Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Highlander comes in six trims: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The L has LED headlights, whereas the LE also has LED fog lights. The XLE trim comes with a power moon roof. The 2021 debut trim XSE has black roof rails, a twin-tip exhaust, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Limited trim adds a hands-free power liftgate, and the highest trim, the Platinum, comes with a panoramic-view moon roof.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission gearbox and available in either front or all-wheel drive powertrain options, the Highlander has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine putting out 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The Highlander also comes with a Hybrid powertrain option with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two motors that combine to deliver 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available, and all configurations involve a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT).

The Highlander offers a balanced and comfortable ride on all kinds of road conditions, and its confident, rugged capability means it won't get stuck off the pavement. Its suspension system and improved technology optimizations all contribute to a more agile Highlander than ever on the highway. With its precise handling and steering, you'll feel as if you are driving a car of much smaller size without missing out on the power. Gas mileage estimates are 21/29 city/highway mpg, strong for a midsize crossover, and if properly equipped, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Highlander seats eight and is valued for its cargo space, a solid 16 cubic feet in the rear area alone and up to 84.3 cubic feet with the entire seating area, making it a class contender for space. Captain seats in the second row are a wise optional upgrade for road trip groups and families. Apart from being spacious and ergonomic, the interior cabin details vary according to the trim. Higher trims include additions like imitation wood accents and leather seats.

The infotainment system has an eight-inch touch screen standard, and a 12.3-inch touch screen is available. Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system are all standard. Other available tech features include a tri-zone automatic climate controller, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, and more.

The 2021 Highlander has very good overall safety ratings from trusted organizations like the NHTSA. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and more. For available advanced safety features, the 2021 model year offers front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view camera parking system, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror camera.