Toyota's 2011 Highlander is available in base, SE and Limited trims. A 2.7L 4-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque is standard on the base trim and available on the SE. A 3.5L V6 engine making 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque is the uplevel powertrain. The base engine is paired with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 versions get a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engines can be equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the base 4-cylinder can pull up to 3,500 pounds.
Toyota also offers a hybrid version of the Highlander. All hybrids come with a 3.5L V6 engine and integrated electric motor/generator system that's able to make a combined 280 horsepower. The Highlander Hybrid has an EV mode for driving short distances at low speed on electric power only, and there's also an ECON mode that limits acceleration to conserve energy. 4-wheel drive and an automatic continuously variable transmission are also standard.
Inside, there's optional seating for seven, with a third-row seat that folds and stows away and a 40/20/40-split folding second row that slides fore and aft and also reclines.
Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, front side air bags, roll-sensing side-curtain bags, driver's knee bag. Hill start assist and downhill assist control are optional. The Highlander Hybrid also includes the VDIM (vehicle dynamics integrated management) system, which integrates all of the safety electronics--including throttle and brakes--to more seamlessly intervene when a potential loss of vehicle control is detected.
An electric power steering system is standard on all trims and provides many important safety functions. The non-hybrid Highlanders have straight-line steering, which means the power steering helps offset a pull to the side due to uneven surfaces or hard braking. All Highlanders also have a corner braking feature whereby the power steering assist helps the driver regain and maintain vehicle stability.
The Highlander's standard feature list includes 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control and power accessories. The fold-flat third row of seating is standard but can be removed. The SE adds a standard sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and a power passenger seat. At the top of the line is the Limited, which adds leather upholstery and Satin Mahogany interior trim, an upgraded sound system with a 6-disc changer, Smart Key entry system, heated power mirrors and a heated windshield, along with a host of upscale cosmetic details.
Major options include a power door in back, voice-activated navigation, leather upholstery with multi-stage heated seats, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, tri-zone air conditioning, a tow package, a moonroof and a JBL premium audio system with Bluetooth. Available individual options will vary depending on trim level and region.
Roomy And Versatile Interior
Seating For Seven Adults
Responsive Acceleration
Confident Ride
Hybrid Availability
V6 Towing Capability
For 2011, the Toyota Highlander has been given revised front and rear styling, with slimmer headlights, a new grille and silver accents around the bumper-mounted fog lamps. New taillights and rear trim have also been fitted. The Sport model has been discontinued, and the Hybrid model has been given more power through the use of a 3.5L V6 in place of last year's 3.3L unit, pushing horsepower up from 270 in 2010 to 280 in 2011. A third-row seat is now standard on all models.
The 2011 Toyota Highlander is still seen as one of the best combinations of an SUV and sedan available in the United States. Offering seating for seven adults, the Highlander is surprisingly versatile. When properly equipped, the upper-end Highlanders can tow up to 5,000 pounds. MSRP starts at $27,390. Estimated mileage is 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the base 4-cylinder trim. The hybrid version starts at just under $35,000 and is capable of 27 mpg in the city.
