Toyota Highlander Review
The midsize crossover 7 Passenger Toyota Highlander is available in entry-level, special edition and limited trims.
For 2011, Highlander receives restyled front and rear ends, rear climate control, and 50/50 split folding third row seat.
The more efficient hybrid model is also capable of seating seven passengers in comfort.
Engine Specs
Two engine choices are offered with the new Highlander.
The base model is equipped with a 2.7-L four-cylinder engine that cranks out 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to front wheels via 6-speed automatic transmission.
The trims SE and Limited are powered by a standard 3.5-L V6 engine that puts out 270 horsepower and torsion of about 248 lb-ft. This engine is available as option on base model. This engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic gear transmission. It is available with either standard front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive guise.
The hybrid version is powered by a same 3.5-L V6 gasoline engine combined with electric motor generating 280 horsepower. It is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. It can tow up to 3500 pounds.
Highlander is capable of towing up to 5,500 pounds. In performance testing, 2011 Highlander went from zero to sixty mph in a time span of 7.5 seconds.
Gas Mileage
The fuel economy of base model is 20 mpg in city, 25 mpg on hwy and 2 mpg on combined driving. The front-wheel 7 Passenger Toyota Highlander models achieve 18/24/20 and AWD reduce the number to 17/22/19. The hybrid model gives an average of 28 mpg in both city and highways.
