WASHINGTON — The Toyota Highlander has been around since 2001. While it’s grown over the years, it hasn’t always been the star of its class.
I think times are changing. Last year’s redesign was just what this crossover needed. For 2015, it’s pretty much unchanged.
The exterior styling gives the Highlander a muscular look. It comes with handsome 18-inch wheels on a wider model. My wife had to ask whether it was really a Highlander, and a few friends mentioned how much better it looked. The new Highlander stands out with flared fenders and new front-end styling with a larger front grill. My tester was the middle XLE trim level, priced at a somewhat reasonable $39,302.
With the bigger size, the new Highlander seats eight people in most trim levels. (Some models have captain’s chairs for the second row, which cuts it down to seven seats.) Adults can get away with riding in the third row on short trips, but it’s probably best for children. Other SUVs in this class have more space for the third row, but the room in the Highlander is a big improvement over previous editions.
The inside materials are improved as well — the hard plastics used in previous years are mostly gone or out of sight. The heated leather seats are comfortable enough for trips, and the second row has plenty of room. The side window shades in the second row are a nice touch for families with little ones. Storage is improved, with a slick large storage console between the seats, accordion doors and a shelf in the dashboard that’s perfect for a phone.
The tech is also improved in the new Highlander. A new eight-inch display is part of the Entune premium system with NAV, HD radio, Bluetooth and a backup camera. Lower trim levels have a smaller six-inch screen. There are other apps you can choose for the Entune system and it’s pretty easy to use. But some of the buttons are a far reach for smaller drivers, so make sure you look at that on a test drive.
There’s plenty of smooth power from the 3.5-liter V6; some base models have a four-cylinder engine. The ride is pretty good and it handles bumps very well.
This isn’t the sportiest crossover on the market, but it doesn’t do anything to make you cross when you drive it. You’ll notice the increased size when parking in tight spaces or parallel parking in the city, so be aware.
The new Highlander is an improved crossover with a nice interior, more space for people and an improved look outside. I used to overlook the Highlander, but with this redesign, Toyota is putting out a very competitive midsize crossover.
