Seven heaven
HIGHLANDER PERFECT FOR LARGE FAMILIES
own. RAV4 owners perhaps.
The Highlander is not a cheap motor. Only two trim levels are available and one powertrain.
We’re testing the £50,595 Excel, and the Excel Premium above it costs £52,275. The extra two grand gets you a digital rear-view mirror, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and hands-free boot opening.
The powertrain features a four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors – one front and one back.
Most of the time the power is transmitted through the front wheels but in moments of extreme slipperiness up to 80% goes to the rear wheels. The total power output is 244bhp.
You’d expect that a big seven-seat 4x4 SUV would be a plug-in hybrid but Toyota argues that the Highlander will mainly be used for longer journeys so a conventional hybrid system is the best option. It’s a strong argument. One thing’s for sure, it’s certainly well tested and has a reputation for reliability.
You get lots of space inside. The two rearmost seats are big enough for adults but there’ll be whingeing over long distances.
With these seats folded flat you have a huge 658 litres of boot space, and with the next row folded there’s 1,177 litres available.
Up front it’s all familiar Toyota. None of the flair that you’ll find in a Volvo, just a well made and well thought out interior with buttons and switches for most functions plus a 7.0in infotainment screen.
Where this big Toyota really scores is comfort and sophistication. The electric motors give the Highlander smooth and brisk acceleration from rest and reduce the amount of work the petrol engine needs to do moving this two-tonne motor away from junctions and traffic lights. The suspension soaks up most bumps but isn’t so soft that there’s loads of body roll. The engine is quiet once you’re on the move and at speed, and the constantly variable transmission, if you’re gentle with your right foot, doesn’t let the engine rev annoyingly every time you accelerate.
There are plenty of alternatives, Volvo’s XC90 T8 for example, which offer much more character and style albeit at a considerably higher price. But Toyota fans will appreciate the dependable and comfortable transport the Highlander offers.