The Toyota Highlander has long been a favorite for families seeking a reliable, spacious, and comfortable mid-size SUV. For the 2017 model year, Toyota significantly elevates the Highlander, introducing a host of enhancements that amplify its performance, style, and safety. This refreshed model, set to debut at the New York International Auto Show, brings a new level of sophistication and capability to the already popular Highlander nameplate.
Performance Boost with New Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the 2017 Toyota Highlander gas models receive a significant powertrain upgrade. Toyota introduces a new Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT), paired with a potent 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 engine. This advanced transmission, more compact than its predecessor, optimizes gear ratios across eight speeds, resulting in enhanced transmission efficiency. The 8AT becomes standard on all V6 Highlander gas models, promising a smoother and more responsive driving experience.
The new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 engine is another key improvement for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. Available across all gas models and standard on all Highlander Hybrid grades, this engine is engineered to deliver a notable increase in horsepower and improved fuel efficiency. The direct injection system contributes to a more direct driving feel by expanding the engine’s lock-up range, translating to quicker acceleration and enhanced overall performance. This powertrain combination not only elevates the Highlander’s driving dynamics but also aligns with modern demands for both power and efficiency.
Further enhancing fuel economy in V6 models (excluding the LE trim), the 2017 Highlander incorporates a new Stop and Start Engine System (S&S). This system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, such as at traffic lights, and seamlessly restarts it when the driver releases the brake pedal. This intelligent feature contributes to reduced fuel consumption, especially in city driving conditions.
The standard powertrain for the Highlander 4×2 LE gas model remains the reliable 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid models continue to utilize the proven electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), ensuring smooth and efficient hybrid performance.
Refreshed Exterior and Interior Styling
The 2017 Toyota Highlander doesn’t just perform better; it also looks more refined. Toyota has implemented tasteful styling enhancements to both the exterior and interior of the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. The most noticeable change is the redesigned front grille, featuring a new upper and lower grille design across all grades. Each trim level receives unique grille finishes, extending into the headlamp housings. LE, LE Plus, and XLE grades sport a silver painted finish, while Limited and Platinum grades boast a painted chrome finish, adding a touch of premium distinction. At the rear, the taillights receive a sleeker redesign, and Limited and Platinum models are further differentiated by a chrome trim garnish on the rear bumper.
Adding to the visual appeal, the 2017 Highlander introduces three new exterior colors: Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl, and the sporty Salsa Red Pearl, exclusive to the new SE grade.
Inside, the Highlander’s interior receives subtle yet impactful updates. A new brown leather interior option becomes available on the Limited Platinum grade, adding a touch of luxury. Addressing the needs of modern families, Toyota significantly increases the number of USB ports. All 2017 Highlanders now feature five USB ports, with four conveniently added to the rear seats, ensuring devices stay charged on long journeys.
For those desiring maximum passenger flexibility in the premium trims, the Limited and Limited Platinum grades now offer the choice between second-row captain’s chairs, providing seven-passenger seating, or a second-row bench seat, expanding capacity to eight occupants. This allows buyers to tailor the Highlander to their specific passenger and comfort needs.
Sporty New SE Grade for Enhanced Appeal
Catering to drivers seeking a more dynamic aesthetic and driving experience, Toyota introduces the new SE grade to the 2017 Highlander lineup. The SE model distinguishes itself with sporty exterior and interior styling cues, along with suspension enhancements. Visually, the SE grade features unique 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a dark paint treatment on the front grille, headlamp housings, and roof rails, projecting a more aggressive and athletic stance. Underneath, a tuned suspension delivers a sportier ride, enhancing handling and driver engagement.
Inside the SE, unique black leather-trimmed seats with silver stitching and patterned inserts create a distinctive sporty ambiance. A black front tray and matching dash and door inserts further differentiate the SE from other Highlander models, completing the sporty interior theme.
Toyota Safety Sense P Standard Across the Lineup
Safety remains a paramount concern for Toyota, and the 2017 Highlander underscores this commitment by making Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) standard on all grades. This comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies provides drivers with enhanced peace of mind and helps mitigate potential collisions. TSS-P includes:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Forward Collision Warning and automatic emergency braking: This system uses camera and radar technology to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead, providing alerts and automatic braking to help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA): Utilizing a camera to detect lane markings, LDA warns the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and can provide steering assist to help maintain lane position.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): AHB automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and preceding vehicles, optimizing nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers.
- Pedestrian Pre-collision System: An extension of the PCS, this system is specifically designed to detect pedestrians and provide similar warning and braking assistance to avoid or lessen pedestrian collisions.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): DRCC maintains a preset following distance to the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe gap, enhancing convenience and safety in highway driving.
Further enhancing safety features, the Highlander XLE grade now includes Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment. The top-of-the-line Limited Platinum grade comes standard with a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan. This system utilizes four cameras to provide a panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the central touchscreen display, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers. The Perimeter Scan feature adds a live, rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping drivers identify potential obstacles in tight spaces.
Manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI), the 2017 Toyota Highlander continues to be a testament to American manufacturing and a cornerstone of Toyota’s SUV lineup. With its comprehensive updates in performance, styling, safety, and features, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is poised to remain a top choice for families seeking a versatile and refined mid-size SUV. Look for the refreshed Highlander and Highlander Hybrid to arrive in Toyota showrooms in the fall of 2016.
