It’s no secret that the Japanese automaker produces some of the best SUV models on planet Earth. The brand makes great, long-lasting SUVs that have stood the test of time. Many Toyota SUV nameplates have survived decades and are aging like fine wine. There is also a lot of innovation in the segment. Many Toyota plug-in and hybrid SUVs are starting to catch on. The brand produces one of the most popular from a sales point of view, and it is not the Toyota 4Runner.
The Toyota Highlander still has a place in the industry after all these years
We have reached a clear crossroads in the automotive industry where the way consumers look at vehicles has completely evolved. Some drivers don’t even classify some midsize SUV models as SUVs because they don’t look like trucks. Some pickup truck fans see the lowercase as a blasphemy. The introduction of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains is changing everything.
, despite the Telluride earning higher overall ratings from critics and automotive publications. The site claims that the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the only midsize SUV to outsell the Toyota Highlander.
According to GoodCarBadCar, Toyota sold 222,805 Highlander models in 2022. That’s more than sales of Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot combined. Clearly there is still great demand for the Toyota Highlander, but why?
Why do people love Toyota Highlander so much?
The Toyota Highlander has been in production for 23 years so far. Targa is in its fourth generation. Toyota recently redesigned several nameplates and the Highlander could be next.
People love the Toyota Highlander because it offers the same longevity and reliability as other Toyota SUVs like the 4Runner, but it’s more family-friendly. The Highlander is, in many ways, the perfect family SUV. It lasts much longer than its competitors and typically has low running costs when it comes to maintenance.
It starts at $36,420. It is available in six different trim levels. The Highlander uses a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It offers decent power for its size. The midsize SUV gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. Its fuel economy is average for its segment, but midsize hybrid SUVs have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for family SUVs.
Should you get a Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is a great midsize SUV option that outperforms most rivals for a reason. praises the midsize SUV’s standard technology features, high-end interior trim, and fuel economy of the Highlander Hybrid.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves an extraordinary range compared to the gas-powered version. The Highlander can travel approximately 456 miles on a full tank of gas. The Highlander Hybrid gets 615 miles of range thanks to its stellar fuel economy. That’s 159 miles more range on a full tank of gas than the internal combustion engine version.
If you’re looking for the best midsize SUV on the market, the Highlander is one of the best options. If you want more fuel economy out of your family SUV, the Highlander Hybrid is the best choice for the money.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts at $40,220. It comes standard with a blind spot monitor, hill start assist control and Toyota’s suite of safety features, Toyota Safety Sense. If you are interested in the Highlander, the hybrid version is also worth looking into.
