There’s a brand new 2021 Toyota Highlander three-row crossover on the market. Maybe you’ve seen it on the roads, intersections, driveways, parking heaps, strip malls, precise malls, or wherever else with a paved floor and folks?

The household hauler might as nicely be normal situation within the suburbs and subdivisions across the nation together with an Prompt Pot and Nextdoor subscription card. Welcome to the neighborhood, right here’s your Costco card. 

This yr the Highlander provides an edgier XSE model that provides somewhat aggro to its curb attraction—new bumpers, blacked out badges, large 20-inch wheels, and stiffer suspension can try this. 

Assessment continues under

The 2021 Highlander will get a 7.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Along with the brand new Highlander XSE, Toyota gives the three-row crossover in L, LE, XLE, Restricted, and Platinum configurations. The Highlander Hybrid, which we suggest, is obtainable in each trim besides L and XSE. Entrance-wheel drive is normal on most fashions, and all-wheel drive is accessible on each trim besides Restricted and Platinum, the place it’s normal. 

The brand new Highlander breaks a number of the older variations’ delicate awkwardness. The large crossover doesn’t cover its dimension very nicely, nevertheless it cuts a extra engaging gap within the wind due to a shaplier snout and rising physique line. 

Below the hoods of most Highlanders is a 295-horsepower V-6 that drives an 8-speed computerized and the entrance or all 4 wheels. It’s extra entertaining than it has any proper to be, and the XSE tightens the crossover up greater than the remainder of the bunch. 

Our choose is the Highlander Hybrid, which makes use of an inline-4 and electrical motor to ship 35 mpg mixed, in line with the EPA. That’s exceptional for a seven- or eight-passenger car, and it’s nonetheless as entertaining to drive.

Driveability isn’t the primary cause to purchase a Highlander, in fact—house is. As much as eight can snuggle up contained in the Highlander comparatively comfortably, and the primary two rows have greater than 40 inches of leg room. The third row is greatest for babies or sometimes, small adults, and the second row can slide ahead a number of inches relying on temper. 

Behind the third row, the Highlander hauls as much as 16 cubic ft of cargo, which expands to greater than 84 cubes with the second and third rows folded. 

Each Highlander will get computerized emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lively lane management and blind-spot displays. 

Along with that, even base Highlanders get 18-inch wheels, fabric upholstery, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with smartphone compatibility, and seats for as much as eight for about $35,000. Prime Highlander Platinums crest greater than $50,000 however supply 20-inch wheels, premium audio, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather-based upholstery, and extra. They’re virtually govt limos for 12-year olds.