Me likey

This is a great looking crossover. Ford Explorer is in its sights.

 

I was a bit surprised that they didn't offer this trim level right from the start. Not sure why the are waiting for 2021.

 

Just stretching out the marketing and roll out. More press. More exposure

I am sure at some point, we will hear about the 2021 plug in model.

 

Wont have any of the Explorer's dynamics, but looks good.

 

Subaru called and want their royalty check for the grill design.

 

Since the RAV4 XSE is the more powerful hybrid, was hoping the Highlander XSE would've kept a V6 Hybrid option like previous years had.

 

Looks nice. Is it 40k+ nice, i dunno.

 

not gonna lie, the new highlander is pretty good looking.

just needs to do the impossible and move the wheels forward so the front overhang isn't so ridiculous

 

That really is one ugly SUV. It's just a mishmash of random design ideas thrown at a standard SUV shape. The front grille and the lower one, seemly added as some sort of after thought, is particularly challenging to the eye.

 

I can't warm up to Toyota's styling these days. All of the lines, creases, angles and the grills. Exterior styling has been a deal breaker on our last several purchases.

 

I love the lines and creases. Toyota calls it chiseled or something like had. I like how the door the roof pillars at the front

 

Granted that I haven't seen the XSE in person, but the other trims of the Highlander, when seen in person, have a much softer appearance. I was actually a bit disappointed in real life as I thought it looked a bit generic and lacking in style. The pictures use lighting that always accents the lines and curves. They were washed out when I looked at them on a cloudy day. I may actually like the XSE more in person than the other trims.

 

It does kind of look like a Subaru in the front....

 

I agree completely. What a hot mess.

 

I think the trend for Toyota is going to change. I think generic more subdued styling will start to make a comeback. I base this on my feeling that as the economy started to track downward at some point, consumers will move to more “safe” and conservative and established reliable types of purchases. Toyota will gain when this time hits. So will Hyundai as well. Not so for the GM or Ford.