2017 Toyota Highlander Debuts in New York
This morning, Toyota unveiled the all-new 2017 Toyota Highlander at the New York International Auto Show. And as stunning as it looks, it seems somewhat familiar. Oh yeah, that’s because Toyota leaked its own stock images of the Highlander more than a week ago, with pretty detailed specs to boot. Can you say “anticlimactic”? (That’s actually a difficult word to pronounce; don’t beat yourself up if you can’t.)
Key updates for the third-gen Highlander include a new Direct Shift eight-speed automatic gearbox and a 3.5-liter direct injection V8 engine that simultaneously augments horsepower ratings and improves fuel economy, though Toyota hasn’t released any figures for those yet.
Customers will also be able to opt for a new Stop and Start (S&S, which sounds like an off-brand M&M) engine system. Like similar systems offered by other automakers, the system shuts off the engine at complete stops and restarts instantaneously when the pressure is released from the brake pedal.
For the 2017 Highlander, Toyota’s Safety Sense P package is standard. The package includes multiple features for accident prevention, including a Pre-Collision System (with Forward Collision Warning and automatic emergency brake), Automatic High Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and a Pedestrian Pre-Collision System.
Customers will be faced with new choices for the 2017 Toyota Highlander. The gasoline-powered model is now offered with a new sporty SE model, which exclusively gets the new color offering featured in images here, Salsa Red Pearl. Two other new colors this year include Toasted Walnut Pearl and Celestial Silver Metallic. The SE model sits on 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, gets a dark paint treatment on the front grille, and a tuned suspension; on the inside, the SE trim gets a black front tray, matching dash and door inserts, and unique black leather-trimmed seats that feature silver stitching and pattern seat inserts.
On the Highlander Hybrid model, customers will be faced with two new trims as well, LE and XLE.
The 2017 Highlander mid-size three-row SUV will hit dealerships in the fall of this year.
Gallery: 2017 Toyota Highlander Photos
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Timothy Moore takes his leadership inspiration from Michael Scott, his writing inspiration from Mark Twain, and his dancing inspiration from every drunk white guy at a wedding. When Tim is not writing about cars and money, he’s working on his novel or reading someone else’s, geeking out over strategy board games, hiking with his pooch, or channeling his inner Linda Belcher over beers with his friends. See more articles by Timothy.