A new eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous six-speed unit is probably the most noteworthy update to the 2017 Highlander. It’s mated to a 3.5-liter V6 that Toyota says is new, but power levels have yet to be announced. The base 2.7-liter four cylinder carries over from last year with a six-speed auto and front-wheel drive on LE models only. For 2017, the Highlander Hybrid continues on with its continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Look closely and you’ll see that the front fascia has been redesigned for 2017, as have the taillights. Each trim level gets slightly different finishes for the grille, with the Limited and top-level Platinum getting the most posh look. A new SE model has unique 19-inch wheels, a dark finish for the grille and headlamps and a suspension that’s retuned for a sportier feel. Three-row seating is a big selling point in this segment, and the Highlander continues to offer a choice between seven- and eight-passenger seating options. That’s great, but, with five USB ports inside, as many as three passengers will be left to fend for themselves. What’s this world coming to?
As you’d expect in a 2017 model, there’s a full complement of advanced safety tech built into the Highlander. Automatic braking, lane-departure warnings, auto high-beams, Pedestrian Pre-Collision and radar-based automatic cruise control all come standard as part of the Toyota Safety Sense package. Highlander Platinum models get a useful Bird’s Eye View Camera. Stay tuned for our live coverage of the New York Auto Show, and feel free to peruse the press release below for all the details on Toyota’s latest Highlander.
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Newly Developed Direct Shift 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
New 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Boosts Horsepower/Helps Increase MPG
New Available Stop and Start (S&S) Engine System
Standard Toyota Safety Sense
New Sportier SE Gas Model; Hybrid Trim Expands to Four Grades
Refreshed Exterior Styling
TORRANCE, Calif., March 14 – – Toyota will be debuting the significantly enhanced 2017
model year Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Wednesday, March 23 at the
upcoming New York International Auto Show. The popular Highlander, receives an array of new
and updated equipment and technology, inside and out, including a new Direct Shift 8-speed (8AT
automatic transmission).
Highlander is a no-compromise mid-size three-row SUV that brings together the best in
style, technology, comfort, capability, and safety. Its exterior design conveys both refinement and
strength, which complements a refined interior that sets a high bar in its segment. The third-generation
model, now entering its fourth year, offers room for up to eight, a choice of three
powertrains and six model grades, including a new sporty SE model. The Highlander Hybrid adds
two new grades, (LE and XLE) to its existing lineup of Limited and Platinum models for a total of
four. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to be all-wheel drive (AWD). The six Highlander
gas models will continue to be (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum) available in
both front-wheel and AWD. It all adds up to the ideal family vehicle.
Greater Level of Performance
Performance will be enhanced in the 2017 Highlander gas models with the addition of the
new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) that will be paired with a new 3.5-liter V6 Direct
Injection Engine. The new transmission is more compact and will provide more transmission
efficiency through its 8-speed gear range. The 8AT (Automatic Transmission) will be standard on
all V6 Highlander gas models.
The new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Engine will be available on all Highlander gas models
and standard on all Hybrid grades. The new engine will generate significantly more horsepower,
provide enhanced fuel efficiency, and deliver a more direct driving feel by expanding the lock up
range.
In addition to Highlander, the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) and 3.5-liter
V6 Direct Injection Engine powertrain will be equipped in the 2017 model year Toyota Sienna van.
In an effort to help conserve fuel, Highlander V6 models (excluding LE) will come standard
with a new Stop and Start Engine System (S&S). While driving the Highlander, the S&S allows
the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and restarts when the driver lifts
their foot off of the brake pedal.
The standard powertrain on Highlander 4×2 LE gas models will remain the 2.7-liter 4-
cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue
to receive the electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Updated Luxury Look and Feel
The 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will receive tasteful styling enhancements
that will continue to turn heads. The changes start with a new upper and lower front grille design
for all grades. Each grade will be distinguished by different grille finishes that will also carry into
the headlamp housing. The grille on all LE, LE Plus and XLE grades will receive a silver painted
finish, while Limited and Platinum grades will receive a painted chrome finish. From behind, the
rear taillights will receive a sleeker redesign. A chrome trim garnish will also be added on the rear
bumper of Limited and Platinum models.
Highlander will receive three new exterior colors, including Celestial Silver Metallic,
Toasted Walnut Pearl, and, exclusively on the new SE, Salsa Red Pearl.
Interior updates include a new brown leather interior that will be available on the Limited
Platinum grade. Charging personal devices will be more efficient as all Highlanders will add four
USB ports for a total of five.
For those looking for a Highlander with all the bells and whistles but require added
passenger seating, the premium Limited and Limited Platinum grades will offer buyers the choice
of second-row captain’s chairs (providing seating for seven), or second-row bench seats that will
expand capacity to eight people.
Sporty New SE Grade
For a touch of sportiness, Highlander will now be available in the new SE model. It starts
on the outside with unique 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, tuned suspension for a sportier ride,
and a sporty dark paint treatment to the front grille, which is also incorporated into the headlamp
housings and roof rails.
Inside, the SE will stand apart from all other Highlander models with unique black leather-trimmed
seats with silver stitching and pattern seat inserts, a black front tray, and matching dash
and door inserts.
Toyota Safety That Makes Sense
The 2017 Highlander will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS), a new multifeature
advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking. TSS bundles
cutting edge safety technologies including Pre-Collision System (with Forward Collision Warning
and automatic emergency brake), Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Pedestrian Pre-
Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
The Pedestrian Pre-collision System (PCS) uses a camera and radar to detect objects
ahead of the vehicle. When the system determines there is a possibility of collision it prompts the
driver to brake with an audio and visual alert. If the driver notices the hazard and brakes, the
system provides additional braking force. If the driver fails to brake in a set time, the system
automatically applies the brakes, reducing speed in order to prevent or mitigate the collision.
Lane Departure Alert (LDA) uses a camera to detect visible lane markings. If the system
determines that the vehicle is starting to deviate from the lane, LDA alerts the driver and will
provide steering assist to help get the vehicle back into its lane.
Automatic High Beam (AHB) helps enhance forward visibility during nighttime driving. It
uses a camera to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the tail lights of vehicles ahead,
and then automatically switches between high beams and low beams so as not to dazzle other
drivers.
The Highlander XLE grade will also adopt blind spot monitor as standard equipment.
To help make parking easy and safe, the 2017 Highlander Limited Platinum grade will
come standard with a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan. This Toyota technology
employs four cameras that are mounted on the front, the side mirrors and rear of the vehicle to
project a panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the central touch display monitor. The
system offers drivers assistance when parallel parking, and when pulling in and out of parking
spaces. The Bird’s Eye View Monitor system also debuts a Toyota-first feature called Perimeter
Scan, which provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping the driver to see
potential obstacles.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind., which employs over 4,000
American workers, assembles all Highlanders and exports them to 12 countries.
The 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will begin arriving at Toyota showrooms in the
fall of 2016.
