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Helped my folks pick out a new car today and this is what we came home with. We were going to wait for the 2017 Highlander but after they were pushed back to December delivery, and with the current 3.5L/6AT being a well proven combo, we pulled the trigger now. I have never been a big fan of tan interiors, but what Toyota is doing now with the two tone black carpet and all is pretty sharp.
Black/Tan
AWD
Driver Tech package: Lane Departure Assist, Radar Cruise, Pre Collision
I really love how these things drive - truly feels like a class up, IMO. More to come as we break it in, but super happy so far!
Well done! I have always thought the Highlander makes a better vehicle than the RX
I just got back from the same event. The 2017 Highlander is a great all around vehicle. Definitely doesn't feel as bulky/wide as the Sienna is. Well damped ride and pleasant dynamics for the intended function. Toyota's first ever gas engine stop start is also fairly smooth, as is expected since they have so much experience with it in all of their hybrids.
Available 8 passenger gas Limited/Limited Platinums should also make some people happy.
Although I'm not entirely sold on the front grille that resembles Lexus LX and seems to have been sponsored by Gillette...
SE:
- ^looks so good!
- Black leather with silver stitching and silver ribbon inserts
- Dark painted roof rails, dark headlights, dark grill
- Sport tuned suspension
Limited Platinum:
- Platinum customers wanted more differentiation vs Limited
- 19" dark Chrometec wheels
- Birds Eye View camera standard
- Different wood trim option vs other models (I hope it's this orange-ish looking wood and that the Limited has something different, because I'm not a fan of that orange wood in the Limited Platinum Hybrid from the press drives.)
Grille differences:
- LE, LE Plus, XLE: Silver paint
- SE: Black Gloss
- Limited and Limited Platinum: Chrome
Headlights:
- LED DRL on SE and above
Exterior:
- All grades: All new wheels
- Limited, Limited Platinum: New puddle lamp designs - will project "HIGHLANDER" on the ground beside the vehicle.
- Limited, Limited Platinum: New chrome garnish on bumper reflectors
Interior Changes:
- 4.2" Multi Information Display between the gauges on LE
- 5 total USBs: 3 front, 2 back
- Limited, Limited Platinum: 3 seat option in second row - NOT ON HYBRIDS. HYBRIDS ARE 7 Passenger.
- Limited, Limited Platinum: Available saddle leather taken directly from Lexus LS 460 (WOW!)
Technology:
- TSS-P on all grades
- Blind Spot Monitor on XLE and above
- Limited Platinum: Front and Rear Paring Assist Sonar
Engine:
- 2GR-FKS V6: 295hp @ 6,600 RPM, 263 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM
- D-4S
- VVT-iW
- Exhaust manifold integrated into cylinder head lowers emissions
- Hybrid: 306 net system horsepower
- Carryover 4cylinder available on LE only
- Stop/Start available on LE Plus and above but must be turned off every ignition cycle
- Toyota spent a lot of time working on S/S system and tried to make it as seamless as possible
Transmission:
- Direct shift 8AT on all except LE
- Rapid shift response, goal to reduce the sensation of "gear hunting"
- Holds lockup from 2nd through 8th
I bought a new, cause i just had to get the new body style, Honda Pilot... Has TSB's on Transmission ( 9 spd) I put 4K miles on it and traded it on my ES 350... Was gonna look at the 2017 Highlander but was so anxious I didnt wanna wait.. I had a 2011 Highlander, was an awesome car... I do not like stop/start, so i just got used to turning it off all the time, never got better mileage either. Maybe u can if u sit in traffic all the time.. which i dont..
This thing is a slam dunk. Probably Toyota's best overall product right now.
I'm actually kinda surprised and impressed with the MPG jump being mostly the same vehicle. New transmission and direct injection + stop/start really made a difference.
