Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV to launch in Europe
Toyota’s new Highlander large SUV is to launch in the UK and Western Europe from early 2021, bringing seven-seat functionality and a hybrid petrol-electric powertrain.
Originally launched in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander arrived in fourth-generation guise in these markets earlier this year and will now be rolled out across Western Europe for the first time.
Built on the same GA-K platform as the Camry, it will sit above the RAV4 as well as the C-HR and the new Yaris Cross compact SUV that also arrives next year.
It measures 4,950mm long, up some 345mm on the RAV4, and features a fourth-generation full hybrid electric powertrain offering an output of 241hp with AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive and a two-tonne towing capacity.
The powertrain uses a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with front and rear electric motors, the latter providing the vehicle’s AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive.
The nickel-metal hydride battery is located beneath the second-row seats, giving WLTP combined cycle CO2 emissions of 146g/km with 6.6l/100km (42.8mpg) fuel consumption, according to preliminary figures.
A Drive Mode Select system enables the driver to switch between Eco, Normal, Sport and Trail modes. These can also be used in conjunction with its all-electric mode.
The Highlander is billed as an authentic seven-seater, with a 180mm sliding range for the second-row seats to aid third-row space and accessibility. The second and third-row seats can fold fully flat, increasing boot space to up to 1,909 litres and there’s a kick sensor to enable hands-free access.
It will be fitted with 20-inch alloys while onboard equipment will include a multimedia system with 12.3-inch screen and sat nav, head-up display, wireless phone charging, smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto and a digital rear-view mirror.
Driver assistance systems as part of the Toyota Safety Sense package include a Pre-Collision System with active steer assist, also offering the ability to detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path at day and night and bicycle riders in daylight. Other features include full-range Adaptive Cruise Control with Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist, and Automatic High Beam.
Further specification details and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.