Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.

Updated 2011 Toyota Highlander debut Aug. 25th

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-25-10, 08:46 AM
  #16  
PhilipMSPT
Cycle Savant
iTrader: (5)
 
PhilipMSPT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: In rehab...
Posts: 21,527
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default



I like the chunkier new grill and stylized fog lights



Interior is clean and utilitarian. Not blasted with too much wood.



I doubt that odd rear left light will make it into the U.S.

PhilipMSPT is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 09:07 AM
  #17  
MPLexus301
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
MPLexus301's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Friend Zone
Posts: 9,044
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Looks great IMO. The changes in the front end, while not extremely different, do make for a substantial change.

I really like this generation of Highlander and actually wouldn't mind owning one. Right size, engine, and features, and I love the styling.

MPLexus301 is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 09:15 AM
  #18  
Kaydee
Hacked CL to become a Mod
 
Kaydee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Vancouver >> Hong Kong
Posts: 6,713
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

the interior is nice...but that grille is pretty damn ugly. Looks like Japanese automakers are competing with each other to see who can design the ugliest front fascia.
Kaydee is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 09:27 AM
  #19  
IS-SV
Lexus Fanatic
 
IS-SV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: tech capital
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Looks significantly better. IMO the grill is fine, especially when compared to Murano/MDX/Pilot(speewwww).

I can't tell if the V6 version will have finished dual exhaust tips (like the Venza), it would be nice.
IS-SV is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 09:28 AM
  #20  
MPLexus301
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
MPLexus301's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Friend Zone
Posts: 9,044
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

^IMO it looks better in the real-life pics:



MPLexus301 is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 09:28 AM
  #21  
Corey140
Intermediate
 
Corey140's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Georgia
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I doubt that odd rear left light will make it into the U.S
That's a rear fog light.
Corey140 is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 09:36 AM
  #22  
ABC
Racer

 
ABC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 1,720
Received 7 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Looks great! I was highly impressed with them when i drove one form nocal to socal LOADED with stuff and it drove like a dream... even at 90 on I5
ABC is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 09:40 AM
  #23  
Joeb427
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joeb427's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SC
Posts: 11,670
Received 15 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by IS-SV
I can't tell if the V6 version will have finished dual exhaust tips (like the Venza), it would be nice.

For some reason Toyota/Lexus doesn't like dual tips on SUVs.
The reason may be extra cost.
Joeb427 is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 10:17 AM
  #24  
IS-SV
Lexus Fanatic
 
IS-SV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: tech capital
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by Joeb427
For some reason Toyota/Lexus doesn't like dual tips on SUVs.
The reason may be extra cost.
Although we do see it done nicely on the Venza, I like it.

But your point is probably valid, especially when you combine it with the need to "package" storage of the spare tire with minimal impact on luggage and/or 3rd row seating stowage.
IS-SV is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 10:22 AM
  #25  
Joeb427
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joeb427's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SC
Posts: 11,670
Received 15 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by IS-SV
Although we do see it done nicely on the Venza, I like it.

But your point is probably valid, especially when you combine it with the need to "package" storage of the spare tire with minimal impact on luggage and/or 3rd row seating stowage.
It seems just about every other auto manufacturer does it,though.
My RX350's single doesn't have a chrome tip and barely can be seen.I'd love duals but the new RX no see pipe is second best.
Joeb427 is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 10:54 AM
  #26  
JKN2000
Driver
 
JKN2000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I own an 08 Highlander limited and like the front grill much better than the one for the 2011 model. IMO. Not my cup of tea.. Looks like I will keep my HL a little longer..
JKN2000 is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 11:28 AM
  #27  
LexusMan77
Pole Position
 
LexusMan77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MPLexus301
Looks great IMO. The changes in the front end, while not extremely different, do make for a substantial change.

I really like this generation of Highlander and actually wouldn't mind owning one. Right size, engine, and features, and I love the styling.

I agree. The changes are a thumbs up for me. It adds some much needed aggressiveness and passion to the previous model's rather conservative front end. The projects are a welcome update too. It seems Toyota is moving to putting projectors in many of its models. For example, the Avalon for 2011, Camry since the 2007 redesign, Sienna for 2011, and now the Highlander. More upscale look.

I do not see any major changes to the interior though. Actually the only change I can spot right now is the steering audio controls painted black instead of silver. The interior didn't need to be updated anyways it was fine.
LexusMan77 is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 12:14 PM
  #28  
IS-SV
Lexus Fanatic
 
IS-SV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: tech capital
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Good to see that Toyota is keeping the Highlander updated. It used to be the best-selling mid-sized 'ute but I think the Ford Edge (which has some serious upgrades for model year 2011) is outselling it.
IS-SV is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 03:54 PM
  #29  
Red Bully
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
Red Bully's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: new York
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

i like it about time they step it up
Red Bully is offline  
Old 08-25-10, 04:00 PM
  #30  
bitkahuna
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
 
bitkahuna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Present
Posts: 73,770
Received 2,127 Likes on 1,379 Posts
Default

that looks way better than the coma-inducing blandness of the current model.
bitkahuna is offline  


Quick Reply: Updated 2011 Toyota Highlander debut Aug. 25th



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:54 PM.