Performance Upgrades Debut in 2017 Highlander

For the 2017 model year, Toyota has made several upgrades to the Highlander, its mid-size, three-row crossover SUV that has become one of the most popular family vehicles in its class. Among the many changes is the addition of an all-new SE trim package that offers upgrades to the exterior appearance and the suspension.

Exterior Upgrades

Although the 2017 Highlander maintains most of the 2016 model’s good looks, the front end does sport an all-new grille with three slats and shiny chrome trim. The entire front seems to be larger and offers an aggressive look that gives the vehicle a more SUV-like appearance. The Highlander also sports a new set of headlights that come with more LED lights for accent, all of which are built into a completely new headlight housing design.

Interior Upgrades

Much like the Highlander’s exterior, the 2017 model’s interior has not changed much from last year. However, there are some upgrades to the materials being used, including a new brown leather trim available in the Limited Platinum trim. Those who opt for the SE trim package will find seats covered in luxurious black leather with silver stitching and trim. The Highlander now sports four USB ports, bringing the total number of charging ports throughout the vehicle to five. You can choose between seating for eight with bench seats in the second and third rows or four captain’s chairs and a bench in the third row.

Powertrain and Drivetrain

Changes to the 2017 Toyota Highlander run more than just skin-deep. In fact, you can find the biggest changes lurking under the hood. Here you will find an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine that is more compact than the one in last year’s model. The new engine features direct fuel injection designed to offer more power and even better fuel economy than before. Although final horsepower and torque ratings have not been finalized, they will be significantly higher than those found in the 2016 Highlander.

The new engine will also be equipped with the latest in stop and start technology to help significantly improve fuel economy and a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Not only is this all-new automatic more compact than last year’s six-speed version, but it also offers an expanded lockup range intended to help with overall performance and fuel economy. This same engine will also appear in the Highlander hybrid due to be released later in the model year. In this particular vehicle, the engine will be mated to an existing CVT transmission.

Safety Upgrades

The all-new 2017 Toyota Highlander comes with the very latest in safety features, including the Toyota Star advanced safety system and the Toyota Safety Sense P Elements bundle. This system includes a pre-collision warning with automatic braking, pedestrian pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. The 2017 Highlander is slated to be the best mid-size, three-row crossover SUV on the market when it hits the showroom in the fall of 2016.

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