2011 toyota Highlander

2011 Toyota Highlander - The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that's smooth and also quiet underway, with a functional cabin that seatses 7.

For 2011, Highlander showcases a number of changes. All 2011 Highlander models obtain a fresh look with a new hood, fenders, grille and front fascia, plus tweaked taillamps. The Hybrid has its own grille. Highlander models come much better geared up for 2011, though prices have risen, additionally. Standard on all 2011 Toyota versions is Smart Quit Modern technology, which instantly lowers engine power when the brake and also accelerator pedals are applied concurrently under specific driving conditions. 2011 Highlander SE and also Minimal versions come with Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, and a USB port, and a rearview cam is offered for base designs.


2011 Toyota Highlander


Highlander features a selection of powerplants. The base 2.7-liter four-cylinder makes 187 horse power and 186 pound-feet of torque, as well as provides EPA fuel economic climate ratings of 20/25 mpg City/Highway. It's matched with a 6-speed online regulated automated overdrive transmission, and also is offered just with two-wheel drive.

The 3.5-liter V6 is extremely smooth and also provides 270 horsepower as well as 248 pound-feet of torque. Likewise smooth is its 5-speed automatic transmission, which downshifts effortlessly to provide sufficient punch for passing. Front-wheel-drive Highlanders with the 3.5-liter V6 are EPA-rated at 18/24 mpg City/Highway; Highlander AWD four-wheel drive designs are rated somewhat lower at 17/22 mpg, which has to do with what we entered the AWD V6 we drove, consisting of a 300-mile highway run.

The 2011 Highlander Crossbreed makes a large advancement with more power and also far better gas mileage, in addition to an updated sound and also innovation package. The gas/electric powertrain uses three electric motors and also an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). For 2011, its fuel engine grows from 3.3 liters to 3.5 liters, boosting total horse power from 270 to 280 hp, while its EPA-rated fuel mileage improves to 28 City as well as 28 Freeway from 27/25 mpg. We discovered it challenging to attain that throughout our winter examination drive using power devices full force.

The Highlander is a crossover SUV, meaning it's built more like an automobile compared to a vehicle, while feeling great as well as huge like a vehicle SUV. It's based on the system of the Toyota Camry midsize sedan.

Highlander supplies a peaceful cabin and a comfy trip, while being a positive way to bring a team of individuals, with charitable room for passengers and freight. A flexible cabin adds to its good looks as a household lorry. The 2nd row can move forward and back, and the third-row seat benefits youngsters as well as with the ability of carrying adults. Getting in as well as from the first two rows is easy, as well as Toyota offers both a walk-through as well as a fold-and-slide-forward second-row seat to ease accessibility to the third row.

Version Schedule

The 2011 Toyota Highlander supplies a choice of three powertrains, three trim degrees as well as front or four-wheel drive. The base Highlander comes with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine ($ 27,390) or a 3.5-liter V6 ($ 28,545). Highlander SE includes either the four-cylinder ($ 31,995) or 3.5-liter V6 ($ 33,150). Highlander Limited ($ 34,895) comes requirement with the V6. Every one of these models are front-wheel drive.

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

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

Crossbreed designs feature keyless entrance and starting, as well as a 3.5-inch multifunction display screen that includes a rear backup electronic camera, a clock, tire-pressure display, air conditioning readout, as well as outside temperature level and journey computer system details, along with all the hybrid-related attributes.

Highlander SE adds natural leather seats with warm for the front row, tri-zone automatic environment control, power tilt/slide moonroof, 6CD changer, Homelink global transceiver, heated up outside mirrors, daytime running lights, and also a tow bundle.

Highlander Limited designs update with a 10-way power vehicle driver's seat, four-way power front traveler's seat, Smart Entry, haze lights, a multi-function display, leather-wrapped wheel with audio as well as display screen controls, lighted vanity mirrors, visor extenders, second-row reading lights, opening up glass in the rear hatch, a back tonneau cover, and a lever in the cargo area to fold up the second-row seats. The Limited designs are differentiated with even more chrome and intense trim compared to various other designs, and strong 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels using 245/55R19 tires. Hybrid Limited models include the exact same functions as the Limited.

Alternatives include a power tilt/slide moonroof, a multi-information screen, power-adjustable chauffeur's seat, back air conditioning, tow plan, cold weather bundle containing a windshield-wiper de-icer grid as well as heated outside mirrors, as well as power liftgate. Higher-level versions supply a JBL audio system with 9 audio speakers and a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone link, with or without navigation ($ 2,625), as well as back DVD enjoyment ($ 1,780).

Security attributes on all models consist of dual front air bags, front side-impact air bags for thorax defense, head-protecting drape side air bags that cover all three seating rows, a vehicle driver's knee airbag, active front headrests, tire-pressure monitor, anti-skid brakes, grip control, antiskid control, as well as hill-start assist. Downhill assist control is standard on AWD designs.

Walkaround

The Toyota Highlander remains in the heart of the midsize crossover SUV market, and also has to do with the exact same dimension as the Honda Pilot. Highlander's 95.4 cubic feet of freight space is more than all but a handful of rivals in the popular midsize class.

The Highlander suits the middle of Toyota's four-pronged midsize SUV schedule. It showcases softer designing than the 4Runner midsize SUV and also the retro-styled FJ Cruiser. Truck-based platforms, rugged suspensions as well as low-range transfer instances make 4Runner and FJ Cruiser highly qualified off roadway. The Highlander is based upon the exact same architecture as that of the Camry and also Avalon cars. Highlander's all-wheel-drive systems are made for taming unsafe sidewalk and also icy problems, not for climbing rocks and traversing harsh surface. Likewise, the Toyota Venza is a mid-size car that better blurs the line in between wagon and also SUV. Additionally based on the Camry platform, the Venza is much more carlike than the Highlander.

The layout of the Highlander is tidy, and highlighted on each side by a personality line that leads into obvious wheel arcs. The appearance is much more SUV compared to station wagon, as well as the offered 19-inch alloy wheels contribute to the muscle stance.

For 2011, all Highlander designs get a fresh look, with a brand-new hood, fenders and front fascia with foglamps. The Crossbreed has its own grille, which looks extra like an Acura (circa 2008) than the normal Highlander grille, which looks much more like a Subaru Tribeca. Both are plastic, as they almost all are nowadays, but the Highlander grilles are clearly so. The foglamps on the V6 have odd silver brows that seem turned around, as they travel towards the facility of the auto. Makes you want to swap the lights from delegated right.

Inside Qualities

The Highlander has a high quality, upscale cabin. The sitting setting is method up high, as well as onward presence exceptional, without shedding the edges of the automobile. The seats fit on three-hour trips, however they're very flat and also could utilize much more body shape.

Fit as well as coating are outstanding as well as the style is eye-catching. There are a lot more tough plastic coatings compared to in a Lexus, but those plastics are well grained and set up with care.

The second controls are easy to spot, as well as they move with accuracy. A 3.5-inch multi-function display at top center on the dashboard shows the journey computer system and also environment control information; it's optional on the base design as well as standard on all others. This exact same screen displays the picture from the back backup electronic camera whenever you shift into reverse. It's the tiniest rearview video camera display we've ever seen, besides those tiny ones in the rearview mirror. We viewed it meticulously as we backed toward a chainlink fencing around a driveway one dark night, as well as if we had not quit as well as looked into our shoulder to verify, we would certainly have backed into the fencing despite the rearview cam.

With the optional navigation system, the cam is projected into the bigger navigating screen, making the image much easier to see. This is a correct rearview cam. This display also shows some of the audio controls, adding an added action or 2 when transforming stations, as well as including interruption. The voice navigating ruined big time, when we utilized it. It illinformed us past a very easy freeway interchange we understood by heart. And it repeatedly and also irritatingly disrupted our radio listening, to warn of web traffic delays ahead that didn't exist. On the whole, nevertheless, the Toyota navigating system works far better compared to a lot of.

Hybrid designs have some exclusive indoor touches. The determines are cut in a relaxing blue instead of raspy red, as well as a power meter changes the tachometer. Displayed either on the tiny multifunction display or the navigation screen are Consumption and Power Display info. The Consumption screen displays fuel economic climate in real time and also five-minute increments, and the Power Display screen utilizes a schematic to reveal when the gas engine and electrical motors are in usage. It could be enjoyable to view these displays, but beware because they can sidetrack attention from the roadway.

The Highlander's elevated trip height and also upright seating setting provide it that preferable SUV attribute however with simpler step-in compared to older, truck-based SUVs.

The front seats fit, and also exposure readies to all edges. Head and leg space are generous in the initial and second rows.

The second-row captain's chairs fit, and also the Highlander has a helpful detachable center seat that can be replaced by a center console. The location between the second-row seats can likewise be exposed to provide a walkthrough to the basic 3rd row. Either the facility console or the center seat can be stowed underneath the pole position center console.

Third-row seats is assisted by second-row seats that can glide ahead. Adults could fit, but the seat padding is established low, so it's still not perfect for lengthy journeys. Accessibility to the third row is very easy from the passenger's side, as the second row captain's chair turns and glides ahead in one movement. The driver's side chair folds flat, yet doesn't glide onward far adequate to enable passengers to go through.

For freight room, the 2nd- as well as third-row seats fold flat to open up an extremely useful 95.4 cubic feet. Tethers and bars are provided in the cargo area making folding and unraveling the seats a breeze. The readily available different opening rear glass is a wonderful comfort, as well as the load elevation is low for an SUV, making it less complicated to fill groceries, duffle bags, and other freight. Cup holders are plentiful, with 10 mug holders scattered throughout the cabin, with container holders in the doors. There's lots of storage for little things.

Driving Perceptions

The Toyota Highlander is a positive car to drive. Many significant is the flight high quality, which is glamorous or soft, depending on your viewpoint. Despite the available 19-inch wheels, the suspension smoothes all but one of the most jarring bumps. There is a little undesirable float on highways and also on winding roads, however, and some folks find it also soft. Hybrids have slightly extra road feeling, yet are still rather comfortable, making them a better selection for those that find the standard suspension also soft.

The suspension stresses a soft flight over tight handling. All models lean when cornering as well as braking. Steering feel is light, yet the feedback is rather slow. We would not describe the Highlander as nimble. The Nissan Murano offers much better handling. Grip control and digital security control come requirement on the Highlander.

The 3.5-liter V6 thrusts the Highlander front-wheel-drive versions from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, 7.8 seconds with four-wheel drive. A hand-operated change gate allows selecting the equipment you want. From inside the cabin, the V6 can hardly be listened to, releasing just a refined growl under hard acceleration. In all models, wind noise is well-checked, and also the only remarkable interior noise is some tire hum on rough sidewalk.

The all-wheel-drive system in the gas models gives a full-time 50/50 front/rear torque split. In Crossbreed versions, the AWD system is front-drive biased, yet when it spots slippage, the rear-mounted electric motor could start to deliver up to 25 percent of the available power to the back wheels. Both systems will certainly assist you obtain the children to institution on snowy days, as well as we did just that.

We checked a Highlander in the Pacific Northwest in the middle of the wintertime. We drove about for two days on icy roads with our Crossbreed, and also it performed brilliantly, both to provide grip and to stop the car safely. We took on steep icy hills and also the all-wheel-drive did its point to keep moving the vehicle forward without obvious sliding. We billed down those icy hillsides as well as floored the brake pedal, and the ABS quit the Highlander as promptly as feasible. We checked the steering throughout ABDOMINAL braking by making S transforms while it was moving on the ice. The Highlander's control was best.

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

We additionally hung it out in icy contours (at relatively slow-moving speeds), as well as the stability control kept the Highlander real to its desired course. Just what a wonderful feeling of security on those icy roads: whether increasing uphill, tough braking, or around contours, the Highlander covered us.

We additionally drove a V6 Highlander Limited, on the same icy roadways a few days later on, as well as it too took everything in stride. It made use of comparable 19-inch Bridgestone tires, the Dueler H/L brand name, not the wintertime Blizzak tires. The anti-lock brakes in the Minimal were rougher compared to on the Crossbreed, with more sound and also pedal resonance. At one point sliding down a steep icy hillside at 3-4 miles per hour, ABDOMINAL MUSCLE completely engaged, we attempted to guide away from the snow-covered ditch at the side of the road, yet the front wheels remained to move and not guide; obviously there is a limit, when they say you could guide with ABS engaged. So we tapped the DAC switch by the change lever, and also Downhill Help Control kicked in. It's typical equipment on AWD designs. We absolutely took our feet off the pedals, the guiding in the front wheels came back, as well as we preserved that secure crawl to the bottom of the icy hillside. Look Ma, no feet.

Mentioning ice, it obscures the rearview electronic camera lens.

The Crossbreed powertrain, called Crossbreed Synergy Drive, mates a 3.5-liter V6 with 3 electric motors for a total of 280 horsepower, up 10 horse power from in 2014. The powertrain is a little rougher than the conventional V6 but is still quite improved. The transmission is a constantly variable automated that continuously changes tailoring ratios instead of changing gears.

Like all hybrids, when you first turn the key, nothing seems to occur. But it is ready and also functional. The gas engine just does not begin till it's needed. Nonetheless for us it was required basically regularly. We drove our Hybrid around town in winter for a week, and the gas engine was needed to power the devices. Quit at a redlight, at the drive-through window at the bank, anywhere: the gas engine maintained running. We balanced 18.2 miles per gallon for that week, rarely reaching 35 mph. If the EPA obtains 28 mpg in the city, their city should consist of a great deal of 25-mph areas without any traffic lights.

Under the ideal conditions (complete battery fee, cozy day, not using warm or air conditioning), you could press the EV button and drive the Crossbreed approximately 2 miles at less than 25 miles per hour on electrical power only. For example, seeking a garage at the shopping mall. The Highlander Crossbreed is the very first Toyota hybrid to provide an EV button in the United States. We recommend utilizing it around town, more than we obviously should have.

The constantly variable transmission feels natural. It has a basic drive mode, which enables the Crossbreed to freewheel down hillsides, in addition to a B setting, which uses much more engine compression to slow the vehicle when the driver's foot is off the throttle, while charging the battery pack a lot more aggressively.

Recap

The Toyota Highlander provides charitable room for people and also cargo, a choice of powertrains, ample efficiency and respectable gas mileage. The V6 engine with 5-speed transmission is very smooth, as well as with fuel gas mileage nearly as good as the four-cylinder at a cost only $1150 even more, it excels worth. The Crossbreed model offers a proven powertrain with raised fuel gas mileage and lower discharges. With Toyota's credibility for integrity and resale worth, the Highlander makes good sense for active family members.