For some reason, Toyota has always decided to not sell its biggest SUV, the Highlander, in the European market. This time things are changing and from now on the 7-seats SUV will be available in the old continent, even though the only configuration offered is going to be the “Full Hybrid Electric” one.
Toyota Highlander has always been a good-selling vehicle in the American market, but Toyota always thought that a SUV this big (4,950 mm long) wouldn’t be able to conquer the small streets of the European cities. The market has changed a lot recently, as we saw cars like Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail having a discrete success.
The single hybrid powertrain available combines a 2,500cc petrol engine with two electric engines, one on the front and one on the back (the car is exclusively going to have an all-wheel drive traction). The power generated from the three engines combined is going to be 244 HP and four driving modes are going to be available – ECO, NORMAL, SPORT and TRAIL.
The cabin isn’t particularly innovative in its design, but it privileges comfort and practicality. For example, the second seats row can move forward so that even two adult people can sit on the third row of seats without suffering from claustrophobia. The trunk has a capacity of 658 liters and the trunk door can be opened thanks to a feet sensor. You can fold the third and even the second row of seats to increase the car’s capacity up to 1,909 liters – many vans do a lot worse.
The standard equipment is quite rich. You won’t have to spend a buck for the 12.3’’ display which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You won’t have to spend a buck even for the head-up display and other high-tech stuff. The latest “Toyota Safety Sense” package will be available to customers and it includes anti-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, road sign assist, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert and automatic high beam.
The new Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be available for the European market in early 2021.
