2109 Toyota Highlander: Exterior upgrades aplenty
The original Toyota Highlander remains a pioneer in the now-expansive midsize crossover category, continuing to draw accolades for its exemplary safety features, performance and overall drivability.
Still a three-row family SUV with seating for up to eight, the 2019 Highlander gas model remains available in LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE and Limited grades, all available in either FWD or AWD. The hybrid model is offered in LE, XLE, and Limited grades.
New for 2019
For 2019, the Toyota Highlander receives numerous exterior upgrades across all grades. For the LE, LE PLUS and XLE grades for both gas and hybrid, a new black bodyside rocker panel has been added.
For the SE grade, exterior upgrades now include black headlights, black tail lamps, black bodyside rocker, black wheels and black chrome LED fog lamps. For the Limited and Platinum grades for hybrid and gas, the 2019 Highlander comes standard with chrome LED fog lamps.
Safety Features
High-tech safety abounds in Highlander, especially regarding visibility. All models come equipped with a standard backup camera. On the LE+ grade and above, standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert helps alert drivers to unseen hazards. Blind Spot Monitor uses radar and is designed to detect vehicles in the adjacent lane where drivers may be challenged to see them.
Family Power
The Highlander offers great performance thanks to the 3.5-liter D-4S Injection V6. Coupled with the Direct Shift – 8-speed automatic transmission, the powerful engine also has better EPA fuel economy estimates for all-wheel drive models.
Another contributor to fuel economy, Stop and Start Engine System, is used on all Highlander V6 gas models (excluding LE). At a complete stop, the engine shuts off and then instantly and smoothly restarts when the driver’s foot lifts from the brake pedal.
More Room
The 2019 Highlander is just a few inches longer than a midsize sedan yet offers three-row seating and up to 158.7 cu. ft. total cabin volume. A one-step second-row sliding seat function on both driver and passenger sides makes entering the third-row easy. Third-row passengers get a standard recline function.
A Soft, Quiet Place
A super-tight body structure, combined with finely tuned MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, endow the Highlander with an exceptionally smooth ride. Sound-control features include hydraulic engine mounts, acoustic-type windshield glass, a dash silencer and extensive body sealing.
Upholstery choices begin at the LE’s premium fabric level and progresses into the available SofTex® synthetic trim, then to available smooth or perforated leather-trim. The LE Plus grade and above feature contrast stitching on all seats and, on the Limited, wood-grain pattern trim on the dash and doors add elegance.
