2020 Highlander
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 357
Likes: 56
From: Texas
That silhouette reminds me of the current Fortuner for some reason.
- I think Highlander will introduce the new 8GR-FXS and Hybrid System to Toyota Side
- De-tuned version of V35A V6 and different version of A25A
- Overhauled Infotainment System for the new Decade
- Better AWD System than the 19 RAV4
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,248
Likes: 275
So, it seems like you haven't read anything about the 2019 RAV4. Higher level trims are high-quality inside; I saw it at the car show, and it was pretty nice, with a lot of features. But every single review I have read and seen says the 2.5L 203HP gas version is just downright loud and intrusive. I think the hybrid is less so. I have not driven one yet, but may do so this spring--I'd probably lean toward the hybrid since it's only $800 more.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,864
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
While that rendering looks pretty good, I'm worried that It'll be the same length and worse, the same short wheel base as the current model as it appears to be in the pic. The Highlander has the worst 3rd row and the smallest space behind the 3rd row in the class (accept if you count Sorento - but Kia has answered this with the Telluride). The CX-9 isn't known for its cavernous space but it's better in those metrics than the current Highlander. IMO, the new Highlanders wheelbase needs to be a good 5" longer (CX-9's is 5.5" longer) and have a proper 3rd row like the new Telluride and Palisade, never mind Atlas, Pilot, & Explorer. I would find it odd if Toyota continues on the smaller end of the segment as people buying 3-rows prioritize space.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,696
Likes: 290
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
While that rendering looks pretty good, I'm worried that It'll be the same length and worse, the same short wheel base as the current model as it appears to be in the pic. The Highlander has the worst 3rd row and the smallest space behind the 3rd row in the class (accept if you count Sorento - but Kia has answered this with the Telluride).
Last edited by mmarshall; Apr 9, 2019 at 07:19 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
The real problem is that most mid-sized SUVs were never really intended for three rows, which is usually better-suited to traditional full-size SUVs. The main reason you have them is because of consumer demand, so SUV manufacturers do their best to try to respect the existing two rows and and squeeze in the third row, even if fit for only sardines, into vehicles that are usually better off without them. The only third-row seats I've seen, in a non-traditional full-sized SUV, that I would call reasonably roomy (by my standards) are in the older 1Gen GM crossover triplets......Enclave, Acadia, and Traverse. I admit, though, that I have not checked out the new Subaru Ascent....I plan to look at one at the D.C. auto show.....I haven't been to the Subaru display yet.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,864
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
No, the problem was that the Highlander targeted a smaller size/footprint. It wasn't a huge problem, as it still sold relatively well. Now today's mid-sized SUVs are absolutely intended for three rows and to effectively become the minivans of today's family. They're not squeezing in the 3rd row to the Pilot design, the Atlas, the Telluride, Palisade, Pathfinder, Ascent, Explorer, Traverse, Enclave. These are all designed from the get go to be 3 row family haulers. So was the outgoing Highlander.
There's no question these are sized for the intention of 3 rows. Believe it or not though, some compacts such as the VW Tiguan hpas an optional 3rd row. The Rogue did but I think they dropped the option.
It’s going to be handsome and an improvement over the current Highlander, but man the RWD based Explorer has ruined this segment for me. The overhangs on that Highlander picture are huge. Shame the next RX will suffer the same.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,325
Likes: 515
From: Long Island
going from yours to a new one will be a bit disappointing in terms of how it drives, (feels much more sluggish at low speeds after they added the 8 speed in 2017) but as far as tss-p and all the other features are concerned I'd say it's the best suv in its class
id say get a 2016 but I understand it's hard to justify not getting all the extra stuff the 2017 came with... UGHH!! they just had to get rid of that perfectly working 6 speed!
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Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,296
Likes: 1,904
From: WA
thats still my favorite looking highlander, still had a proper suv look, and then the 2014 came in looking more like a big wagon
going from yours to a new one will be a bit disappointing in terms of how it drives, (feels much more sluggish at low speeds after they added the 8 speed in 2017) but as far as tss-p and all the other features are concerned I'd say it's the best suv in its class
id say get a 2016 but I understand it's hard to justify not getting all the extra stuff the 2017 came with... UGHH!! they just had to get rid of that perfectly working 6 speed!
going from yours to a new one will be a bit disappointing in terms of how it drives, (feels much more sluggish at low speeds after they added the 8 speed in 2017) but as far as tss-p and all the other features are concerned I'd say it's the best suv in its class
id say get a 2016 but I understand it's hard to justify not getting all the extra stuff the 2017 came with... UGHH!! they just had to get rid of that perfectly working 6 speed!
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
Looks good though hard to judge. My hope is they stretch the wheelbase a few inches on the new TNGA platform for which this will likely be based on. This will also give us insight into the next RX, again needing a much longer wheelbase for added room and a more composed ride.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,696
Likes: 290
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
No, the problem was that the Highlander targeted a smaller size/footprint. It wasn't a huge problem, as it still sold relatively well. Now today's mid-sized SUVs are absolutely intended for three rows and to effectively become the minivans of today's family. They're not squeezing in the 3rd row to the Pilot design, the Atlas, the Telluride, Palisade, Pathfinder, Ascent, Explorer, Traverse, Enclave. These are all designed from the get go to be 3 row family haulers. So was the outgoing Highlander.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,325
Likes: 515
From: Long Island
oh yea true i forgot about that, almost everyone who came looking for a highlander wanted an XLE so i'm used to thinking about the highlander in terms of that model lol... and in 2017 the XLE got essentially all the features of the limited apart from i think cooled seats and seat memory
I'm actually excited by this. But knowing Toyota these days, they will tout sportiness only to stuff a mismatched barely adequate old powertrain in there. Yes the current 3.5L in the Highlander is old. Hopefully, it is more refined in terms of road and wind noise, which the RAV is pretty poor at.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,296
Likes: 1,904
From: WA
Well, technically the 3.5L in the current model isn't old, they replaced the old FE with the FKS in 2017 and I can't see them abandoning that shiny new engine for another one yet. They'll probably end up bumping the HP to the same 295 found in the RX350. If anything, they'll probably get rid of that sad joke of a 2.7L option they have (talk about unsafe merging on the highway) and replace it with the 2.0T used in the Lexus models and in the Highlander in China.