Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2013
By
Pusahma satu
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Thursday, May 3, 2018
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2013 Toyota Highlander
Some automobiles, as well as Toyotas particularly, often get referred to by auto fanatics as "appliances." The contrast is made between a Camry as well as a fridge, or a Corolla and also a washing machine, for instance. The implication (commonly less than kind) is that these vehicles have features that are much less enjoyable and more useful. One would not take a refrigerator to an autocross, or drag-race a washering from a stoplight. However, for countless people all over the world, a home appliance is precisely what they desire in an auto-- something they do not need to think of to utilize, that isn't wacky or ostentatious, that's trustworthy and easy. For those individuals, several Toyotas are definitely perfect-- and also the 2013 Highlander is the pinnacle of such appliancelike, comfy, practical reasoning.
toyota highlander hybrid 2013
This is the in 2014 for this design of Highlander, with a new 2014 model on its way that was revealed at the 2013 New York City International Vehicle Show in March. Even so, there's a whole lot to such as regarding the current Highlander, which has roominess, power, comfort and utility in droves.
Nothing Fancy, Just Fundamental Capability
The shape knows by now, with rather aggressive styling that has actually been duplicated by numerous makers. (The new Nissan Pathfinder, as an example, looks a whole lot such as this Highlander in numerous methods.) It's a tidy, flowing design that endures a bit from wheels that look a little as well small in the base V-6 trim degree I checked. If you like the way it looks, nonetheless, get one currently, as the 2014 design will certainly receive a rather substantial styling upgrade that's not to everyone's preference.
The inside is similarly pleasing. Nothing horrendous, just well laid out, exceptionally comfortable and also made from high-grade products that have been screwed together well. Up front, the reduced, soft-touch dash as well as high seating position combine for a commanding sight over the hood, with outstanding presence sideways as well as rear as well. Controls on the facility control panel are big and clear, with big buttons as well as beefy handles that make running the climate-control system a breeze (sorry). The gauges are intense, clear and very easy to read at a look. There's nothing amazing regarding the forms and also structures in here, but there's absolutely nothing to anger either-- unless you're a person who calls for some aesthetic interest in your transport selection, as there's none to be discovered in the unlimited sea of gray plastic extending from door to door. A minimum of in the Highlander it's decent plastic, unlike in other Toyota products, like the Venza.
Seats is functional and also amazingly roomy, especially in the 2nd row, which includes impressive quantities of legroom. This is a three-row SUV, including a fold-down seat for two individuals in the freight location, obtainable with the fold-and-tumble second-row seats. That 3rd row is large enough for full-sized adults, however legroom is seriously jeopardized. This is simply a midsized SUV, nevertheless, not a full-sizer like the Toyota Sequoia or Chevrolet Traverse. Folding up the second row for access to the 3rd is simple, with handles atop the seatbacks creating straightforward procedure also by children. Both the second as well as third rows fold up level, producing a massive cargo room able to hold big, large objects.
Inside electronics are standard as well as not terribly made complex on the entry-level Highlander (the only major alternatives my examination model had were a V-6 engine and also all-wheel drive). The standard touch-screen multimedia show is large and also easy to use, however a second, smaller display over it presented restricted lorry information, too, with just a handful of screens to pick from. You can alternative up a Highlander to the hilt with things like Toyota's Entune (a cloud-based enjoyment as well as info system), a navigation system as well as more, but my tester had none of that-- just satellite radio as well as a windshield-wiper heater, part of the $60 Winter Bundle. On the bonus side, a lack of features indicates the interior is uncluttered and uncomplicated. It likewise indicates there's little to do but drive.
Roly-Poly, but Not Pokey
Fortunately, driving the Highlander is just as enjoyable as being in or checking out one. In the base model, power comes from a basic 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower, however my tester had the optional 3.5-liter V-6 engine, bumping horsepower as much as a far more confidence-inspiring 270 hp. In real Toyota style, the V-6 is the picture of level of smoothness, a lot to ensure that the only means to understand it's performing at idle is to blip the pedal. Struck that same pedal while the Highlander's on duty, and also you're awarded with solid, smooth acceleration. A six-speed transmission is standard with the four-cylinder, however the V-6 comes only with a five-speed automated. A gasoline-electric crossbreed variation is likewise readily available. With the exception of the hybrid, nevertheless, the drivetrain overall is a little bit behind the times-- most competitors are offering six-speed automatics throughout the range, plus turbocharging or at least direct-injection innovation. Luckily, a lot of buyers will not recognize any technological shortage thanks to the Highlander's buttery operation as well as effortless velocity.
What they may notice, nevertheless, is gas economy. Highlanders with the base four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive are ranked 20/25 mpg city/highway-- not bad for a big seven-seat cruiser. Fuel economy goes down to 18/24 for the bigger V-6 engine, or even better, to 17/22 mpg, when you add all-wheel drive. My week with the Highlander returned 19 mpg in blended driving; okay, however certainly not class-leading anymore. It falls well short of the new all-wheel-drive Nissan Pathfinder, ranked 19/25 mpg, and the brand-new seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe, which can be found in at 18/24 mpg. It additionally typically matches the much bigger Chevrolet Traverse for combined mileage rating (19 mpg), and does 1 mpg much better in the city and 1 mpg worse on the highway. The Highlander schedule's fuel economy champ is the crossbreed, rated 28/28 mpg, yet that comes with a significant cost premium as well as with basic four-wheel drive.
The Highlander is undoubtedly tuned for comfort instead of driving fun. As the suspension is soft, the body motions are tippy and the whole vehicle rolls and lolls in quick edges. You will not be doing any type of spirited driving in this family truckster, however just what you enter return is sublime flight high quality that's smooth even over a few of the most severely damaged sidewalk, assisted by tall sidewalls on the 17-inch tires that soak up bumps with little sound or disturbance to your peacefulness. Hang an iPad on the seatback, as well as the munchkins will not be bothered by road problems in the slightest. Faster highway driving is equally as tranquil as well as hushed.
Safety
The existing Highlander has been crash-tested by both the National Highway Website Traffic Safety And Security Management as well as the Insurance Coverage Institute for Freeway Security. NHTSA rated the Highlander 4 from five stars overall, while IIHS offered the Highlander its top rating of Excellent in all its significant tests, making it Leading Security Select status.
As for equipment, the Highlander has all the requisite electronic safety measures, like traction control, anti-skid brakes and also an electronic stability system. Front, side, motorist's knee as well as side drape airbags are typical. There was no back-up video camera on my examination car, however it's a $699 option on base designs (criterion on all other trim degrees), an instead blazing omission from the equipment list for a supposed family members lorry.
Highlander out there
The Highlander V6 four-wheel drive I tested had one notable high quality that could not be overlooked: a somewhat reduced as-tested price of $33,477, consisting of an $845 destination cost. The beginning price for this base V-6 design with four-wheel drive is $32,690, indicating choices on my tester were few: just a $60 Winter Bundle, a $29 first-aid package, a $49 cargo web and also an instead pricey $649 three-row floor mat package. If you intend to miss the V-6 as well as four-wheel drive, the Highlander with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive starts at $29,865. At the other end of the spectrum is a totally loaded Highlander Hybrid Limited all-wheel drive, which begins at $47,215-- rather a remarkable range.
Midsize SUVs have been taking over for minivans in family-hauling obligations, as well as the number of entrances in the field is more than ever. Calling for seven seats does cut the list down ever before so a little. The Highlander's major competitors are the Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia, Ford Traveler, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-9 and also Dodge Durango. If you can cope with simply 5 seats, include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, Toyota Venza as well as Kia Sorento. That's greater than a loads various other cars to consider, demonstrating exactly how competitive this section actually is. The closest matches are the Pathfinder, Traveler and also Santa Fe (not the Santa Fe Sport, mind you, which is a smaller, five-seat version). The Pathfinder features only a V-6 and continually variable automatic transmission, while the Santa Fe's seven-seat model uses just a V-6. The Traveler supplies 2 V-6 engines and also an optional turbo four-cylinder, all mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All are similar in terms of area, rate and also energy, but the Highlander's rivals typically have the advantage in fuel economic situation and on-board technology.
The 2014 Highlander will lastly obtain a six-speed transmission for its V-6 engine, which should improve fuel economy as well as velocity. It also obtains sitting for 8 thanks to a larger freight location and a broader third-row seat. Engines will rollover unchanged, nevertheless, indicating there will certainly still be no direct-injection or turbocharging. The exterior and interior updates look good and need to keep the Highlander competitive, and that's truly all Toyota needs to do to maintain the Highlander's sales numbers up-- cosmetic adjustments that maintain it fresh in an ultra-competitive market. Toyota currently has the energy, comfort, capability and also family-friendly components down pat. Working with its aesthetic appeal and on-board innovation will only strengthen the Highlander's placement.