2011 Toyota Highlander Review

The Toyota Highlander 2011comes with some modifications. The front and back ends have been redesigned to give it a more refreshing look. However, the Sport trim level that was available for previous models has been done away with.

Trim levels available for the Toyota Highlander include the base, SE and the Limited models. These have a standard front-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. The base model has the following standard features; cloth upholstery, 17 inch aluminum wheels, air-conditioning, auxiliary audio jack, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 6-speaker CD player and rear privacy glass

The SE adds a power tailgate, automatic dual-zone climate control, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, foglamps, sunroof, roof rails, de-icer windshield wiper, heated front seats, back-up camera, satellite radio, upgraded sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port.

The Limited version comes with a chrome exterior trim, 19-inch aluminum wheels, keyless ignition, automatic tri-zone climate control, ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way power adjustable seat, wood grain accents and puddle lamps on the heated exterior mirrors.

Optional packages for the Highlander’s trim levels include a six-CD changer JBL audio system (with subwoofer), DVD entertainment system on the back seats, towing package and a navigation system.

The 2011 base model comes fitted with a 187 horsepower 2.7-liter 4 cylinder engine that can generate up to 186 lb-ft of torque. This is paired to 6-speed automatic transmission. The SE and Limited trims come equipped with a 270 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 248 pound-feet of torque.  This is connected to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The EPA estimates the fuel efficiency at 20 miles per gallon in the city, 25 miles per gallon on the highway and a combined fuel efficiency of 22 miles per gallon for the vase model. The two-wheel drive has a fuel efficiency of 18 miles per gallon in the city, 24 miles per gallon on the highway and a combined fuel efficiency of 20 miles per gallon. The all-wheel drive has less fuel efficiency estimated at 17 miles per gallon in the city, 22 miles per gallon on the highway and a combined fuel efficiency of 19 miles per gallon.

The Toyota Highlander 2011 has a stylish interior with well laid out controls that are simple to use and gauges that are easy to read. With the seven-passenger seating, the third row seats are a bit cramped.

Cargo space with all seats in use is 10.3 cubic feet. The third row can be folded down to provide 42.3 cubic feet of cargo space seat. The second row can be split 40/20/40-split and together with the third row seats folded down, 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space will be obtained.

Standard safety features in the 2011 Highlander include hill start assist, stability control, antilock disc brakes, side curtain air bags, side impact air bags and driver’s knee airbag. The AWD model comes equipped with a hill descent control.

The Toyota Highlander was awarded 5 stars for the frontal driver impact test and 4 stars for the frontal passenger impact test in the government crash tests. It was awarded five stars out of five for the side impact test.

The average price for the 2011 Toyota Highlander may range between $27,626 and $36, 224 with a three year basic warranty and a five year powertrain warranty.