A V6 engine, three electric motors, and a continuously variable transmission are all included in the Highlander Hybrid, an all-wheel-drive variant (CVT).
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Does the 2017 Highlander come with a CVT?
California’s TORRANCE, March 14, 2016
On March 23, Toyota will make its highly improved Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) dbut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Inside and exterior, the well-known Highlander receives a variety of new and updated features, including a new Direct Shift 8-speed transmission (8AT automatic transmission).
The Highlander is a mid-size three-row SUV without compromises that combines the very best in design, technology, comfort, functionality, and safety. Its outside design exudes sophistication and strength, complementing an elegant interior that raises the benchmark for its sector. The third-generation vehicle, now in its fourth year, provides space for up to eight passengers, a selection of three powertrains, and six model grades, including a new sporty SE model. To its current array of Limited and Platinum versions, the Highlander Hybrid now offers two additional classes (LE and XLE), bringing the total to four. The Highlander Hybrid will still be available in only all-wheel drive variants (AWD). The six gas-powered Highlander versions (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited, and Limited Platinum) will still be offered with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The perfect family car is what it all comes down to.
Greater Performance Level The new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission), which will be combined with a new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine, will improve performance in the 2017 Highlander gas variants. Through its 8-speed gear range, the new transmission’s more compact design will increase transmission efficiency. All V6 Highlander gas vehicles will come equipped with the 8AT (Automatic Transmission).
All Highlander gas variants will have access to the new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Engine, which will come standard on all Hybrid grades. By extending the lock up range, the new engine will produce noticeably more horsepower, offer improved fuel efficiency, and deliver a more direct driving experience.
In addition to Highlander, the 2017 Toyota Sienna van will also be available with the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) and 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine powerplant.
Highlander V6 vehicles (except LE) will now come standard with a new Stop and Start Engine System in an effort to help save gasoline (S&S). The Highlander’s S&S system enables the engine to shut off when the car comes to a complete stop and to resume when the driver takes their foot off the brake.
The 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed automated transmission will continue to be the Highlander 42 LE gas variants’ standard powertrain. The continuously variable gearbox with electronic control will continue to be available for all Highlander Hybrid variants (CVT).
Modernized Luxury Feel and Look The 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will get classy aesthetic updates that will keep them in the spotlight. The revised upper and lower front grille designs for all grades serve as the first change. The grille finishes that characterize each grade will also be present in the housing for the headlamps. All LE, LE Plus, and XLE grades’ grilles will be painted silver, while Limited and Platinum grades’ grilles will be painted chrome. The rear taillights will get a more streamlined appearance from behind. The Limited and Platinum variants’ rear bumpers will also receive a chrome trim garnish.
Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl, and Salsa Red Pearl will only be available on the new SE model of the Highlander.
The Limited Platinum grade will now have a new brown leather upholstery, among other interior upgrades. Due to the addition of four additional USB ports for a total of five on all Highlanders, charging personal gadgets will be more effective.
The premium Limited and Limited Platinum grades will give buyers the option of second-row captain’s chairs (providing seating for seven), or second-row bench seats, which will increase capacity to eight people, for those who want a Highlander with all the bells and whistles but need additional passenger seating.
Activated New SE Grade Highlander is now available in the new SE trim for a dash of sportiness. Beginning with distinctive 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, modified suspension for a sharper ride, and a sporty black paint treatment for the front grille that is also incorporated into the headlamp housings and roof rails, it has a sporty exterior.
The SE’s interior will set it apart from other Highlander models thanks to its distinctive black leather-trimmed seats with silver stitching and pattern seat inserts, black front tray, and complementary dash and door accents.
Toyota Safety That Is Logical Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS), a new multi-feature enhanced safety package including automated pre-collision braking, will be a standard feature of the 2017 Highlander. Pre-Collision System (including Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Brake), Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Pedestrian Pre-Collision System, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control are just a few of the cutting-edge safety features included in TSS.
A camera and radar are used by the Pedestrian Pre-collision System (PCS) to find items in front of the car. The technology warns the driver to brake with an auditory and visual alarm when it decides there is a chance of a collision. The device applies more braking pressure if the driver detects the hazard and brakes. In order to avoid or lessen an accident, the system automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t do so within a predetermined amount of time.
A camera is used by Lane Departure Alert (LDA) to identify clearly visible lane markings. LDA warns the driver and offers steering assistance to help the car return to its lane if the system detects that it is beginning to stray from it.
When driving at night, Automatic High Beam (AHB) aids improve forward visibility. It automatically switches between high and low beams to avoid blinding other drivers by using a camera to detect the headlights of approaching cars and the taillights of cars in front of it.
Blind spot monitoring will also become standard on Highlander XLE models.
The 2017 Highlander Limited Platinum grade will include a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan as standard equipment to help with parking convenience and safety. Four cameras located on the front, side mirrors, and rear of the car are used by this Toyota technology to reflect a panoramic image of the surrounding area onto the central touch display monitor. The device aids drivers in parallel parking as well as in entering and exiting parking spaces. The Perimeter Scan feature of the Bird’s Eye Vision Monitor system, a Toyota first, offers a live rotating 360-degree view surrounding the car, assisting the driver in spotting potential impediments.
All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Indiana, which has over 5,000 American workers on staff and exports its products to 12 nations.
In the fall of 2016, the 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will start showing up in Toyota dealerships.
Has the 2020 Toyota Highlander been fitted with a CVT?
Our expert shares his opinions about the new 2020 Highlander’s performance in each of the 10 areas that make up the 2019 APEAL Study in the sections that follow.
Exterior
Owners of the Highlander requested that Toyota enhance the SUV’s front look, and the new 2020 Highlander sports a more attractive appearance. But the corporation didn’t stop there; it also lengthened and expanded the Highlander and embellished its flanks.
Higher trim levels with larger and more intricate wheels produce an attractive appearance that obviously borrows from but updates the aesthetic motifs of the departing Highlander. The Highlander appears a touch swollen in lesser trim levels with smaller and simpler wheels, notably at its rear haunches.
In any case, the new Highlander surpasses its predecessor in quality and weight, achieving one of Toyota’s primary objectives for the SUV. And the silvery blue tint of the new Moon Dust paint looks great.
Interior
The same is true inside. The Highlander’s materials, control design, and detailing raise this family-sized Toyota SUV to a higher standard even in the LE version, which is relatively basic. However, the adjustments do reduce storage space to some extent (more on that below).
The new design lacks the crisp cohesiveness of the previous Highlander and is busier in terms of look. But the new Highlander makes sure you know how cutting-edge and contemporary it is with its towering tablet-style infotainment and temperature pod, housed in a styled asymmetrical shell.
For a brand-new Glazed Caramel leather color, select Platinum trim. In contrast to the typical hues of Black, Graphite, and Harvest Beige, it sounds sticky and sweet but actually gives the Highlander’s interior a more unique atmosphere.
Seats
If you’re sitting in the first or second rows of the 2017 Toyota Highlander, comfort is simple to come by. Despite a purported increase in third-row legroom, it still feels constricting, indicating that Toyota has not effectively addressed one of the main changes that prior Highlander owners wanted made.
The front chairs are exceptionally comfortable in adverse weather conditions thanks to the available heating and ventilation, and the basic power driver’s seat has enough adjustment options to please the majority of drivers. I struggled to find the ideal height and thigh support settings, but while I’m driving, I usually maximize both.
There isn’t a height-adjustable front passenger seat. But its absence isn’t a big deal because it’s elevated enough off the ground and in respect to the inside.
Excellent second-row seating features big cushions, adequate thigh support, and lots of space. Platinum trim is exclusively available on captain’s chairs. With L and LE trim, just a bench seat is available. You have a choice between the XLE and the Limited.
Adults have difficulty getting into the third row, and the third-row seat itself is uncomfortable for longer trips. Since I am six feet tall, the only way I could fit was if a second-row passenger in the same row scooted forward until his knees touched the front seat. Additionally, there is no thigh support at all in the flat third-row seat.
Because of this, the new Highlander still falls short of its rivals in terms of third-row comfort and space. If you frequently need to transport passengers in this area of the SUV, a Volkswagen Atlas is what you require. possibly a Ford Expedition. even a minivan.
Climate Control System
Toyota incorporated the dual-zone automated climate controls in the Highlander above the center air vents on the dashboard and between the large volume and tuning knobs for the infotainment system. Unless you’re wearing particularly heavy gloves, it should be simple to locate and use these two stacked strips.
Air vents for the second row are situated in the ceiling headliner, up above. Second-row side window shades are an option, and they can be adjusted for ventilation and orientation to help with comfort. Rear passengers have additional control with a three-zone automatic climate control system, which is also an option.
Unfortunately, it was unable to assess the system’s efficiency because of the mild weather.
Infotainment System
The majority of the new 2020 Highlanders will feature a recognizable infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen positioned beneath a flush glass surface. The LCD is flanked by menu shortcut buttons, and Toyota includes practical volume and tuning knobs.
The usual highlights include a free 3-month trial membership to SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. In addition, Toyota offers a one-year subscription to Safety Connect services as well as regular 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity for three months or two gigabytes of data, whichever comes first. A one-year subscription to Remote Connect services, HD Radio, and 10 years of Service Connect are also included with every Highlander from the LE trim level and higher.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which is available as an upgrade with Limited trim and as standard equipment with Platinum trim, is the big entertainment-related news. Dynamic navigation with three years of free data updates, a 1,200-watt JBL premium sound system, and concierge services from Destination Assist are all featured on the dashboard’s large screen.
This updated method enhances voice recognition technology. After deviating from Toyota’s suggested route, we got a little bit lost, but the voice recognition system quickly located the meeting place even without knowing its full name. The volume and tuning knobs on this system are also enormous, making them considerably easier to use than the ones on the Highlander before.
Unfortunately, the front passenger’s clothes reflections made it challenging to read the screen when traveling in bright sunlight. The JBL sound system also provided an excessive amount of bass, which is a hallmark of the brand’s muddiness in terms of quality.
Storage and Space
Storage was a Highlander’s strong suit in the previous generation, which had a spacious center console bin with two access points and a convenient rack spanning the dashboard. Both are still present, but they are less enjoyable to use.
Two smaller storage spaces are separated by the shelf. The single center console aperture is now smaller than it was, and the available wireless smartphone charging pad is hidden beneath the lid, taking up extra room and creating a barrier. It should be integrated with the tray that is located in front of the gear selector.
Toyota has partially fixed a problem with the previous Highlander. More roomy cargo compartments can be found behind the second and third rows of seats, measuring 48.4 cubic feet and 16 cubic feet, respectively. (The largest volume is 84.3 cubic feet.) Although there is a small storage space beneath the cargo floor, it is not as handy as those offered by several rivals.
Visibility and Safety
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is loaded with safety features. All trim levels of the company’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) come with a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic detection, with the exception of the base Highlander L. A free year of Safety Connect service, which includes automated collision notification and SOS emergency dialing, is also included with every Highlander as a standard feature by Toyota.
Both the new Lane Tracing Assist system, which centers the Highlander in the intended lane of travel, and the adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capabilities performed admirably during testing in San Antonio traffic and on the open roads northeast of the city. In addition to being precise, they also react to shifting traffic scenarios and driving situations with grace and refinement.
Toyota does not endorse the use of hands-free technology while driving. It doesn’t take long after you let go of the steering wheel for a warning to urge you to take it back. Soon after, it becomes more persistent, and the device stops providing steering assistance.
Given that Safety Connect is a standard feature and offers SOS emergency phoning, Toyota should find it simple to develop this system to function similarly to Mercedes-Benz Emergency Assist. The adaptive cruise and lane centering aid systems in a modern Benz come to a halt, turn on the danger flashers, and dial 9-1-1 for the driver if they fall asleep behind the wheel or experience a medical emergency.
Engine/Transmission
When purchasing a 2020 Highlander, you have two engine options. The first is a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and an 8-speed automatic transmission that was taken from the previous Highlander and put into the new one. It drives the front or all four wheels and has a 295 horsepower output.
The new Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which also includes Multi-Terrain Select traction technology and a fuel-saving driveline disconnect system that engages the rear wheels only when necessary, is only available on the Highlander Limited and Platinum models.
A new, next-generation drivetrain built around a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine powers the 2020 Highlander Hybrid. The new engine, which uses an electronic continuously variable gearbox (eCVT) to produce up to 36 mpg in combined driving while producing a combined 243 horsepower, replaces the V6 utilized in the previous Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid, which is brand-new for 2020, has both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The V6 and 8-speed automatic in the new Highlander perform precisely the same as those in the 20172019 model. Although there is plenty of power, occasionally you will experience a slight delay as the transmission upshifts. Overall, it’s a strong combo that has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Fans of the previous Toyota Highlander may be disappointed by the transition to a 4-cylinder and subsequent drop in horsepower to 243 hp. The nearly 25% gain in fuel efficiency should make up for any disappointment. In addition, the Highlander Hybrid never feels slow thanks to the competent eCVT and quick electric motor push when starting from a halt. In contrast to the previous one, it never feels rapid.
Fuel Economy
Hybrids typically have greater city fuel economy than they do on the highway. This is due to the fact that they operate more efficiently in cities where they frequently operate only on battery power at slower speeds.
I failed to achieve the 35 mpg combined driving estimate set by the EPA when operating an AWD Highlander Hybrid Platinum. The majority of the journey was on highways, with relatively little driving in cities and suburbs. The SUV did, however, effortlessly average 33.6 mpg, which is really excellent for a three-row midsize crossover with AWD.
When switching to the V6 AWD, fuel economy plummeted as was expected. I got 18.9 mpg on average in this Highlander.
With this revamp, Toyota claims it hopes to boost hybrid sales to 25% of the whole mix. That shouldn’t be difficult for the manufacturer to achieve, given the difference in fuel economy between the two different powertrains that I noticed.
Driving Dynamics
The new SUV’s Highlander offers a skillful fusion of comfort, quietness, and responsiveness in terms of ride and handling characteristics.
Toyota has optimized everything to run smoothly in the background. Even with the Highlander Hybrid’s regenerative braking technology, it’s simple to bring the SUV to a safe, orderly stop since the steering always feels just-right.
When you compare the V6 and hybrid versions side by side, the latter comes across as being lighter and more sporty. The Highlander Hybrid’s center of gravity is lowered by the weight of the battery and electric motors, but this model also exhibits increased body motion and choppiness as the suspension tries to handle the added weight.
We did not test the new Highlander under our usual conditions because routes in and around San Antonio, Texas did not involve mountain or canyon driving and most had stupidly low speed limits.