The Highlander’s optional Blind Area Monitor (BSM) is made to alert you when a car is in its blind spot on either side. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), a feature offered on Highlander, is made to identify certain vehicles approaching from either side when the vehicle is in reverse. The technology is built to alert you with side mirror indicators and a warning tone if it detects cross traffic.
Which Highlander trims are equipped with blind-spot monitoring?
The six trim levels of the 2021 Toyota HighlanderL, LE, XLSE, XSE, Limited, and Platinumall offer the same features. Adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reading system, lane keeping assistance, automatic high beams, Toyota Safety Connect emergency communications, and a front collision mitigation system are all included as standard driver assistance technologies in every configuration of this SUV.
The higher trim levels of this car come with a lot more safety features and systems that improve driver awareness. The LE trim level has blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum trim level comes with a surround-view camera system, a digital rearview mirror, automatic wipers, and adaptive headlights, while the Limited trim adds front and rear parking sensors.
Available 2021 Toyota Highlander Comfort & Technology Features
- Overhead Console for Storage
- Front Seatback Storage
- Front Seats With Heat
- Secondly Row Sunblinds
- Leather Furniture
- Audio System with Six Speakers
- Internal WiFi Hotspot
- Touchscreen Display of 8 inches
- System for Remote Keyless Entry
- Display in the Head
- Control for Hill Start Assist (HAC)
- Control of trailer sway (TSC)
- (DAC) Downhill Assist Control (available on Gas AWD only)
Although AWD is a fantastic traction companion, there are times when it is not necessary, like when traveling along a highway steadily. Rear Driveline Disconnect instantly disengages drive to the rear wheels and halts the rotation of the propeller shaft under such circumstances. As one might expect, this lowers the amount of energy required to propel the car, which helps lower fuel consumption. The technology rapidly re-engages without the driver even realising when AWD is required.
When necessary, the AWD in the 2021 model makes use of a second, rear-mounted electric motor. The AWD operates smoothly and transparently, much like the hybrid powertrain itself.
There is no mechanical connection between the transmission and the back wheels while the rear electric motor is operating independently. Front wheel slip during off-the-line starts is reduced by anticipatorily applying additional driving force to the rear wheels, such as when accelerating. In addition, the technology improves turning agility by minimizing understeer. Additionally, when driving on a path, the Highlander Hybrid can travel comfortably across uneven or slippery terrain thanks to the greater rear-wheel torque.
The 2021 Highlander delivers luxurious amenities in every grade, from the entry-level L to the top-tier Platinum. To create a more upscale atmosphere, characteristics like softer padded surfaces and a more tailored appearance with stitching that extends from the door trim to the instrument panel were inspired by luxuriously constructed interiors. The HVAC and entertainment controls are elegantly and effectively integrated into the dash.
The center console in the cabin has five USB charging connections, plenty of storage, and Qi wireless charging capabilities. Ambient LED lighting creates a calming atmosphere on Limited and Platinum grades. On all grades, inset steering wheel controls are a contemporary luxury feature.
With the high-strength TNGA platform, Toyota raises the bar even higher for the Highlanders, which have long been known for their quiet ride. The vehicle’s soundproofing and sound-dampening materials have been adjusted throughout, with the takumi method paying special attention to reducing noise in the range of frequencies that disrupt dialogue. For further noise isolation for the driver, Limited and Platinum grades, for instance, have acoustic glass on the front side windows.
The color scheme used for the seating heightens the 2021 Highlander’s air of grandeur. The XLE offers SofTex -trim in Harvest Beige, Graphite, or Black, while the Limited offers identical colors in perforated leather-trim. The L and LE grades have pleasant woven cloth seat surfaces in Graphite or Black. The most opulent Highlander ever offered, the Platinum grade, comes only with embossed, perforated leather-trim in those three hues, as well as the opulently decadent Glazed Caramel brown.
The 2021 Highlander is equipped with the most modern multimedia equipment, ready for however passengers connect with their worlds and listen to music. All trim levels include standard Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3-month trial of SiriusXM All Access, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Toyota Safety Connect is standard on every Highlander model and includes a one-year trial membership.
Service and remote connectivity are available in grades LE and higher. Dynamic navigation is offered as part of the optional audio package for the XLE with a 3-year trial period, while it is included as standard for the XSE grade and upwards. The outstanding 12.3-inch multimedia screen, which is also offered as a bundle for Limited, is accessible with a grade upgrade to Platinum.
With 1,200 watts of power streaming through 11 speakers in nine positions, the JBL Premium Audio System, which is standard for Limited and Platinum grades and available as a package on XSE, rocks music of all genres. Clari-Fi technology gives compressed digital music formats new vitality, creating the effect of a mobile concert. But disputes about what music to play won’t be resolved by the system.
The TNGA-K platform, which also houses a number of standard driver-assist features to lessen the effects of collisions or help avoid them, supports the 2021 Highlander.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5+) is a feature of the 2021 Highlander. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) are standard features on LE grade and higher vehicles. On Limited and higher models, rear cross traffic braking (RCTB) is an option with clearance sonar.
While the backup camera on the Limited has conventional dynamic gridlines, the backup camera on the regular model has projected path. A Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan offers a live rotating 360-degree view surrounding the vehicle and is standard on Platinum and Limited.
Eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows, are standard on the 2021 Highlander. Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology are all components of Toyota’s Star Safety System (SST).
No matter the grade, every Highlander has something to offer, whether it’s for a weekend excursion to the countryside or a city tour. The 2021 Highlander offers something for everyone when it enters dealerships, with five gas variants and five hybrid models.
All parts, excluding those that would typically require wear and maintenance, are covered by Toyota’s standard 36-month/36,000-mile new-vehicle guarantee. Additional 60-month warranties have no mileage restrictions and cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles as well as perforation from corrosion for 60 months. When sold as new, hybrid-related components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date of first usage for repairs necessary to address material or workmanship flaws. The hybrid battery comes with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty that may be transferred from one owner to another.
The ToyotaCare plan, which covers routine factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of roadside assistance, unlimited mileage, are also included with the 2021 Highlander.