The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row crossover SUV that accommodates up to seven in handsome luxury and an attractive design, while providing generous space for storage.
The seats are leather-trimmed with perforation, and the front-seat occupants enjoy heating and ventilated cooling.
The memory settings allow the second-row captain’s chairs to slide and recline, while the third-row seats with a 60/40-split fold-flat seatbacks provide space for just about anything.
Several storage areas are easily accessed through the adjustable power lift-gate with flip-up rear hatch window, which adds even more convenience to that easy access. Good storage is available behind the third row as well.
The Limited Platinum sits at the top of the model lineup when it comes to features. Included in the MSRP of $44,990 are premium features like a panoramic moonroof and Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Should you feel a little crowded, just push a button and you can open up the panoramic moonroof and admire the open space.
The main event in this premium package is the Rear Seat Entertainment System. The Blu-ray disc player with 9-inch display screen does a great job in occupying those in the back. Sibling fussing and arguing are replaced by a quiet, comfortable atmosphere. RCA jacks, remote, and two wireless headphones are part of the package.
The Highlander sits up high on 19-inch 5-spoke chrome-clad alloy wheels, allowing clear posturing for all onboard travelers.
Inside, genuine-thread seat stitching adds visual color to the interior. There are large radio knobs for sound and station selection with even larger knobs for air-conditioning adjustments.
One touch of the large icons on the 8-inch high-resolution touch screen carries you quickly from AM to FM to satellite. Sound and other settings changes are “a press away” as well.
Standard Bluetooth wireless capability lets you take calls and stream music without taking your hands off the wheel. You can search areas of interest with the standard navigation system and App Suite.
A favorite feature of mine is the oversized roll-top center console. This console is also an arm rest and storage spot. There is easy access to a massive compartment that was large enough to store my wife’s purse, which would be roomy enough to hold a week’s supply of rations for the 101st Airborne.
Highlander is powered by a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine with Dual VVT-i, and puts down 270 horsepower through a 6-speed automatic transmission, while averaging 24 mpg combined city and highway. The Highlander also provides a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
My Highlander came with Dynamic Torque-Control AWD, which distributes engine power from front to rear and manages the brake system from side to side. This helps to give better control on the curve. It also helps to balance the vehicle when fully loaded, working against any kind of rolling motion.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and a pre-collision system are all standard on the new Highlander Limited Platinum.
Toyota products are backed by a 36-month/36,000-mile Limited Warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, and a 60-month/Unlimited mile Rust-Through Warranty.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]
