Strength in Every Seat: A Look at the 2015 Toyota Highlander

2015 Toyota Highlander is a unique versatile truck vehicle that combines comfort, spaciousness with up to eight seating places, and performance combined with fair fuel efficiency.

It is available in several trim levels: LE Plus, LE, XLE, Limited, Limited Platinum. Also, Hybrid model is still offered, which is marvelous news for those who are ecologically-minded.

The SUV That Balances Strength and Style

There are certain details in Highlander’s appearance, which have been probably taken from the segment between crossovers and sport utility vehicles like fabulous sills and wheel wells, as well as side lateral view taken probably from X5 by BMW or Durango model by Dodge. Even though it is quite big and spacious car, its exterior gives you a positive feel that this is not a truck type of car. Interior is very comfortable with textures and lines, and, if it may be called so, user-friendly, for large gauges, as well as easy-to-use knobs for climate control, surely provide pleasant user experience.

Confidence on Every Curve

Four-cylinder 2.7-liter engine is included in base models, and it can produce 185 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. Motor can be connected with six-speed auto transmission and configured with front-wheel drive (FWD) only. Optional V6 six-cylinder 3.5 liter engine with 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque is coupled with six-speed auto transmission. Here you may choose front- or all-wheel (AWD) configuration. This engine lets you drive quickly enough, but, comparing to other strong engines like V8, it gives you certain quietness and softness. Highlander Hybrid features V6 3.5 liter engine with electric motor fore and aft. Its total power is 280 horsepower, which is quite good. Front motor together with engine are coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is electronically controlled.

Where Power Meets Practicality

Fuel economy is the best in Hybrid model, of course. According to ratings, it’s around 27/28 mpg (city/highway). If Highlander is equipped with four-cylinder engine, then, due to considerable weight of this vehicle, it needs to operate in much harder conditions. Thus, its fuel efficiency is rated at 20/25 mpg. V6’s fuel economy specs with FWD configuration are estimated at 19/25 mpg, while AWD configuration offers 18/24 mpg.