Toyota has opened the pre-order books for its Highlander SUV in Europe. The cars will start shipping in summer with nothing to choose from in terms of powertrain.
Powering the EU spec is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT box and an electric motor for 248 PS (245 hp / 182 kW) total. It needs 8.3 seconds to get to 100 km/h (62 mph) and maxes out at 180 km/h (112 mph), although going all-electric limits the speed to 125 km/h (77 mph). The AWD-i system can shift 100% of the torque to the front axle or up to 80% to the rear one. You can switch between such drive modes as Eco, Normal, Sport, and Trail, and tow trailers weighing up to 2 metric tons (4,400 lbs).
The NiMH traction battery is located under the second seat row, which you can move 180 mm (7 inches) back and forth. Standard features include LED headlights, a climate control system with three active zones, heated front seats, a wireless charger, an 8” touchscreen, keyless entry, and a blind spot monitor. The top trim level adds 20-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch center display, heated rear seats, heated/ventilated front seats, power tailgate, and a JBL audio system consisting of 11 speakers rated at 1,200W total.
Starting from €56,460 in Belgium, the Highlander shapes up to become one of Toyota’s most expensive vehicles in the Old World. For comparison, a similar Land Cruiser Prado can be obtained from €45,800.
The European market saw the return of the Toyota Camry last year, which packed the same hybrid powertrain dialed down to 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW). In the first three quarters of 2020, the Camry only barely managed to climb to the 14th position in the mid-size sedan segment. The Land Cruiser/Cruiser Prado makes do with the 20th ranking.