New for 2015

Having received a thorough makeover in 2014, the Toyota Highlander remains essentially unchanged for the 2015 model year.

Beyond Extraordinary

The midsize crossover segment is more crowded than Times Square on New Year’s Eve, but that doesn’t mean the 2015 Toyota Highlander has trouble standing out amongst a crowd. No, with the Toyota badge sat atop its handsome face, the Highlander continues its legacy as one of the most complete crossover SUVs around, providing drivers a unique blend of power, good fuel economy, and family-friendly features.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Toyota Highlander is available with two different powertrains. First up is the standard LE models 2.7-liter four-cylinder, which creates 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic, earning it an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (20 city/25 highway).*

While the 2.7-liter is more than capable, the true gem of the lineup, however, is the 3.5-liter V6, which is optional on the LE model and standard on all other trims (more on trims later). It generates a prodigious 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Once again you’ll find a six-speed automatic transmission, with the option of either front- or all-wheel drive.

This particular configuration earns the Highlander an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway) with FWD,* while AWD versions earn drops to 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway).* As you can see, the power gains with the V6 more than make up for the slight dip in fuel economy.

While the Highlander’s raison d'être has never been to haul around heavy loads, it’s more than capable of doing so. The four-cylinder LE is rated to two 1,500 pounds, while other models (when properly equipped) can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That’s more than enough to haul a small camper or a pair of water toys out to the lake.

Features and Trims

Starting at $29,415** and offered in LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, and Hybrid Limited (reviewed separately).

The standard LE comes generously equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and rear spoiler. Other standard features include cruise control, a rearview camera that is perfect for backing out of driveways or crowded parking spots, and a nifty sliding and reclining 60/40-split second row seat.

On the technology front, the LE provides Bluetooth® phone and audio streaming, a vivid 6.1-inch central touchscreen display, and six-speaker audio system; you know, for playing all the hip tunes your kids love to listen to these days. Music is still hip, right?

Moving right along, the LE Plus nets you even more goodies, ranging from foglights, adjustable-height power liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control, to upgraded leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Still, if you crave even more for your Highlander, the XLE trim adds a sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, leather upholstery for both the first and second row seats, and an upgraded driver information display. The XLE also boasts a larger eight-inch central touchscreen that dovetails wonderfully with a navigation system and Toyota’s Entune App Suite.

At the top, the Limited comes with 19-inch wheels, LED running lights, ambient interior LED lighting, and heated and ventilate front seats. In search of extra safety features? The Limited has you covered with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and rear parking sensors. Meanwhile, a 12-speaker JBL audio system rounds out the Limited’s impressive offerings.

Design

The third-generation Highlander is better looking than ever before thanks to a bold new grille and chiseled frame. While previous generation Highlanders had their charm, the 2015 version is sure to attract drivers with its lean and athletic good looks.

Step inside and it gets even better. Seating is comfortable across the board, with plenty of cushioning to keep drivers and passengers comfortable for miles on end. The centrally-located console, which houses an available eight-inch touchscreen, keeps things sharp and modern. Controls are easy to use and the touchscreen’s responsiveness is top-shelf.

Of course, the lifeblood of a crossover SUV how much it can stow, and the 2015 Highlander thrives with a number of cubbies and storage compartments ready to gobble up anything your busy life throws at it.  There is even a nifty storage bin under the center console’s armrest that is big enough to fit a large purse.

At the back, the Highlander continues to impress, with over 83.7 cubic feet of space on hand.

Safety

The 2015 Toyota Highlander comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag, a front passenger seat-cushion airbag and full-length side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is also standard, which makes backing out of driveways and tight parking spaces a snap.

For even more safety features, the Limited trim gets a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and its optional Driver Technology package adds a frontal collision warning and mitigation system (with automatic braking), lane-departure warning and Toyota's Safety Connect telematics. The latter includes emergency assistance, stolen-vehicle location, and automatic collision notification.

Bottom Line

It’s hard to find a vehicle in the midsize crossover class as feature-packed and reliable as the 2015 Toyota Highlander. And since its redesign, the Highlander looks better than ever. But that’s not all, its versatility and powertrain efficiency also make it a top choice among rivals. With near-endless storage and utility and available all-wheel drive, the 2015 Highlander is worth a look. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, visit or contact us at 3Birds Template today.

*2015 EPA-estimated city/highway mileage. Actual mileage will vary.

**Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee of $825 for Cars, $885 for Small/Light Trucks (Sienna, RAV4, Highlander Gas, Highlander HV, 4Runner, Tacoma and Venza), $1100 for Large Trucks (Tundra), and $925 for Large SUVs (Sequoia and Land Cruiser).

Image: Toyota