Toyota Highlander 2011
By
Herman Syah
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Friday, March 16, 2018
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2011 Toyota Highlander
For 2011, Highlander includes a number of modifications. All 2011 Highlander designs obtain a fresh look with a brand-new hood, fenders, grille and also front fascia, plus modified taillamps. The Hybrid has its very own grille. Highlander versions come much better outfitted for 2011, though costs have gone up, likewise. Criterion on all 2011 Toyota models is Smart Quit Innovation, which automatically lowers engine power when the brake as well as accelerator pedals are applied at the same time under certain driving problems. 2011 Highlander SE and also Limited versions come with Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, as well as a USB port, and also a rearview electronic camera is readily available for base versions.
Toyota Highlander 2011
Highlander comes with a choice of powerplants. The base 2.7-liter four-cylinder makes 187 horse power and also 186 pound-feet of torque, as well as supplies EPA fuel economic situation rankings of 20/25 mpg City/Highway. It's matched with a 6-speed online controlled automated overdrive transmission, and is offered only with two-wheel drive.
The 3.5-liter V6 is very smooth and also supplies 270 horsepower and also 248 pound-feet of torque. Also smooth is its 5-speed automatic transmission, which downshifts effortlessly to supply ample punch for passing. Front-wheel-drive Highlanders with the 3.5-liter V6 are EPA-rated at 18/24 mpg City/Highway; Highlander AWD four-wheel drive versions are rated a little lower at 17/22 mpg, which is about what we got in the AWD V6 we drove, consisting of a 300-mile highway run.
The 2011 Highlander Hybrid makes a huge development with even more power as well as far better gas gas mileage, together with an updated sound and also modern technology plan. The gas/electric powertrain makes use of three electrical motors as well as an electronically controlled constantly variable transmission (ECVT). For 2011, its gasoline engine grows from 3.3 litres to 3.5 litres, enhancing complete horsepower from 270 to 280 hp, while its EPA-rated fuel gas mileage boosts to 28 City as well as 28 Highway from 27/25 mpg. We discovered it tough to achieve that throughout our winter examination drive making use of power accessories full blast.
The Highlander is a crossover SUV, indicating it's developed even more like a car compared to a vehicle, while really feeling good as well as huge like a truck SUV. It's based upon the system of the Toyota Camry midsize sedan.
Highlander offers a peaceful cabin and a comfy ride, while being a positive way to lug a team of people, with charitable space for guests as well as freight. A flexible cabin includes in its beauty as a family members vehicle. The 2nd row can move forward and back, as well as the third-row seat is good for kids and efficient in bring grownups. Getting in and also from the initial 2 rows is very easy, and Toyota supplies both a walk-through and a fold-and-slide-forward second-row seat to ease access to the third row.
Design Lineup
The 2011 Toyota Highlander supplies an option of 3 powertrains, three trim degrees and front or all-wheel drive. The base Highlander includes the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine ($ 27,390) or a 3.5-liter V6 ($ 28,545). Highlander SE includes either the four-cylinder ($ 31,995) or 3.5-liter V6 ($ 33,150). Highlander Limited ($ 34,895) comes criterion with the V6. All of these designs are front-wheel drive.
The all-wheel-drive models all have the 3.5-liter V6, and also are offered in base ($ 29,995), SE ($ 34,600), and also Minimal ($ 36,345) trim. Highlander Crossbreed designs come common with all-wheel drive as well as are available in base ($ 37,290) as well as Restricted ($ 42,945) trim only.
Highlander comes criterion with fabric furniture; 40/20/40 second-row seat with a removable center section that can be stored under the first-row facility console; 50/50 third-row seatsing with environment control; AM/FM/CD with six speakers and also MP3/WMA playback; cooling, power windows, door locks, folding mirrors and also remote keyless entry; cruise control; variable recurring wipers front as well as back; back defogger; rear looter; tilt/telescope guiding wheel; 2 front and one cargo-area 12-volt power outlets; as well as 245/65R17 tires on alloy wheels.
Crossbreed designs come with keyless entry and also starting, and a 3.5-inch multifunction display screen that consists of a rear back-up cam, a clock, tire-pressure display, cooling readout, as well as outside temperature level and also journey computer info, in addition to all the hybrid-related functions.
Highlander SE adds leather seats with warm for the front row, tri-zone automated environment control, power tilt/slide moonroof, 6CD changer, Homelink global transceiver, warmed outside mirrors, daytime running lights, and a tow plan.
Highlander Limited models upgrade with a 10-way power vehicle driver's seat, four-way power front guest's seat, Smart Entry, fog lights, a multi-function screen, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and also display screen controls, lighted vanity mirrors, visor extenders, second-row reading lights, opening glass in the rear hatch, a rear tonneau cover, and a lever in the freight location to fold up the second-row seats. The Restricted versions are differentiated with more chrome and intense trim compared to various other models, and also bold 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels putting on 245/55R19 tires. Crossbreed Limited versions include the same attributes as the Limited.
Choices include a power tilt/slide moonroof, a multi-information display, power-adjustable chauffeur's seat, back air conditioning, tow plan, cold weather bundle including a windshield-wiper de-icer grid as well as heated outdoors mirrors, as well as power liftgate. Higher-level versions supply a JBL stereo with nine audio speakers and also a Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone link, with or without navigating ($ 2,625), and also back DVD enjoyment ($ 1,780).
Safety and security functions on all versions include twin front airbags, front side-impact airbags for thorax protection, head-protecting curtain side air bags that cover all 3 seatsing rows, a chauffeur's knee air bag, active front headrests, tire-pressure monitor, anti-skid brakes, traction control, antiskid control, and also hill-start assist. Downhill aid control is common on AWD designs.
Walkaround
The Toyota Highlander is in the heart of the midsize crossover SUV market, and also has to do with the exact same dimension as the Honda Pilot. Highlander's 95.4 cubic feet of freight room is greater than all but a handful of competitors in the popular midsize course.
The Highlander fits in the middle of Toyota's four-pronged midsize SUV lineup. It features softer styling than the 4Runner midsize SUV and the retro-styled FJ Cruiser. Truck-based systems, tough suspensions and also low-range transfer situations make 4Runner and FJ Cruiser extremely capable off road. The Highlander is based upon the very same style as that of the Camry and also Avalon cars. Highlander's all-wheel-drive systems are created for taming unsafe pavement as well as freezing problems, except climbing rocks and going across rough terrain. Also, the Toyota Venza is a mid-size car that better obscures the line in between wagon and also SUV. Additionally based on the Camry platform, the Venza is much more carlike than the Highlander.
The style of the Highlander is clean, and accentuated on each side by a personality line that introduces obvious wheel arches. The look is extra SUV compared to station wagon, and the readily available 19-inch alloy wheels contribute to the muscular position.
For 2011, all Highlander models get a fresh look, with a new hood, fenders and also front fascia with foglamps. The Crossbreed has its very own grille, which looks much more like an Acura (circa 2008) than the normal Highlander grille, which looks a lot more like a Subaru Tribeca. Both are plastic, as they nearly all are nowadays, yet the Highlander grilles are plainly so. The foglamps on the V6 have weird silver brows that seem turned around, as they take a trip towards the center of the auto. Makes you wish to exchange the lights from entrusted to right.
Interior Qualities
The Highlander has a high quality, high end cabin. The seatsing placement is way up high, as well as onward exposure outstanding, without any shedding the edges of the automobile. The seats fit on three-hour journeys, however they're quite level as well as might utilize more body contour.
Fit as well as finish are exceptional and also the layout is appealing. There are extra tough plastic finishes compared to in a Lexus, yet those plastics are perfectly grained and also set up with care.
The additional controls are easy to detect, as well as they move with accuracy. A 3.5-inch multi-function screen at leading fixate the dashboard displays the trip computer system and climate control info; it's optional on the base model and requirement on all others. This very same screen shows the image from the rear backup cam whenever you change right into reverse. It's the tiniest rearview electronic camera screen we've ever seen, except for those tiny ones in the rearview mirror. We saw it carefully as we backed toward a chainlink fence around a driveway one dark night, and also if we hadn't quit and also evaluated our shoulder to confirm, we would have backed into the fencing even with the rearview camera.
With the optional navigating system, the video camera is predicted into the bigger navigation screen, making the picture much easier to see. This is a proper rearview camera. This screen also presents some of the audio controls, adding an extra step or 2 when altering stations, and also adding distraction. The voice navigation screwed up big time, when we utilized it. It misguided us past a very easy freeway interchange we understood by heart. And it consistently and annoyingly interrupted our radio paying attention, to warn of website traffic hold-ups in advance that didn't exist. Generally, nevertheless, the Toyota navigation system works far better compared to a lot of.
Crossbreed models have some special indoor touches. The evaluates are cut in a calming blue instead of raspy red, and also a power meter replaces the tachometer. Presented either on the little multifunction screen or the navigation screen are Consumption as well as Energy Display information. The Consumption display displays gas economy in real time and five-minute increments, and the Energy Display display utilizes a schematic to reveal when the gas engine and electric motors are in use. It may be fun to enjoy these displays, yet beware since they can sidetrack interest from the roadway.
The Highlander's raised ride height and also upright seats setting give it that desirable SUV attribute but with less complicated step-in than older, truck-based SUVs.
The pole positions are comfortable, and exposure excels to all edges. Head as well as leg space are generous in the first and also second rows.
The second-row captain's chairs fit, as well as the Highlander has a helpful removable facility seat that can be changed by a center console. The area between the second-row seats can likewise be exposed to provide a walkthrough to the common third row. Either the facility console or the center seat can be stowed beneath the pole position center console.
Third-row seating is helped by second-row seats that can glide forward. Adults could fit, yet the seat padding is established reduced, so it's still not optimal for lengthy trips. Access to the third row is easy from the passenger's side, as the second row captain's chair flips and moves onward in one movement. The motorist's side chair folds up flat, however doesn't glide forward much adequate to enable passengers to walk through.
For cargo space, the 2nd- and third-row seats fold up level to open up a really valuable 95.4 cubic feet. Tethers as well as levers are supplied in the freight area to earn folding and unraveling the seats a breeze. The offered different opening back glass is a good benefit, and also the tons elevation is reduced for an SUV, making it much easier to load groceries, duffle bags, and various other cargo. Mug owners are plentiful, with 10 mug owners spread throughout the cabin, with container holders in the doors. There's lots of storage space for tiny products.
Driving Impressions
The Toyota Highlander is a pleasant car to drive. Most remarkable is the trip high quality, which is luxurious or soft, depending on your point of view. Even with the readily available 19-inch wheels, the suspension smoothes just about the most jarring bumps. There is a little undesirable float on highways as well as on winding roads, however, and some individuals find it too soft. Hybrids have slightly much more roadway feeling, yet are still fairly comfortable, making them a much better selection for those that locate the basic suspension too soft.
The suspension highlights a soft trip over tight handling. All versions lean when cornering and braking. Guiding feel is light, but the response is somewhat slow. We would certainly not explain the Highlander as active. The Nissan Murano provides better handling. Traction control as well as digital security control come standard on the Highlander.
The 3.5-liter V6 thrusts the Highlander front-wheel-drive versions from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.6 secs, 7.8 seconds with four-wheel drive. A hand-operated shift gateway permits picking the equipment you desire. From inside the cabin, the V6 can barely be listened to, releasing only a refined growl under tough velocity. In all designs, wind noise is well-checked, and the only significant interior sound is some tire hum on rough pavement.
The all-wheel-drive system in the gas models offers a full-time 50/50 front/rear torque split. In Hybrid designs, the AWD system is front-drive prejudiced, however when it finds slippage, the rear-mounted electrical motor can start to deliver up to 25 percent of the offered power to the back wheels. Both systems will help you get the youngsters to school on snowy days, as well as we did just that.
We tested a Highlander in the Pacific Northwest in the middle of the winter season. We drove around for 2 days on icy roadways with our Hybrid, as well as it executed wonderfully, both to give grip and also to stop the lorry safely. We took on steep icy hillsides as well as the all-wheel-drive did its point to maintain relocating the car onward without obvious slipping. We billed down those icy hills and also floored the brake pedal, and the ABDOMINAL quit the Highlander as quickly as possible. We checked the steering during ABDOMINAL MUSCLE braking by making S turns while it was moving on the ice. The Highlander's control was excellent.
It was fitted with Toyo A20 Open Country HT tires, P245/55R19, not also the Open Country snow tire. They came with the $1020 option for the handsome 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. We advise winter months tires for the best traction on snow.
We additionally hung it out in icy curves (at relatively slow speeds), and the stability control kept the Highlander true to its desired path. Exactly what a wonderful feeling of security on those icy roads: whether increasing uphill, hard braking, or around contours, the Highlander covered us.
We likewise drove a V6 Highlander Limited, on the same icy roadways a couple of days later, and it also took everything in stride. It made use of comparable 19-inch Bridgestone tires, the Dueler H/L brand, not the winter season Blizzak tires. The anti-lock brakes in the Restricted were rougher than on the Crossbreed, with more noise and pedal vibration. At one point sliding down a steep icy hill at 3-4 miles per hour, ABDOMINAL MUSCLE completely involved, we attempted to steer far from the snow-covered ditch beside the road, however the front wheels continued to slide as well as not guide; evidently there is a limitation, when they state you could guide with ABDOMINAL engaged. So we tapped the DAC button by the change bar, as well as Downhill Assist Control kicked in. It's conventional tools on AWD versions. We entirely took our feet off the pedals, the guiding in the front wheels returned, and also we maintained that risk-free crawl to the bottom of the icy hill. Look Ma, no feet.
Mentioning ice, it obscures the rearview camera lens.
The Crossbreed powertrain, called Hybrid Synergy Drive, companions a 3.5-liter V6 with 3 electric motors for an overall of 280 horse power, up 10 horse power from in 2014. The powertrain is a little rougher compared to the typical V6 but is still rather fine-tuned. The transmission is a continually variable automated that constantly adjusts tailoring proportions instead of transforming gears.
Like all crossbreeds, when you first turn the key, nothing appears to take place. But it is ready as well as operational. The gas engine simply doesn't begin up until it's required. Nevertheless for us it was required essentially all the time. We drove our Hybrid around community in cold weather for a week, and also the gas engine was had to power the accessories. Stopped at a redlight, at the drive-through window at the financial institution, anywhere: the gas engine maintained running. We averaged 18.2 miles each gallon for that week, hardly ever reaching 35 mph. If the EPA obtains 28 mpg in the city, their city has to consist of a lot of 25-mph zones with no traffic lights.
Under the best conditions (complete battery charge, warm day, not using heat or cooling), you could push the EV switch and drive the Crossbreed approximately 2 miles at less than 25 miles per hour on electric power just. As an example, looking for a parking space at the mall. The Highlander Hybrid is the very first Toyota hybrid to offer an EV button in the United States. We suggest utilizing it around community, more than we evidently ought to have.
The constantly variable transmission really feels all-natural. It has a typical drive setting, which permits the Crossbreed to freewheel down hillsides, along with a B mode, which makes use of much more engine compression to reduce the automobile when the chauffeur's foot is off the throttle, while charging the battery pack extra strongly.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander offers charitable room for individuals as well as cargo, a selection of powertrains, sufficient performance as well as decent gas gas mileage. The V6 engine with 5-speed automatic transmission is very smooth, and also with gas mileage almost comparable to the four-cylinder at a price just $1150 more, it excels worth. The Crossbreed design uses a tried and tested powertrain with increased fuel mileage as well as lower exhausts. With Toyota's online reputation for integrity and resale value, the Highlander makes sense for energetic families.