The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Studyis an annual research based on x amount of problems per 100 vehicles, reported by real life car owners. The lower the x, the higher the rank. It is common knowledge that if today one wants a car that can survive an apocalypse, Toyota is the brand for you. But this year, not only the Toyotas dominate the survey, but the whole Toyota group.
Toyota cars alone have four models ranked as the most dependable non-premium vehicles. The Corolla is ranked second behind The Prius in the compact-car segment while Corolla, Camry and Highlander (Kluger) are in the top three of their segments.
Lexus and Scion (Toyota subsidiaries) also preformed exceptionally well by each scoring two top rankings. Last year it was Lexus that led the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study by winning the most awards than any other premium brand.
Other highlights coming from awards include the 11 awards that got swept by both Toyota and Lexus at the ‘IntelliChoice’ Best Overall Values of the Year ranking. Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Camry, Corolla, Highlander (Kluger), Prius, Prius v, Yaris and Scion xB. Also the 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid and Prius earned the maximum five stars for overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All that portfolio of awards is just a drop in the sea of Toyota‘s achievements. We just hope they have a big enough trophy cabinet at the factory.
Toyota has announced the price list for the 2012 Highlander SUV. The manufacturer didn’t make any improvements or upgrades to the vehicle except the slightly lower price for the entry level.
The 2011 Highlander is available in three trim levels – Base, SE and Limited grades. There are two petrol engines – four and six-cylinder, which can be mated to a 5-speed or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) are also available on all trim levels. However, the E-CVT gearbox is available only on the 2012 Highlander Hybrid.
The Hybrid version comes with 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine plus electric motor with overall power of 280PS.
2012 Toyota Highlander starts at $28 090 for the entry level with 2WD and goes up to $35 595 for the 2WD Limited V6 5-speed Automatic model. The 4WD vehicles start at $30 695 and go up to $37 045.
Toyota offers 36-month or 36 000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Toyota officially announced full details, specs and price for 2011 Highlander. The new SUV features revised styling with new front fascia, hood and fender. It also has three-row seating with rear climate control. The four-cylinder engine is now available with 2011 Highlander and the company launched more powerful and advanced V6 plus electric motor for the Hybrid version. (more…)
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) equipped with an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. With improved fuel efficiency and performance, and an array of standard convenience and safety features, the new four-cylinder model will carry the lowest MSRP in the Highlander lineup at $25,705, offering buyers an excellent value.(more…)
When it arrives at dealerships in mid-to-late January, Toyota’s new 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine will help make the Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) one of the best in its segment in the areas of fuel economy, low emissions, performance, and value. It is expected to appeal to value-driven, mid-size SUV buyers seeking these characteristics without the price premium of a V6. (more…)
Toyota introduced the all-new second-generation Highlander sports utility vehicle (SUV) for 2008 and is adding an additional model with a new four-cylinder engine for 2009.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., unveiled the all-new next-generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid mid-size sport utility vehicles (SUV) at a press conference today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.”Highlander holds a unique distinction within the Toyota brand and within the industry,” said Don Esmond, TMS senior vice president, automotive operations. “Along with the 4Runner and the FJ Cruiser, it anchors one of the industry’s only three-vehicle, mid-size SUV line-ups. Equally important, along with Prius and Camry Hybrid, it is a key component in the industry’s only three-vehicle hybrid strategy.”
The 2008 Highlander is significantly larger, roomier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces. Yet its fuel efficiency will be virtually unchanged. It is noticeably quieter, smarter, with improved versatility and ride comfort. It will offer the highest level of standard safety equipment in a segment where safety is at the top of purchase considerations. And, it’s all wrapped in a package designed for buyers who want to stand out and make a statement.
Highlander will have no equal to its comprehensive list of standard safety features. It will provide a segment-leading total of seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Toyota Highlander (2008)
As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander will provide Toyota’s STAR safety system, featuring:
• anti-lock brakes,
• traction control,
• electronic brake-force distribution,
• brake assist,
• and for the first time, enhanced vehicle stability control,
• with electronic power steering.
On all models except the base models, it will provide a stand-alone backup camera with a multi-information screen, not tied to a navigation system. And, Highlander will have the distinction of being the first Toyota division vehicle to feature both active head restraints and a new hood and fender system designed to crumple on impact with a pedestrian.
On the outside, Highlander moves away from traditional SUV styling cues with a statement of strength instead of ruggedness; of intelligence over toughness. Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif. sculpted clean, crisp lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours to give Highlander an advanced, contemporary, forceful and dynamic personality.
Highlander rides on an all-new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches of additional wheelbase.
Interior designers took full advantage of Highlander’s substantial dimensions. Design intelligence is carried through to the refined interior, where smart and sophisticated blend with practical, flexible and versatile.
The passenger compartment is open and airy. Convenient and innovative interior features such as flexible seating arrangements, and ease of entry and exit, were directly related to customer input.
For example, Highlander’s second-row features captain’s chairs with armrests that, if needed, can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. A “Center Stow” seat, when not in use, is hidden in a compartment under the front center console. In its place, passengers can easily snap in the provided center stow center console or choose to leave the area open as a walk-through to the third row. The second row also slides forward and back 4.7 inches and reclines.
Clever and convenient standard features include:
• a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area,
• a rear glass hatch for quick access to the back (optional on base grades),
• and Smart Start and Entry for Limited and all hybrid models.
When Highlander arrives in July, it will be offered in Base, Sport and Limited grades. All three grades will be powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower — a 55 horsepower gain over the previous generation’s 3.3-liter engine.
Two months later, the all-new Highlander Hybrid will arrive at dealerships. Offered in both Base and Limited grades, all Highlander hybrids will feature Toyota’s advanced VDIM stability system. The system integrates:
• full-time four-wheel drive with intelligence,
• electronic brake and throttle control,
• with true electronically-controlled active steering.
Highlander’s advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system has been extensively upgraded and refined for 2008 for both power and economy. The new Highlander gained about 500 pounds, growing significantly in every dimension and receiving extensive body and chassis reinforcement, aimed specifically at achieving best-in-class crash ratings. Not only were engineers able to increase output to 270 net horsepower, they were able to maintain Highlander Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy at 31 city and 27 highway.
The Highlander will be loaded with standard-equipped comfort and convenience features. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels will be standard on both Sport and Limited gas models and both hybrid models.
An array of options and accessories will be offered, such as a power backdoor that can be opened and closed with a key fob, a navigation system with an eight-inch screen, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, and three-zone air conditioning.
Other options include:
• JBL audio with six-disc changer and nine speakers with Bluetooth,
• third-row seat delete to create a second-row model,
• leather seat trim and heated seats,
• and a tow package with a 5000-lbs. maximum towing capacity (class-leading for car & van-based mid SUVs).
“The 2008 Highlander takes the car-based SUV concept to a new level,” said Esmond. “I say that with conviction, because it’s a category we invented.”
The Toyota RAV4, now in its third generation, was the world’s-first car-based SUV. In 1998, Lexus established a whole new category of car-based luxury SUVs when it launched the RX300. The debut of Highlander in 2001 marked the beginning of a shift in the mid-size SUV segment, from truck platforms to car platforms.
“As you can see, the new Highlander has raised the bar significantly,” said Esmond. “Last year we did the same with RAV4. And in about a year, we’ll do the same with both Land Cruiser and Sequoia. The Toyota division now markets a six-vehicle SUV lineup that appeals to specific buyer demographics and life-stages. It is a lineup that gives us enormous flexibility in responding to shifts in the marketplace. We are committed to keeping our products fresh and at the front of the pack.”
The J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is an annual research based on x amount of problems per 100 vehicles, reported by real life car owners. The lower the x, the higher the rank. It is common knowledge that if today one wants a car that can survive an apocalypse, Toyota is the brand for you. But this year, not only the Toyotas dominate the survey, but the whole Toyota group.
Toyota has announced the price list for the 2012 Highlander SUV. The manufacturer didn’t make any improvements or upgrades to the vehicle except the slightly lower price for the entry level.
Toyota officially announced full details, specs and price for 2011 Highlander. The new SUV features revised styling with new front fascia, hood and fender. It also has three-row seating with rear climate control. The four-cylinder engine is now available with 2011 Highlander and the company launched more powerful and advanced V6 plus electric motor for the Hybrid version. 
Toyota introduced the all-new second-generation Highlander sports utility vehicle (SUV) for 2008 and is adding an additional model with a new four-cylinder engine for 2009.
