highlander is an important high volume vehicle for toyota. since its introduction, competition in this space has become fierce, so the new model will have to significantly up its game. i still think there should be a lexus variant to compete with audi q7 and infiniti q60 (nee jx35). don't understand the logic of NOT having a lexus 3 row luxury crossover.

 

First post in this thread has photos from the NY auto show. There's a banner with a conceptual drawing of the highlander: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...what-else.html

Confirms what I suspected: Design will follow some themes from the Rav4
Also pleasantly surprised by the apparent proportions

 

Because they don't want to flood their lineup with 3 row SUV. They have GX and LX for that purpose.

 

I hope the headliner isn't made of cardboard like the current Highlander

I'd really like to see Toyota start making some nice interiors again.

 

Can't wait to see this, looks like its going to be nice and sleek

 

have you been in new Avalon and even Rav4? I would guess not from the comments.

 

looks good, but resembles Infiniti and Mitsubishis design way too much. Where is Toyota's personal touch

 

I have seen them from afar but have not sat in them yet. If this means quality is better then I'm happy to hear that...

 

I know that the concept renders often look much more aggressive, but if the new Highlander even looks 50% that aggressive, this thing will be a winner! Wow!

 

i guess we will have Avalon vs ES situation all over again? That sounds GREAT. Current Highlander I have a feeling they looked what could be made worse from RX on purpose so they can sell more RXs, for instance design both outside and in, as well as 6AT.

 

I highly doubt that. I don't know that the Highlander is as cross shopped with the ES as you would think.

 

You mean RX right? I believe people do crossshop Highlander vs RX all the time.

 

Yeah I just helped a friend with some SUV shopping and originally they were going with the RX vs MDX. They ended up with a Highlander and love it, the price was a big seller (good deals). The RX got pricier and the MDX they hated the MPG.

 

Yeah I meant RX. The RX is a good bit more expensive than the Highlander, the RX is also only 2 rows.

 

You've said before that the MDX was the one Acura product you had respect for, so I'm pretty sure that it was probably a tough choice for them.

Congratulations to them on the purchase (or lease?). It's hard to go wrong with any of those 3 vehicles.