john341

That silhouette reminds me of the current Fortuner for some reason.

• I think Highlander will introduce the new 8GR-FXS and Hybrid System to Toyota Side
• De-tuned version of V35A V6 and different version of A25A
• Overhauled Infotainment System for the new Decade
• Better AWD System than the 19 RAV4

I plan on upgrading from our 2009 Highlander, which has been an absolute gem.

spwolf

Rav4 hybrid is pretty loud when accelerating, but it doesnt sound bad? kind of sporty 4cly noise, not coarse, makes me think they wanted it that way.

-J-P-L-

While that rendering looks pretty good, I'm worried that It'll be the same length and worse, the same short wheel base as the current model as it appears to be in the pic. The Highlander has the worst 3rd row and the smallest space behind the 3rd row in the class (accept if you count Sorento - but Kia has answered this with the Telluride). The CX-9 isn't known for its cavernous space but it's better in those metrics than the current Highlander. IMO, the new Highlanders wheelbase needs to be a good 5" longer (CX-9's is 5.5" longer) and have a proper 3rd row like the new Telluride and Palisade, never mind Atlas, Pilot, & Explorer. I would find it odd if Toyota continues on the smaller end of the segment as people buying 3-rows prioritize space.

mmarshall

The real problem is that most mid-sized SUVs were never really intended for three rows, which is usually better-suited to traditional full-size SUVs. The main reason you have them is because of consumer demand, so SUV manufacturers do their best to try to respect the existing two rows and and squeeze in the third row, even if fit for only sardines, into vehicles that are usually better off without them. The only third-row seats I've seen, in a non-traditional full-sized SUV, that I would call reasonably roomy (by my standards) are in the older 1Gen GM crossover triplets......Enclave, Acadia, and Traverse. I admit, though, that I have not checked out the new Subaru Ascent....I plan to look at one at the D.C. auto show.....I haven't been to the Subaru display yet.

pbm317

No, the problem was that the Highlander targeted a smaller size/footprint. It wasn't a huge problem, as it still sold relatively well. Now today's mid-sized SUVs are absolutely intended for three rows and to effectively become the minivans of today's family. They're not squeezing in the 3rd row to the Pilot design, the Atlas, the Telluride, Palisade, Pathfinder, Ascent, Explorer, Traverse, Enclave. These are all designed from the get go to be 3 row family haulers. So was the outgoing Highlander.

-J-P-L-

True, just look at the 1st gen Highlander which was a 2-row. That was a mid-size at the time and is smaller in some ways (maybe all ways) than the Rav4. Most people that would have bought a minivan years ago now buy 3-row crossovers. Even with some space compromises, people just prefer them way more. Not like it's a total mistake in choosing these over minivans. People like to forget the AWD, higher ground clearance, and more desirable looks.

There's no question these are sized for the intention of 3 rows. Believe it or not though, some compacts such as the VW Tiguan hpas an optional 3rd row. The Rogue did but I think they dropped the option.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

It’s going to be handsome and an improvement over the current Highlander, but man the RWD based Explorer has ruined this segment for me. The overhangs on that Highlander picture are huge. Shame the next RX will suffer the same.

Stroock639

thats still my favorite looking highlander, still had a proper suv look, and then the 2014 came in looking more like a big wagon

going from yours to a new one will be a bit disappointing in terms of how it drives, (feels much more sluggish at low speeds after they added the 8 speed in 2017) but as far as tss-p and all the other features are concerned I'd say it's the best suv in its class

id say get a 2016 but I understand it's hard to justify not getting all the extra stuff the 2017 came with... UGHH!! they just had to get rid of that perfectly working 6 speed!

JDR76

For the 2016, as long as you get a Limited, you get most of what was added on the 17s. For example, my 16 has radar cruise, BSM, LDA, auto high beams, etc.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

exactly, the teaser image looks ludicrous with a corolla sized wheelbase and a highlander body length just to save a few $

corradoMR2

Looks good though hard to judge. My hope is they stretch the wheelbase a few inches on the new TNGA platform for which this will likely be based on. This will also give us insight into the next RX, again needing a much longer wheelbase for added room and a more composed ride.

mmarshall

Based on most of the mid-sized three-row crossover SUVs at the D.C. show (and I looked at all the ones displayed), most of them were very cramped inside with the third row. It was an inevitable compromise where the second-row seats were adjusted.....to get any legroom at all in the second row, the third-row seats were essentially for midgets....which they are to some extent, anyway.

Stroock639

oh yea true i forgot about that, almost everyone who came looking for a highlander wanted an XLE so i'm used to thinking about the highlander in terms of that model lol... and in 2017 the XLE got essentially all the features of the limited apart from i think cooled seats and seat memory

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

Well, technically the 3.5L in the current model isn't old, they replaced the old FE with the FKS in 2017 and I can't see them abandoning that shiny new engine for another one yet. They'll probably end up bumping the HP to the same 295 found in the RX350. If anything, they'll probably get rid of that sad joke of a 2.7L option they have (talk about unsafe merging on the highway) and replace it with the 2.0T used in the Lexus models and in the Highlander in China.

JDR76

The V6 Highlander has had 295 hp since the 2017 refresh (and the hybrid at 306 hp).