2016 Toyota Highlander

Canadian families on the go know the Toyota Highlander is the mid-size SUV that has it all. With room for seven or eight adults and loads of gear, it’s the versatile SUV with easy-driving road manners and impressive comfort and convenience features. And with a choice of drive trains, seating arrangements and trim levels, the Highlander is wrapped in a bold, stylish package, meaning there’s a Highlander or Highlander Hybrid for everyone.

The Highlander is offered in seven models with three drivetrains (FWD, AWD and Hybrid AWD) and two seating configurations (seven-person with first and second row captain’s seats, or eight-person), plus grade-specific finishes and details designed to appeal to every taste and budget.

The 2016 Highlander family maintains Toyota’s no-compromise commitment to safety. All Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models are standard equipped with a back-up camera with a display in the console. Additionally, available safety technologies include Toyota’s Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert System, Lane Departure Alert, and Pre-Collision System. All Highlander models include eight airbags plus the six active safety technologies of the Toyota Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.

The 2016 Toyota Highlander LE is offered in two models, with a choice of front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Both feature seating for eight, plus a Display Audio system with six speakers and 6.1” touchscreen, front row captain’s seats, a 60/40 split 2nd row bench seat, 60/40 split fold-flat third row seat, a power assisted rear door closer, 18” aluminum alloy wheels and more.

The 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD offers the enhanced control of Toyota’s AWD system with Dynamic Torque Control, keeps driver and passengers better connected with the latest information and entertainment technology, and boosts comfort and convenience with premium materials and thoughtful in-cabin enhancements. Additional or upgraded features on this eight-passenger model include an enhanced Display Audio system with 8” touchscreen display and navigation system, the Easy Speak system to facilitate conversations between those in the front and rear seats, rear door sunshades, the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start, leather seating, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, fog lights, a power rear door with jam protection, flip up glass hatch on the rear door, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power moonroof, three-zone independent automatic climate control system, integrated garage door opener, roof rails with crossbars, 19” alloy wheels and more. New for 2016, the AWD XLE comes standard with a tonneau cover.

The 2016 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD delivers the best of everything. The Limited builds on the XLE to create a premium mid-size, seven-passenger model in a class by itself. Premium features include a 12-speaker JBL Synthesis Audio system, heated steering wheel, front heated and ventilated captain’s seats, heated 2nd row captain’s seats, a driver’s seat/mirror memory system, a panoramic moonroof, and more. The Highlander Limited’s interior features wood grain trim, front doorsill trim with aluminum accents and LED ambient lighting, while the exterior is finished with roof rails with chrome trim and cross bars and 19” chrome-clad alloy wheels. Additional safety technologies include a rear parking assist sonar system, Toyota’s Blind Spot Monitor and the Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety system. New for 2016, the AWD Limited comes standard with a tonneau cover.

The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE features seating for eight. Sleek, spacious and value-laden, this Highlander Hybrid sets itself apart from the competition with bold styling, and inspired interior, remarkable fuel efficiency and an array of standard features and technologies. These include an 8” Display Audio system with six speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity and integrated Sirius XM Satellite Radio, three-zone independent automatic climate control with humidity sensor, a power rear door with jam protection and flip-up glass hatch, front row captain’s seats, a 60/40 split 2nd and third row , leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start, fog lamps, 18” alloy wheels and more. This model may be further enhanced with the available leather-seating package.

- Toyota Media Canada

CarAndTruck.caJan. 18, 2017