Highlander hits new heights

With seven seats and a hybrid powertrain, the Highlander looks appealing – but does it measure up? Darren Cassey finds out.

The SUV market is huge, so perhaps the only surprise about the fact the Toyota Highlander is being brought to these shores is that it’s taken this long. Now in its fourth generation, this sevenseat SUV sits on a new platform and has a hybrid engine, the latter sure to make it appealing to British buyers. We’ve been behind the wheel to find out if its combination of practicality, sleek looks and an electrified powertrain combine to create a compelling product for the UK market.

WHAT’S NEW?

The key change for the fourthgeneration Highlander is the move to a new platform, which opens up a whole raft of improvements, including electrification, safety and driveability. As such, it comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense technologies and the latest generation hybrid powertrain. It also gets four-wheel-drive, while the new platform gives it the lowest centre of gravity in the segment.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

When you climb aboard the Toyota Highlander, it doesn’t feel quite as huge as it looks from the outside, but you’re under no illusions this is a big old truck. However, it’s immediately impressive once you pull away. The electric powertrain is silent and responsive, bringing high levels of refinement on the move, while the soft suspension makes potted roads a breeze. And once speeds pick up the Highlander’s huge sides don’t make it a wallowy mess. It’s incredibly composed in corners, which helps to make it far less intimidating to drive. It is comfortable at motorway speeds too, keeping outside noise to a minimum.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

There are only two trims - Excel and Excel Premium - starting from £50,595 and £52,575 respectively. The standard trim includes 20-inch alloy wheels, three-zone air conditioning, heated leather front seats, the eight-inch infotainment screen, LED headlights, wireless phone charging and a JBL speaker system. Upgrade to Excel Premium and you get a different style of alloys, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, head-up display, 360-degree camera, and a heated leather steering wheel.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Nothing’s perfect, and while the sleek exterior styling and impressive ride quality are that of a premium product, the interior has a more functional appearance. That’s by design as the Highlander is focused at being a durable family wagon, but the dashboard already looks somewhat dated. This largely comes from the infotainment screen, which is an eight-inch unit that looks quite small by modern standards (especially in a cabin this size). More positively, the materials and upholstery feel like they’re decent quality in all the right places, there are lots of storage solutions, and everyone on board has plenty of space.

THE VERDICT

The Highlander is a fantastic proposition. It looks great, will be hugely practical for big families, and has an efficient hybrid powertrain. If you’re looking for a top interior, it might be a let down, but the driving experience is hugely impressive. Price-wise, it’s close to entry-level versions of the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery, so if badge appeal matters above all-else they could be worth a look. But if eco credentials are important, the Q7 plug-in hybrid is a lot pricier, while the Discovery only has mild hybrids, making the Highlander’s price all the more reasonable.