed, as they take a trip toward the center of the car. Makes you want to exchange the lights from entrusted to right.

Inside Characteristics

The Highlander has a high quality, high end cabin. The seating position is means up high, and also forward visibility outstanding, without any shedding the corners of the car. The seats are comfortable on three-hour trips, however they're pretty flat as well as can utilize extra body shape.

Fit and coating are outstanding and also the design is attractive. There are more hard plastic coatings compared to in a Lexus, but those plastics are perfectly grained and also assembled with treatment.

The additional controls are simple to detect, and they move with accuracy. A 3.5-inch multi-function screen at leading center on the dash presents the trip computer system and environment control info; it's optional on the base model and also criterion on all others. This same display displays the photo from the back backup video camera whenever you move right into opposite. It's the smallest rearview cam display we've ever before seen, with the exception of those small ones in the rearview mirror. We watched it thoroughly as we backed towards a chainlink fencing around a driveway one dark night, and if we had not quit and looked into our shoulder to verify, we would have backed into the fence despite the rearview video camera.

With the optional navigating system, the video camera is forecasted onto the larger navigating screen, making the picture much easier to see. This is an appropriate rearview video camera. This display also displays several of the audio controls, including an extra step or more when changing stations, as well as including disturbance. The voice navigation messed up majorly, when we used it. It illinformed us past a simple freeway interchange we understood by heart. And it continuously as well as aggravatingly cut off our radio paying attention, to warn of website traffic delays ahead that didn't exist. Generally, however, the Toyota navigation system works much better compared to the majority of.

Crossbreed versions have some unique indoor touches. The evaluates are cut in a comforting blue instead of raspy red, as well as a power meter replaces the tachometer. Displayed either on the little multifunction display or the navigating screen are Intake and Power Monitor information. The Usage display presents gas economic situation in real time as well as five-minute increments, and the Power Monitor display utilizes a schematic to show when the gas engine as well as electrical motors remain in use. It might be fun to view these screens, but take care because they could sidetrack focus from the roadway.

The Highlander's raised flight height and upright seating placement provide it that desirable SUV attribute but with much easier step-in than older, truck-based SUVs.

The front seats are comfortable, and presence is good to all corners. Head and also leg room are generous in the very first and 2nd rows.

The second-row captain's chairs are comfortable, as well as the Highlander has a handy removable facility seat that can be changed by a facility console. The area in between the second-row seats can additionally be exposed to offer a walkthrough to the common 3rd row. Either the facility console or the center seat can be stored beneath the front seat facility console.

Third-row seats is aided by second-row seats that could move onward. Grownups can fit, yet the seat pillow is set low, so it's still not ideal for long trips. Accessibility to the 3rd row is very easy from the guest's side, as the 2nd row captain's chair flips and glides forward in one activity. The motorist's side chair folds up flat, but doesn't move forward far enough to allow guests to go through.

For cargo room, the second- and third-row seats fold up flat to open up a very valuable 95.4 cubic feet. Tethers and also bars are offered in the cargo location making folding as well as unfolding the seats a wind. The readily available separate opening rear glass is a good convenience, and also the lots height is reduced for an SUV, making it simpler to fill groceries, duffle bags, and also various other cargo. Mug holders abound, with 10 cup holders spread throughout the cabin, with container holders in the doors. There's a lot of storage for little things.

Driving Impressions

The Toyota Highlander is a pleasurable car to drive. The majority of remarkable is the ride quality, which is glamorous or soft, relying on your viewpoint. Despite the readily available 19-inch wheels, the suspension smoothes just about the most rough bumps. There is a bit of unwanted float on freeways and also on winding roads, however, and also some individuals find it also soft. Hybrids have a little more road feeling, but are still rather comfortable, making them a much better option for those who discover the conventional suspension also soft.

The suspension highlights a soft trip over tight handling. All models lean when cornering and also braking. Steering feeling is light, however the feedback is rather slow. We would not describe the Highlander as active. The Nissan Murano offers much better handling. Grip control and electronic stability control come standard on the Highlander.

The 3.5-liter V6 pushes the Highlander front-wheel-drive models from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, 7.8 secs with four-wheel drive. A hands-on shift gate enables selecting the gear you desire. From inside the cabin, the V6 could barely be listened to, producing only a fine-tuned grumble under hard acceleration. In all versions, wind noise is well-checked, and the only notable indoor noise is some tire hum on harsh sidewalk.

The all-wheel-drive system in the gas versions gives a permanent 50/50 front/rear torque split. In Crossbreed models, the AWD system is front-drive prejudiced, yet when it detects slippage, the rear-mounted electric motor can kick in to deliver up to 25 percent of the offered power to the back wheels. Both systems will assist you get the kids to institution on snowy days, as well as we did simply that.

We checked a Highlander in the Pacific Northwest in the middle of the winter. We drove around for 2 days on icy roadways with our Crossbreed, and it carried out remarkably, both to give traction as well as to quit the automobile securely. We dealt with high icy hills and the all-wheel-drive did its thing to keep relocating the car onward without visible sliding. We charged down those icy hillsides as well as knocked down the brake pedal, and the ABS quit the Highlander as rapidly as feasible. We tested the steering during ABS braking by making S transforms while it was sliding on the ice. The Highlander's control was excellent.

It was fitted with Toyo A20 Open Country HT tires, P245/55R19, not even the Open Country snow tire. They came with the $1020 choice for the handsome 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. We suggest winter months tires for the very best traction on snow.

We additionally hung it out in icy curves (at reasonably slow rates), and also the stability control maintained the Highlander true to its designated course. What a wonderful sensation of safety on those icy roadways: whether speeding up uphill, difficult stopping, or around curves, the Highlander covered us.

We also drove a V6 Highlander Limited, on the very same icy roads a couple of days later on, and also it too took whatever in stride. It utilized comparable 19-inch Bridgestone tires, the Dueler H/L brand, not the wintertime Blizzak tires. The anti-lock brakes in the Minimal were rougher than on the Hybrid, with more sound as well as pedal vibration. At one factor sliding down a steep icy hillside at 3-4 mph, ABDOMINAL completely engaged, we aimed to steer far from the snow-covered ditch beside the road, yet the front wheels remained to slide and also not guide; apparently there is a restriction, when they state you could guide with ABDOMINAL MUSCLE involved. So we tapped the DAC button by the change bar, and Downhill Help Control started. It's typical tools on AWD designs. We totally took our feet off the pedals, the guiding in the front wheels returned, as well as we preserved that safe crawl to the bottom of the icy hill. Look Ma, no feet.

Mentioning ice, it obscures the rearview electronic camera lens.

The Hybrid powertrain, called Hybrid Synergy Drive, companions a 3.5-liter V6 with 3 electric motors for a total amount of 280 horsepower, up 10 horse power from in 2014. The powertrain is a little rougher than the typical V6 but is still rather refined. The transmission is a continually variable automated that constantly readjusts tailoring proportions instead of changing equipments.

Like all crossbreeds, when you first turn the key, nothing appears to occur. However it prepares and also operational. The gas engine simply doesn't begin up until it's needed. However for us it was required practically at all times. We drove our Hybrid around community in winter for a week, as well as the gas engine was had to power the accessories. Stopped at a redlight, at the drive-through window at the financial institution, anywhere: the gas engine kept running. We balanced 18.2 miles each gallon for that week, rarely reaching 35 miles per hour. If the EPA obtains 28 mpg in the city, their city should include a great deal of 25-mph zones with no stoplights.

Under the best conditions (full battery fee, warm day, not utilizing warmth or air conditioning), you can press the EV switch as well as drive the Crossbreed approximately 2 miles at less than 25 miles per hour on electrical power just. For example, looking for a parking space at the shopping center. The Highlander Crossbreed is the very first Toyota hybrid to supply an EV button in the U.S. We suggest using it around town, more than we apparently must have.

The constantly variable transmission really feels natural. It has a typical drive mode, which allows the Crossbreed to freewheel down hillsides, as well as a B setting, which makes use of a lot more engine compression to slow the vehicle when the vehicle driver's foot is off the throttle, while charging the battery pack more boldy.

Recap

The Toyota Highlander uses charitable room for people and cargo, a selection of powertrains, ample performance as well as respectable gas mileage. The V6 engine with 5-speed transmission is exceptionally smooth, and also with fuel mileage virtually comparable to the four-cylinder at a cost only $1150 more, it excels worth. The Hybrid version offers a tried and tested powertrain with increased gas gas mileage and also lower exhausts. With Toyota's reputation for reliability and resale worth, the Highlander makes good sense for active households.