2011 Toyota Highlander Columbus, OH
The Highlander is one of Toyota’s mid-size sport utility vehicles that is roomy, versatile and family-friendly. It seats up to seven passengers comfortably, and has a fold-flat third-row seat that comes standard on all V6 models, but can be deleted if desired. The Highlander is offered in several different trims: Base, Sport, SE, Limited, Hybrid and Hybrid Limited, all available in two- or four-wheel drive.
The Base model comes with two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The average estimated fuel economy is 20 city miles per gallon and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on the engine and drivetrain. A few of the features that come standard with this model are 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio, a CD player and an auxiliary audio hook-up.
The Sport model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine in either two- or four-wheel drive. The Sport model is also equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a sportier suspension, automatic headlights, foglights, roof rack side rails, and a flip-up rear window in the liftgate. The interior includes a power driver seat, cargo area-mounted releases for folding down the second-row seats, and a 3.5-inch screen that displays trip computer info and the image from the standard back-up camera.
The SE model offers the same engine options with the same gas mileage as the Sport model, but the SE model comes with the standard 17-inch wheels and regular suspension. It also adds a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, leather seating and a power passenger seat.
The most upscale of the trims is the Limited version. The engine sizes are the same and get the same gas mileage as the Sport and SE models, but the Limited has more upscale features including 19-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim and power-folding heated outside mirrors with puddle lamps. It also comes with an upgraded driver seat and power front passenger seat, keyless entry and ignition, and a satellite radio-ready audio system with a six-disc CD changer.
For a more environmentally-friendly option, the Highlander is also offered as a Hybrid. The Base Hybrid and Limited Hybrid models offer virtually the same standard features on the exterior and interior as their non-hybrid versions, but their mechanics get them significantly better gas mileage with an average of 28 miles per gallon in the city as well as on the highway.
Additional packages are available for many of the Highlander models, which offer extra features to meet any and every driving need.
As an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick, the Highlander integrates many standard safety features on all its models, including a Star Safety System™—Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brake System with Electric Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist. The Highlander’s airbag system includes driver and front-passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags. A tire pressure monitoring system, 3-point shoulder belts in all seating positions and Emergency Locking Retractor on all seatbelts are just a few of the other safety features that come standard with the Highlander.
The Highlander has been named the “Most Dependable Mid-size Multi-Activity Vehicle” for three years in a row by J.D. Power and Associates, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quality mid-size SUV.
