Seven-seat Highlander heads for UK 12 | 05 | 2020

    TOYOTA WILL ADD to its SUV portfolio in the UK early next year when it introduces the all-wheel drive, seven-seater Highlander. The fourth-generation of Toyota’s largest hybrid SUV will sit between the RAV4 and Land Cruiser, with prices expected to start around £32,500. (Related: Toyota reveals Yaris Cross)

    Previously only available in North America, Japan and Australia, Toyota is reacting to the fact the seven-seat SUV market is growing rapidly in Europe. It will go head-to-head with the likes of the Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq and Seat Tarraco.

    Though it’s built on Toyota’s GA-K platform, which is also use for the Camry and RAV4, the new Highlander is larger than both; the new SUV is 4950mm long, 1930mm wide and 1730mm tall. And with a boot capacity of 658-litre boot capacity, that expands to a claimed 1909-litres when the second and third rows of seating are stowed. (Related: Toyota GR Yaris starts at £29,995)

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    Power comes from a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and a CVT gearbox, as in the RAV4. But in the Highlander, the powerplant is supplemented by an electric motor on each axle rather than just a single motor at the rear. The combination delivers 241bhp, with Toyota claiming 42.8mpg and 146g/km of CO2 emissions.

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    The rear motor provides the vehicle’s AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive. A high-voltage nickel-metal hydride battery is located beneath the second row seats. (Related: New Toyota GR Supra unveiled)

    Significantly, the newcomer will have an all-electric mode, allowing it to run for short periods of time, using electricity which has been recovered from the car’s regenerative braking system.

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    The UK spec has yet to be confirmed, but we do know it will be available with 20in alloys, a multimedia system, satellite navigation, head-up display, wireless phone charging, smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, plus a digital rear-view mirror that provides a wide image unobscured by rear passengers or headrests.

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    The new Highlander is also equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense package of active safety and driver assistance systems. These include a Pre-Collision System with active steer assist, to provide further collision avoidance support. The PCS can also detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path by both and day and night, and bicycle riders in daylight.

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    Other features include full-range Adaptive Cruise Control with Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist, and Automatic High Beam.

    Details of UK specifications and pricing will be announced nearer the time of launch.

    Related: Lexus reveals revised LC range

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    Jim McGill

     

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