The Highlander is Toyota’s iconic mid-size crossover SUV that’s been around for nearly two decades and some of the first-generation ones can be seen still going around and their owners swear by them and won’t dream of switching over to another brand whatsoever. Its now in its 4^th generation and has seen several facelifts and we now even have a Hybrid version.  We called upon McCall Toyota Dealer to take a look at the 2019 model and understand why we see the 2019 Toyota Highlander so often.

Bold and Aggressive Design

The Highlander hasn’t given up its bold and aggressive exterior profile with its sturdy looks and iconic trapezoidal front grille. The Headlights on the Highlander now enhance the look by incorporating Daytime Running Lights and uniquely styled housings for different trims such as dark-black accents, chrome-accents and a Nightshade package that gives black headlights and fog lights in addition to black trim in different places such as the door handles, mirror caps, shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler and black on the 19-inch wheels. Keeping its end-use in mind, the 2019 Toyota Highlander comes with Washer-linked Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers, a Windshield Wiper De-icer, UV Reduction glass on all windows and High Solar Absorption glass on the front and rear side windows. The SE upwards you get a Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection.

Feature Packed Interiors

The highly popular Highlander doesn’t disappoint when you climb in. The spacious and crafted interiors and packed with features anywhere you look. You have two USB ports in front and two in the rear totaling to 4 for charging up your devices on that family outing. There is comfortable seating arrangement for up to 8 persons and still leaving out enough leg space to stretch out on that long journeys and ample cargo space taking up the 60/40 split fold third row seats. The cabin is surprisingly silent and outside noise is cleverly kept out using acoustic glass and dampening materials all around, even on the floor. You will need to take the Platinum Package if you want to add a Panoramic Moonroof but it is worth every dime. From the SE onwards you enjoy 3-zone automatic climate control. Infotainment is provided on a 6.1-inch touchscreen that deploys Entune Audio, Bluetooth, Handsfree phone, Siri and what not. The display size increases to a sophisticated 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen and on the Limited you enjoy a Entune JBL Premium Audio with integrated Navigation and 12 JBL Greenedge speakers with amplifier.

Engines and Performance

A 2.7-liter 4-cyl, 16-valve Gasoline engine with DOHC and Dual-VVT that generates 185 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque is the most basic engine you will find in the Highlander. The SE upgrades you to a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson Cycle Gasoline engine with VVT-i and engine start / stop technology. The Hybrids on the other hand get a 3.5-liter V6 similar to the SE and get a 228 kW motor that can generate 306 Hybrid system net horsepower. According to McCall Toyota dealership, one of the reasons you would see so many of the Highlanders is the addition of the Hybrid choice which is now gaining wide popularity with vehicle users and the reliability factor of the conventional Highlanders that’s still a strong selling point.