2013 toyota Highlander Limited
By
Herman Syah
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Friday, March 16, 2018
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2013 Toyota Highlander
Some cars, and Toyotas particularly, typically get referred to by automotive lovers as "appliances." The comparison is made in between a Camry and also a fridge, or a Corolla as well as a washing machine, as an example. The ramification (commonly less than kind) is that these automobiles have characteristics that are much less fun as well as more useful. One would not take a fridge to an autocross, or drag-race a washering from a traffic light. But also for numerous individuals worldwide, a home appliance is specifically just what they want in an automobile-- something they do not need to consider to utilize, that isn't eccentric or extravagant, that's trustworthy and also basic. For those individuals, lots of Toyotas are definitely excellent-- and the 2013 Highlander is the peak of such appliancelike, comfy, practical thinking.
2013 toyota highlander limited
This is the in 2015 for this design of Highlander, with a new 2014 model on its manner in which was revealed at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March. However, there's a lot to such as regarding the existing Highlander, which has roominess, power, comfort and utility in droves.
Absolutely Nothing Fancy, Just Standard Competence
The shape knows now, with relatively aggressive styling that has actually been replicated by numerous makers. (The brand-new Nissan Pathfinder, for instance, looks a great deal such as this Highlander in several methods.) It's a clean, flowing design that suffers a little bit from wheels that look slightly as well small in the base V-6 trim level I tested. If you like the method it looks, nonetheless, obtain one now, as the 2014 design will certainly get a rather significant designing upgrade that's not to everyone's preference.
The inside is likewise pleasing. Absolutely nothing horrendous, just well outlined, extremely comfy and also made from premium products that have been screwed with each other well. Up front, the reduced, soft-touch dash as well as high seats setting combine for a powerful view over the hood, with superb visibility to the sides and back also. Controls on the center control panel are big as well as clear, with big buttons and beefy knobs that make operating the climate-control system a breeze (sorry). The gauges are brilliant, clear and also easy to check out at a glimpse. There's nothing exceptional about the forms as well as textures in below, however there's nothing to annoy either-- unless you're somebody who requires some visual interest in your transport selection, as there's none to be discovered in the countless sea of gray plastic extending from door to door. At least in the Highlander it's respectable plastic, unlike in other Toyota products, like the Venza.
Seats is flexible as well as amazingly spacious, particularly in the second row, which includes impressive quantities of legroom. This is a three-row SUV, consisting of a fold-down seat for two individuals in the freight area, accessible via the fold-and-tumble second-row seats. That third row is vast enough for full-sized grownups, yet legroom is seriously compromised. This is just a midsized SUV, nevertheless, not a full-sizer like the Toyota Sequoia or Chevrolet Traverse. Folding up the second row for entrance to the third is very easy, with deals with atop the seatbacks making for basic procedure also by youngsters. Both the second as well as 3rd rows fold level, creating a large freight area able to hold huge, cumbersome objects.
Interior electronic devices are fundamental and not extremely complicated on the entry-level Highlander (the just significant choices my test model had were a V-6 engine and also four-wheel drive). The conventional touch-screen multimedia display is big as well as easy to use, however a 2nd, smaller sized display above it displayed restricted lorry information, as well, with just a handful of screens to select from. You can option up a Highlander to the hilt with things like Toyota's Entune (a cloud-based enjoyment and details system), a navigating system and also even more, but my tester had none of that-- just satellite radio and a windshield-wiper heating unit, part of the $60 Cold Weather Package. On the plus side, a lack of functions means the inside is minimalist as well as uncomplicated. It additionally implies there's little to do however drive.
Roly-Poly, however Not Pokey
Fortunately, driving the Highlander is just as enjoyable as sitting in or checking out one. In the base design, power originates from a common 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower, but my tester had the optional 3.5-liter V-6 engine, bumping horsepower as much as a a lot more confidence-inspiring 270 hp. In real Toyota style, the V-6 is the picture of level of smoothness, so much to make sure that the only way to understand it's performing at idle is to blip the pedal. Hit that very same pedal while the Highlander's in gear, and you're awarded with solid, seamless acceleration. A six-speed automatic transmission is common with the four-cylinder, but the V-6 comes just with a five-speed automated. A gasoline-electric crossbreed version is additionally available. With the exception of the crossbreed, nevertheless, the drivetrain overall is a little bit behind the moments-- most competitors are supplying six-speed automatics across the range, plus turbocharging or at least direct-injection modern technology. The good news is, the majority of buyers will not understand any kind of technical deficiency thanks to the Highlander's buttery operation and simple and easy velocity.
Just what they could notice, nevertheless, is fuel economy. Highlanders with the base four-cylinder engine and also front-wheel drive are rated 20/25 mpg city/highway-- okay for a huge seven-seat cruiser. Fuel economic climate goes down to 18/24 for the larger V-6 engine, and even additionally, to 17/22 mpg, when you include four-wheel drive. My week with the Highlander returned 19 mpg in blended driving; tolerable, but certainly not class-leading any longer. It drops well short of the new all-wheel-drive Nissan Pathfinder, rated 19/25 mpg, as well as the new seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe, which is available in at 18/24 mpg. It likewise typically matches the much bigger Chevrolet Traverse for mixed gas mileage rating (19 mpg), and also does 1 mpg better in the city and 1 mpg worse on the highway. The Highlander schedule's gas economic situation champ is the hybrid, rated 28/28 mpg, yet that comes at a significant price costs and with conventional four-wheel drive.
The Highlander is clearly tuned for comfort as opposed to driving enjoyable. As the suspension is soft, the body motions are tippy and also the entire vehicle rolls and lolls in quick edges. You will not be doing any spirited driving in this family members truckster, however just what you get in return is superb trip quality that's smooth also over several of the most severely busted pavement, helped by high sidewalls on the 17-inch tires that soak up bumps with little noise or disturbance to your peacefulness. Hang an iPad on the seatback, and also the munchkins will not be troubled by roadway conditions in the least. Faster freeway driving is equally as tranquil as well as hushed.
Safety
The existing Highlander has actually been crash-tested by both the National Highway Web Traffic Security Management and also the Insurance Coverage Institute for Highway Security. NHTSA rated the Highlander four from five stars in general, while IIHS provided the Highlander its leading score of Excellent in all its major tests, gaining it Top Safety Pick status.
As for devices, the Highlander has all the requisite digital precaution, like grip control, anti-skid brakes and also a digital security system. Front, side, motorist's knee and also side curtain airbags are standard. There was no backup electronic camera on my test vehicle, however it's a $699 alternative on base models (standard on all various other trim degrees), a rather obviousing omission from the equipment list for a supposed family members vehicle.
Highlander in the Market
The Highlander V6 four-wheel drive I examined had one noteworthy top quality that could not be ignored: a fairly reduced as-tested rate of $33,477, including an $845 location charge. The starting rate for this base V-6 model with all-wheel drive is $32,690, meaning options on my tester were few: only a $60 Cold Weather Bundle, a $29 first-aid kit, a $49 cargo web and also an instead expensive $649 three-row flooring mat package. If you intend to avoid the V-6 and also four-wheel drive, the Highlander with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive begins at $29,865. At the other end of the spectrum is a completely loaded Highlander Hybrid Limited four-wheel drive, which begins at $47,215-- rather a remarkable variety.
Midsize SUVs have actually been taking control of for minivans in family-hauling responsibilities, and the variety of access in the field is more than ever before. Calling for seven seats does reduce the list down ever so somewhat. The Highlander's primary competitors are the Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-9 and Dodge Durango. If you can live with simply 5 seats, add the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano, Ford Side, Toyota Venza and also Kia Sorento. That's greater than a dozen other vehicles to think about, demonstrating just how affordable this section truly is. The closest matches are the Pathfinder, Traveler as well as Santa Fe (not the Santa Fe Sporting activity, mind you, which is a smaller, five-seat version). The Pathfinder showcases just a V-6 and also continually variable automatic transmission, while the Santa Fe's seven-seat design offers just a V-6. The Explorer offers two V-6 engines and also an optional turbo four-cylinder, all mated to a six-speed transmission. All are comparable in regards to room, rate as well as utility, however the Highlander's competitors generally have the advantage in fuel economy and also on-board technology.
The 2014 Highlander will ultimately get a six-speed transmission for its V-6 engine, which need to improve fuel economy and acceleration. It likewise gets seating for eight thanks to a bigger freight location and also a broader third-row seat. Engines will certainly rollover unmodified, nevertheless, meaning there will still be no direct-injection or turbocharging. The exterior and interior updates look great as well as should maintain the Highlander competitive, and that's truly all Toyota needs to do to keep the Highlander's sales numbers up-- cosmetic modifications that keep it fresh in an ultra-competitive market. Toyota currently has the energy, comfort, competence as well as family-friendly parts down pat. Working on its visual allure as well as on-board modern technology will just strengthen the Highlander's position.