07.11.2016
Toyota Highlander– a large 7-seater crossover, which has impressive dimensions, good cross-country ability, good equipment and a low price for maintenance. This is what makes the car very popular in the secondary market. The latest generation of Highlanders is quite expensive, so many fans of large crossovers are considering purchasing the previous version, for which the prices look very attractive. But, like most used cars, the Highlander has its drawbacks, and we’ll talk about them today.
A little history:
Toyota Highlander built on the same platform as " Camry" The first generation Highlander was introduced in 2000, the car is also known as Toyota Kluger" In 2007, the second generation Toyota Highlander was presented at the Chicago Auto Show. Compared to the previous generation, the car has become significantly larger, received new headlights, a radiator grille, a modern bumper with a chrome strip at the bottom and fog lights, and the ground clearance has been increased to 206 mm. Toyota Highlander is sold in two modifications, which differ from each other only in quantity additional equipment. Buyers were offered five- and seven-seater versions of the car, and there were also single-wheel drive versions of the crossover. There are hybrid versions in the line of power units, but they were not officially delivered to us.
In 2010, the car underwent restyling, as a result of which the design of the front part of the car changed significantly. In the same year, official deliveries of the car began to Ukraine and Russia. Up to this point, the car was mainly sold in North America and Australia. Technically, the restyled Highlander is practically no different from the pre-restyled version. As befits an SUV, it is built on a lightweight chassis and a passenger platform; no downshifts or locks are provided in the transmission. The Highlander is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive and symmetrical drive, without any frills. In the spring of 2013, the third generation Toyota Highlander was presented at the New York auto show.
Advantages and disadvantages of Toyota Highlander 2 with mileage.
Toyota Highlander 2 is equipped only with gasoline power units - 2.7 (187 hp), 3.5 (273 hp) and a hybrid version 3.3 (212 hp). All motors have proven themselves to be reliable. If the previous owner properly maintained and operated the car, then there will be practically no investment in power units. When choosing a car imported from the USA, you need to be very careful; often these cars are practically not serviced there. It is recommended to choose from cars that were purchased and serviced by an official dealer; the engines of such cars usually last a very long time. When inspecting a Highlander imported from the states, pay attention to the condition of the oil under the filler neck; the oil should not look like shoe polish. Many sellers wipe traces of old oil from the neck and lid, so you need to get as deep into the neck as possible with a napkin or finger. Some car enthusiasts are afraid of cars with a hybrid installation, but this is unfounded, since the batteries are quite durable and require virtually no maintenance.
Cars with a 2.7 engine may experience strong vibrations during a cold start, which are transmitted to the body. This feature is not a malfunction and after a little warming up the vibrations disappear. The 3.5 engine has big story, for example, it has proven itself very well on the Toyota Camry. The reputation of the timing chain drive is positive; the chain here is durable, its service life is 250-300 thousand km. Regulations Maintenance car - once every 10,000 km. 
Transmission
It will not be possible to find a Toyota Highlander with a manual transmission, since the car is equipped only automatic transmission transmission Cars with a hybrid installation are equipped with a CVT. As operating experience has shown, the five-speed automatic has no drawbacks, and for its long life (250-300 thousand km) it is enough to change the oil in the gearbox every 60,000 km. Many buyers are afraid of the CVT; in fact, you only need to be wary of this box if the car has high mileage or if you are not sure of the seller. The oil in the variator needs to be changed at least once every 40-60 thousand km, depending on operating conditions. The all-wheel drive system, like the transmission, is very reliable, but still, in terms of performance, there are complaints about it. For example, when driving at high speed, the transmission makes a lot of noise.
Salon.
The interior of the Toyota Highlander is quite simple, but thanks to the high-quality assembly, crickets are a rarity here. The weak point is the stove (it stops working after 3-4 years of operation). To solve this problem, you need to disassemble the front panel and re-solder all the contacts. 
Driving performance of Toyota Highlander 2 with mileage.
Toyota Halender has a fully independent MacPherson strut suspension. Cars officially imported into the CIS have overly hard shock absorbers that do not handle road irregularities very comfortably. Cars produced for other markets do not have this problem. One of the features of the Toyota Highlander is related to the steering; on cars, even with low mileage, you can hear extraneous sounds when turning the steering wheel. The reason is play in the spline connection of the intermediate steering shaft. Owners of imported cars drove with this problem for quite a long time (20-30 thousand km), and then sold the car with this problem; On dealer cars, as a rule, the owners replaced this unit under warranty.
There is an opinion that repairing a Toyota suspension is quite expensive, but this is not entirely true for the Highlander. Unlike other cars, here most of the parts are changed not as an assembly, but separately. If you don’t try to make a full-fledged SUV out of this car, then the suspension lasts quite a long time - 100-150 thousand km. The only weak point here is the stabilizer struts, their resource is 20-40 thousand km. As for the braking system, the most weak point Brake discs are considered, their service life is 40-60 thousand km. At every maintenance it is necessary to lubricate the calipers and if this is not done, they will begin to sour and jam. 
Result:
The Toyota Highlander is more designed for quiet movement on asphalt, and if the off-road characteristics of the car are not important to you, then the Highlander will not disappoint in terms of reliability and practicality. If, on the contrary, you are looking for a Toyota for off-road excursions, then it is better to buy a used one; the difference in cost on the secondary market is not very large (2000-3000 USD).
Advantages:
- Spacious salon.
- Reliability of main components and assemblies.
- Availability of all-wheel drive.
- Low cost of spare parts.
Flaws:
- Poor sound insulation
- High fuel consumption for the 3.5 engine, up to 24 liters per 100 km.
- There is no manual transmission.
Toyota Highlander– a mid-size crossover, one of a family of cars built on the Camry platform. It enjoys well-deserved popularity as a budget analogue of the Lexus RX.
Toyota HighlanderThe history of the Toyota Highlander
The new crossover model was first shown at the New York Auto Show in early 2000.
In Japan, the car is known by another name - Toyota Kluger (from the German adjective that translates as “smart”).
Technical features of Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is equipped with the same powerful and fuel-efficient engines that have made crossovers sold under Toyota's luxury Lexus brand popular around the world. There are three main engines that equipped the first-generation Highlander cars (until 2007), one of which is four-cylinder, and the other two are V6-based. The most powerful of them is 3MZ-FE with a volume of 3.3 liters, developing 225 Horse power. The volume of the four-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine is also quite large – 2.7 liters – which allows owners of Highlander equipped with the “four” not to feel a significant loss in dynamics compared to more powerful modifications.
Highlander with a three-liter 1MZ-FE V6 accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.8 seconds, and when equipped with a 3.3-liter engine, this figure is another second less. The 3.3 liter engine began to be installed on the Highlander in 2004, so that the car would not seem “slow” compared to the more powerful Infinity FX and other cars in the same class. At the same time, with a 3.3-liter engine, to ensure fuel economy, a new five-speed automatic transmission was installed in tandem with the engine, providing significant fuel economy.
Toyota's mid- to high-priced vehicles have always featured plenty of active safety features, and the Highlander is no exception. In addition to the ABS system in the first generation Highlander, the basic modification since 2004 had a stabilization system in combination with traction control, tire pressure sensors with readings displayed on the monitor, front and side airbags in the driver and passenger head area. As an option, it was possible to purchase a set of pillows for the door pillars and curtain airbags for the rear passengers. Since 2007, all airbags have become a mandatory element, and the electronics have been supplemented with a vehicle rollover sensor, which is responsible for triggering the top and side airbags.
Pros and cons of Toyota Highlander
Toyota V6 engines in general, and the models with which the Higlander is equipped, in particular, are distinguished by extremely high efficiency indicators. For example, the average combined cycle consumption of a Highlander with all-wheel drive, a four-speed automatic transmission and air conditioning, even in winter time rarely exceeds 12 liters per 100 kilometers. This figure, which surprises owners of other cars with V6 engines of 3 liters or more, is achieved through the use of a large multi-valve circuit (24 valves) and a proprietary VVT-i variable valve timing control system on Toyota engines. In the version with a 3.3-liter engine, there is practically no difference in fuel consumption, since a five-speed automatic transmission was installed on the Highlander with this engine.
In the same modification, a third row of seats could be purchased as an option, increasing the number of passenger seats to 7. To install the third row of seats, the rear part of the supporting body structure was redone in order to lower the floor level. In versions without a third row, the same recess is used to store luggage, and in cars produced before 2004, a full-size spare tire was located in this place, later moved under the bottom. Post-restyling cars can be distinguished by a modified radiator grille, bumpers and headlights.
The most noticeable thing in the car's interior is the massive center console, integrated with the front panel. At the top of the console there is a large screen with a navigation system and the ability to control the on-board computer, and below it is the gearbox selector. Many interior details will seem familiar to those who have driven the first generation Lexus RX300, as they are unified.
In general, the interior is notable more for its quality of workmanship and the presence of convenient options than for its attractive appearance. Of the bright spots in it, perhaps only the wooden inserts on the door handles and the console between the seats, illuminated in blue modern look instruments under the traditional Toyota semicircular visor.
Second generation Toyota Highlander
In 2007, the model underwent significant changes. The volume of V6 engines increased to 3.5 liters, which made it possible to increase the car's power. To compensate for the increase in volume, a five-speed automatic transmission became standard. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine has been completely redesigned and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The hybrid version of the car, which existed in the first generation, has been actively promoted since 2007. The design of the hybrid uses an unusual and interesting principle - the main gasoline engine is responsible for transmitting torque to the front axle, while the rear, plug-in drive is controlled by an electric motor. The marketing name of the system is 4WD-i. As part of the active safety system, the responsive electrical design of the connected drive quickly responds to changes in the road surface. The design of the power steering has also changed. If the first generation Highlander had a classic power steering, then in the modern version it was replaced by an electric amplifier.
In 2012, Toyota announced a reduction in the cost of the Highlander model for the Russian market. The price of new cars has decreased significantly - by more than 200 thousand rubles. This became possible thanks to the removal of a number of options from the basic equipment: third row of seats, roof rails, leather seat trim, three-zone climate control, etc.
Toyota Highlander:
The premiere of a crossover from the Toyota concern called Toyota Highlander (Toyota Highlander) took place at the Deiroi Motor Show in 2001. This model was developed with the aim of selling it on the North American market. Depending on the modification, this model may have five or seven doors; the design of the car itself is frame type. A second one was released in 2008. Toyota generation Highlander built on the platform Toyota Camry. In 2010, the model was restyled, after which the car became available on the Russian market.
The signature appearance and eye-catching design have made this model popular all over the world. In terms of popularity, the Toyota Highlander is second only to Toyota Hilux, produced since 1968, but this is a temporary phenomenon, and Toyota plans to significantly increase sales of the new model soon.
On the territory of Russia in this moment One Toyota Highlander modification option is available. Under the hood of the car is a 3.5-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 273 hp. The gearbox is automatic, five-speed. The car has quite an impressive mass, but this does not prevent it from accelerating to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. The maximum speed possible for this model is 180 km/h. In the combined cycle, the car consumes 11.5 liters of fuel for every 100 km of travel.
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover, one of a family of cars that are built on the Camry platform. The car enjoys well-deserved popularity and is considered by drivers as a worthy budget analogue to the Lexus RX station wagon. The history of creation begins back in 2000.
The model begins its journey at the New York Auto Show, which took place in the early 2000s. In the land of the rising sun, Highlander is known by another name - Toyota Kluger (translated from German as “reasonable”).
The United States is still the best place to sell this model. Under the name Kluger, the car was sold not only in Japan, but also in Australia. The first generation came in a 5-door or 7-door version. In all countries where the crossover was sold, both options were available. The base unit for all countries was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which worked together with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Since 2003, in America, the car began to be offered with a six-cylinder engine from the 3MZ-FE series, the volume of which was 3.3 liters and 230 horsepower.
In Japan, the engine power was reduced - their version came with a 220-horsepower engine. In the fall of 2004, the world saw a hybrid subspecies of the Toyota Highlander, which came with a 3.3-liter V6 engine. The hybrid electric motor produced 270 horsepower. Since the launch of the car into production, two versions of the Toyota Highlander have been offered - front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive vehicles were equipped with a special transmission. In the US, sales broke all records. Between 2000 and 2007, 800 thousand copies of the Toyota Highlander were sold.
The emergence of the second and third generations
The second generation Toyota Highlander was again built on the Camry platform, but only with simplified all-wheel drive. This Toyota appeared before drivers in 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show. What has changed since the appearance of the long-awaited second generation of “highlanders”? First of all, the dimensions have increased:
- From 4684 mm the car stretched to 4785 mm;
- Width increased from 1826 to 1910 mm;
- The Highlander grew in height to 1760 mm;
- The wheelbase has become 2790 millimeters (previously it was 2715).
Buyers could choose a 5-seat or 7-seat version of the Highlander. Single-wheel drive modifications of the crossover have not gone away, as have hybrid versions (it was possible to switch from a 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine to a 3.5-liter unit). The hybrid engine once again bypassed the CIS countries and delighted only residents on the other side of the ocean.
A weaker Toyota Highlander with a 2.7-liter engine (189 horsepower) and a 6-speed automatic transmission was also sold in the States. And instead of the V6 3.0 liter and V6 3.3 engines on the first generation Highlanders, which produced up to 225 horsepower, a new V6 3.5 engine appeared, which had a power of 270 horsepower. Production of the second-generation car was launched not only in the homeland of the Toyota Highlander, but also in China and the States, which remained the main market for the model. During the period from 2007 to 2012, more than 500 thousand Toyota Highlanders were sold.
Toyota Highlander II (2010 facelift)
In 2012, Toyota announced a reduction in the cost of the Highlander model range for the Russian market. And in fact, the price dropped by almost 200 thousand rubles. This gift from the Japanese was received thanks to the removal of a number of options from the standard equipment of the Toyota Highlander: three-zone climate control, leather seat trim, third row, roof rails.
Third generation Highlander
The third generation of Toyota Highlander was presented in the spring of 2013 at the New York Auto Show. The model is equipped with engines with a power of 249 and 188 horsepower, which have a volume of 3.5 and 2.7 liters. Only Highlander gasoline units are presented on the domestic market. The engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The maximum speed of the weakest modification is 180 km/h, and acceleration to 100 kilometers is 8.2 seconds.
Bottom line
The car still pleases drivers today; it confidently occupies the highest places in the sales rankings. The Japanese are determined to sell 11,000 copies of the crossover this year. And this is quite real, because the story of Highlander is not over yet.
The 2017 Toyota Highlander has received an updated exterior. The full-size crossover has become the owner of an athletic appearance, attracting attention.
Premium salon
Toyota used the highest quality materials when finishing the interior of the new Highlander. They are complemented by built-in contour lighting that emits a soft light. Also in the cabin of the 2017 Toyota Highlander there is leg support, which can be adjusted to user preferences, and a box armrest with a sliding lid, which is quite large in volume.
When developing the interior of the crossover, the manufacturer paid attention to every nuance, so every trip in the new crossover will leave a pleasant impression.
Technical features
New engine and new 8-speed automatic transmission
When considering the technical characteristics of the 2017 Toyota Highlander, the first thing to mention is the appearance of a new 3.5-liter engine. The power plant has a high power rating and consumes less fuel than the engine of the previous version of the crossover. The engine is also equipped with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. As a result, using this combination of components, the manufacturer ensured that the Toyota Highlander has excellent dynamics and confidently handles itself on the road.
When selling a Toyota Highlander in Russia, the price of the car includes a number of built-in systems that provide increased safety on the roads. One of them is designed for comfortable driving of a crossover on narrow city streets. It's about about the all-round viewing system. Due to 4 cameras installed in different parts cars, parking even in a limited space will be easy and will not take much time.
Blind Spot Monitor with Visual Alert (BSM)
The blind spot monitoring system in the 2017 Toyota Highlander is complemented by a visual alert (BSM) feature. The operation of this option is ensured by special sensors embedded in the rear of the body. They monitor the movement of other vehicles and, when a car changes lanes, signal the presence of a car in the “dead” zone by giving a light signal on the side mirror.
Reverse Traffic Assist (RCTA) Blind Spot Assist
A similar system controls the exit of the crossover from the parking lot. Using sensors, it evaluates the traffic flow behind the Highlander and, if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot, it gives an audiovisual signal.
All of the above systems are complemented by an intelligent electric drive for the luggage compartment. It has a memory function, thanks to which the door rises to a predetermined height after pressing a button.
Another nice option in the new crossover is IDDS, or Integrated Dynamic Control System. It is responsible for the joint operation of all-wheel drive and steering, thereby ensuring confident movement of the car.
The updated Toyota Highlander configurations and prices include two important options: Safety Sense and a “winter” package. The first combined several active and passive safety systems, warning the driver every time the situation on the road is out of his control.
The “winter” package was developed specifically for Russia. It provides a high level of comfort inside the car during the cold season.
