What makes the Highlander a joy to drive
The Highlander earns its reputation for its all-around goodness. The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a complete package of performance, comfort, and style. This third generation Highlander is 2.7 inches longer and half an inch wider than its predecessor. The 3.5-liter V6 remains the mainstay engine. The Highlander and its hybrid version have the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer as its competitors.
Here’s what’s new in the 2016 Highlander:
- Pre-collision warning
- Blind-spot warning
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Backup camera is standard
- Leather option is available from the XLE trim level
- The tires have tall sidewalls helping the Highlander to float over bumps
- All V6 engine models are fitted with towing package of up to 5000 pounds (they are fitted with a heavy-duty radiator, alternator, and supplemental oil cooler)
- The four-cylinder Highlander LE can tow up to 1500 pounds
Performance and safety features:
- A six-speed automatic transmission is available in the LE trim. The estimated combined mpg is 22.
- All other trims come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Even though the transmission remains the same, front-wheel or all-wheel drive mode is available. The front-wheel-drive options provide a combined mpg of 21 and the all-wheel drive a combined mpg of 20.
- It also outpaces the competition by a few seconds by recording 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds.
- Standard safety features include front-seat side airbags, anti-lock disk brakes, traction and stability control, a driver knee airbag, rearview camera, and front passenger seat airbag.
- The Highlander received 5/5 in government crash testing.
- The Limited trim comes with blind spot monitoring, frontal collision warning and mitigation system, lane departure warning, and Toyota’s safety connect telematics (emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location, and automatic collision notification)
- The hybrid trim gets a very good fuel economy of 27 mpg.
In a nutshell, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is a solid SUV which acts its role as a mobile family room to the hilt.
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