Toyota has long been synonymous with reliability, value, and innovation in the automotive industry. For the 2017 model year, Toyota continued this tradition by enhancing its popular Highlander SUV. This article delves into the details of the 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, focusing on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), key features, and the overall value proposition for consumers in the competitive SUV market.
Enhanced Value and Features in the 2017 Highlander
The 2017 Toyota Highlander arrived with significant upgrades aimed at bolstering its appeal in the crowded SUV segment. Toyota emphasized enhanced value by incorporating advanced safety, performance, and convenience features as standard equipment across various trims. Alongside these functional improvements, the Highlander also received refreshed styling and maintained competitive pricing, making it an even more attractive option for families and individuals alike.
A notable addition to the 2017 Highlander lineup was the introduction of the SE grade. This new trim brought a sportier and more sophisticated aesthetic to the vehicle, catering to buyers seeking a more dynamic appearance and driving experience. Furthermore, Toyota expanded the Highlander Hybrid range by adding two entry-level grades, LE and XLE, making hybrid technology more accessible to a broader customer base. All 2017 Highlander models benefited from redesigned front and rear fascias, along with improvements to interior comfort and convenience.
Toyota Safety Sense™ P: Standard Safety Across the Range
Underscoring Toyota’s commitment to safety, the 2017 Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P). This suite of advanced driver-assist technologies utilizes millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. TSS-P includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps mitigate or avoid collisions with preceding vehicles or pedestrians by providing alerts and automatic braking.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Warns the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and can provide gentle steering corrections.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe gap.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic to optimize visibility.
These standard safety features significantly enhanced the value proposition of the 2017 Highlander, providing peace of mind and advanced protection for drivers and passengers.
Performance Boost with New V6 Engine and 8-Speed Transmission
For the 2017 model year, the Highlander V6 experienced a substantial powertrain upgrade. The introduction of a new 3.5-liter D-4S Injection V6 engine marked a significant leap in performance. This engine boosted output to 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, representing increases of 25 hp and 15 lb.-ft. respectively, compared to the 2016 Highlander V6. The new V6 also became the standard engine for the Highlander Hybrid, incorporating Dual VVT-i for optimized performance and efficiency.
Complementing the new engine, the V6 Highlander models received a new Direct Shift – 8AT 8-speed automatic transmission. This advanced transmission, with its wider range of ratios compared to the previous 6-speed, improved both acceleration and passing capabilities. Furthermore, fuel economy saw improvements, with all-wheel-drive models achieving an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway, up from 18/24 mpg in the 2016 model.
Highlander V6 models (excluding the base LE trim) also gained the Stop and Start Engine System (S&S). This system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, restarting it seamlessly when the driver releases the brake pedal. S&S was designed to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and provide a quieter cabin environment at stoplights and in traffic.
Enhanced Visibility and Technology
The design of the 2017 Highlander prioritized driver visibility, a characteristic further enhanced by a standard back-up camera across all models. XLE grades and above came equipped with a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (BSM w/RCTA), adding another layer of safety and convenience. The top-tier Limited Platinum grades took visibility to the next level with a standard Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, providing a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings for enhanced maneuverability and safety in tight spaces.
Expanded Trim Levels and Consumer Choice
The 2017 Highlander continued to offer seating for up to eight passengers across three rows. The introduction of the SE trim added a sporty dimension to the gas V6 lineup, while the Highlander Hybrid expanded its range to four grades with the addition of LE and XLE trims, joining the existing Limited and Platinum models. The gas model lineup included LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited, and Limited Platinum, all available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, providing a wide array of choices to meet diverse consumer needs and preferences.
A Touch of Luxury and Interior Refinements
The 2017 Highlander models conveyed a more upscale presence across all grades. LE, LE Plus, and XLE trims featured a silver-painted front grille, while Limited and Platinum grades boasted a painted chrome finish. The taillights were redesigned with a sleeker appearance and standard LEDs. Limited and Platinum models also included chrome rear bumper garnishes.
Inside, all Highlanders gained additional USB ports, increasing the total to five, enhancing convenience for charging personal devices. Limited and Limited Platinum trims, previously limited to seven-passenger configurations with second-row captain’s chairs, now offered an optional bench-style middle row seat, allowing for eight-passenger seating, mirroring the configurations available in lower trims. The Limited Platinum trim also introduced a new lavish brown leather interior option.
Sporty SE Grade: A New Dimension
The new SE grade was designed to blend sportiness, premium aesthetics, and functionality. It featured a unique dark paint treatment for the front grille, headlamp housings, and roof rails, along with distinctive 19-inch wheels, giving it a more athletic stance. The SE’s sporty character was further enhanced by a specially tuned front and rear suspension, improving handling agility.
The interior of the SE grade featured unique black leather-trimmed seats with silver stitching and pattern inserts, complemented by dark dash and door accents. Available in V6-powered FWD or AWD, the SE trim offered seating for seven passengers.
Highlander Hybrid: Enhanced Power and Fuel Efficiency
The 2017 Highlander Hybrid, available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Limited Platinum grades, combined impressive power with exceptional fuel efficiency. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system paired the new direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric motor-generator, delivering a total system horsepower of 306. This powertrain resulted in strong acceleration and passing performance while achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway/29 mpg combined, making it the most fuel-efficient Highlander in the lineup.
All Highlander Hybrid models came standard with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i). This system used a separate, independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels when needed, rather than traditional mechanical components, optimizing traction and efficiency.
2017 Toyota Highlander MSRP and Value Pricing
Toyota positioned the 2017 Highlander to offer significant value across all grades. The base LE grade was well-equipped, and each subsequent trim level added more features and amenities.
The LE grade included:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Entune® Audio with a 6.1-inch touchscreen
- Bluetooth® connectivity for phone and music streaming
- Integrated backup camera
- Eight-passenger seating with 60/40 split fold-flat second and third-row seats
- Heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Tow Package on V6 models
The LE Plus grade added:
- Fabric and SofTex®-trimmed seats
- Fog lights
- Height-adjustable power rear liftgate with flip-up rear hatch window
- 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support
- Entune™ Audio Plus with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and HD Radio™ with an 8-inch display
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
The XLE grade further enhanced comfort and convenience with features such as:
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Heated front seats
- Smart Key System with push button start
- Power tilt-slide moonroof
- Driver Easy Speak
- Second-row integrated sun shades
- Chromtec® roof rails
- 4.2-inch color multi-information display
- Anti-theft system
- Homelink®
- Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite
The SE grade brought sporty features including:
- Dark paint treatment on grille, headlamp housings, and roof rails
- 19-inch split multi-spoke machined-face alloy wheels with black finish
- Black leather–trimmed seats with silver stitching and pattern inserts
- Sport-tuned front and rear suspension
The Limited grade elevated the Highlander into luxury territory with:
- Painted chrome grille finish
- 19-inch Chromtec® alloy wheels
- Blue LED ambient lighting
- Perforated leather-trimmed seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power passenger seat
- Memory settings for driver seat and mirrors
- Rear parking assist sonar
- Entune™ Premium JBL® Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite
The Limited Platinum Package added top-of-the-line features:
- Bird’s Eye View Camera
- Panoramic moonroof
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated second-row seats (captain’s chairs or outboard seats with bench)
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Dark chrome finish on 19-inch wheels
- Puddle lamps with Highlander projection
2017 Highlander MSRP Ranges
The MSRP for the 2017 Highlander gas models ranged from $30,630 for the LE four-cylinder 2WD model to $46,260 for the Limited Platinum V6 AWD. This represented an average increase of $1,165, or 3.0 percent, compared to the previous year, but included significantly more standard equipment.
The MSRP for the Highlander Hybrid models ranged from $36,270 for the LE V6 AWD to $47,880 for the Limited Platinum V6 AWD. Notably, the hybrid models saw an average MSRP decrease of $2,746, or 5.5 percent, making them even more competitive and value-driven within the hybrid SUV market.
2017 Highlander Gas Model MSRP (Excluding DPH Fee)
| MODEL# | GRADE | 2016 MSRP | 2017 MSRP | MSRP CHANGE ($) | MSRP CHANGE (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6942 | LE 2WD 4-cyl. | $30,490 | $30,630 | $140 | 0.5% |
| 6946 | LE 2WD V6 | $32,015 | $32,680 | $665 | 2.1% |
| 6947 | LE Plus 2WD V6 | $34,395 | $35,060 | $665 | 1.9% |
| 6951 | XLE 2WD V6 | $37,315 | $38,520 | $1,205 | 3.2% |
| 6950 | SE 2WD V6 | N/A | $39,690 | N/A | N/A |
| 6954 | Limited 2WD V6 | $40,915 | $41,680 | $765 | 1.9% |
| 6955 | Limited Platinum 2WD V6 | $43,530 | $44,800 | $1,270 | 2.9% |
| 6948 | LE AWD V6 | $33,475 | $34,140 | $665 | 2.0% |
| 6949 | LE Plus AWD V6 | $35,855 | $36,520 | $665 | 1.9% |
| 6953 | XLE AWD V6 | $38,775 | $39,980 | $1,205 | 3.1% |
| 6952 | SE AWD V6 | N/A | $41,150 | N/A | N/A |
| 6956 | Limited AWD V6 | $42,375 | $43,140 | $765 | 1.8% |
| 6957 | Limited Platinum AWD V6 | $44,990 | $46,260 | $1,270 | 2.8% |
2017 Highlander Hybrid Model MSRP (Excluding DPH Fee)
| MODEL# | GRADE | 2016 MSRP | 2017 MSRP | MSRP CHANGE ($) | MSRP CHANGE (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6964 | LE Hybrid AWD V6 | N/A | $36,270 | N/A | N/A |
| 6965 | XLE Hybrid AWD V6 | N/A | $41,330 | N/A | N/A |
| 6966 | Limited Hybrid AWD V6 | $47,870 | $44,760 | -$3,110 | -6.5% |
| 6967 | Limited Platinum Hybrid AWD V6 | $50,485 | $47,880 | -$2,605 | -5.2% |
Note: MSRP excludes Delivery, Processing, and Handling (DPH) fee.
Conclusion: The 2017 Toyota Highlander – A Compelling SUV Choice
The 2017 Toyota Highlander presented a strong offering in the SUV market by combining enhanced safety features, improved performance, updated styling, and competitive pricing. The expansion of the Hybrid lineup and the introduction of the sporty SE grade broadened its appeal to a wider range of buyers. With its focus on value, reliability, and family-friendly features, the 2017 Toyota Highlander solidified its position as a leading choice for SUV shoppers. For those considering a mid-size SUV, understanding the Toyota Highlander Msrp and the features offered at each trim level is crucial for making an informed purchase decision. The 2017 Highlander successfully delivered on Toyota’s promise of quality and value, making it a compelling option for families and individuals seeking a versatile and reliable vehicle.
