2011 Toyota Highlander

Available in three trims, this 7-seater SUV costs you around $28,900 for the basic one which can be addictive as it goes higher with its spec sheet in the trim tree. The major rivals of this machinery include the established names of the Hyundai Veracruz, Kia Sorento, and the Honda Pilot. All of them are as equally competitive in all segments as in their price tags and thus it is the consumer which wins in the end.

The Toyota Highlander is available in three trims namely the Base, SE, and Limited. The Base and SE can be equipped with two engine variants in two drive layouts while the Limited gets the V6 only. The price variation across the trim occurs with the differences in their abilities and inherent features. The Base gets manual fixing along with cloth trim for the seats which upgrades to leatherette touch with power-flexing in the higher trims. This gap is akin to the superiority in wheel sizing as well, as the Base rests on the 17" 7-spoke machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels while the Limited holds on the 19" 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with dark silver accents. The Manual Air Conditioning also changes to Automatic Climate Control with the eldest sibling. One can also opt for additional packages like the Cold Weather and Technology Package to provide a more enriching experience.

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If the segment is all about effectiveness then the owner should have the same traits and hence it would be more logical to go with the SE trim as it gets all the features right from the flexibility inside the cabin to comfort and ergonomics for long hauling. This trim can also be upgraded with additional packages. One can even choose from both the available engine variants and drive layouts. So without a doubt, it is the choice for one to go for with exceptional affordability among the siblings.

The 2011 Toyota Highlander gets either an I-4 of 2.7L capacity or a V-6 of 3.5L. The former is capable of producing a power output of 187 hp and a torque of 186 lb-ft while the latter churns out 270 hp and 248 lb-ft respectively. The I-4 variant can be fitted inside the Base and SE only but the V6 is available to all of them either in an FWD or 4WD drive layout. The powertrain unit is finally mated to the 5-speed automatic transmission. As a result of this package, the Highlander can cover a quarter-mile within 17 seconds and the 0-60 mph mark in 9.6 seconds. The figures are a bit lackluster in comparison to others. Not just that, it also hampers its top speed and restrains it to 130 mph only.

When it comes to the rivalry, the Kia Sorento outclasses all and by a significant margin. Cheaper in its price tag yet more powerful and exhilarating, the Kia Sorento becomes the most desirable among all in this specific category. A lightweight frame and comparable power figures allow it to have a relatively higher power-weight ratio and thus better acceleration prowess clocking the 60mph mark in 6.9 seconds. It is then followed by the Veracruz and Pilot respectively but they have to achieve either a lower step ratio in their gearbox or lower weight to counter Kia dominance and the same strategy can be applied by Toyota also.

The 2011 Toyota Highlander has the ability to return a mileage of 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highways, and 22 mpg overall. But as it is rightly said that the higher the capacity gets the lower the efficiency it gives and we could see that statement to be getting true as the V6 variant returns 18 mpg, 24 mpg, and 20 mpg respectively. Along with a fuel tank of 19.2 gallons, the best Highlander can for is 480 miles at the max which reduces to 460 in the V6 setup.

As per the available spec sheet, the Kia Sorento again takes the limelight with its class-leading mileage of 22 mpg overall. Not just that, it can go up to 468 miles without being out of its breathing. The Highlander shares the reputation with it as well. The Honda Pilot, though, is less efficient but with a bigger fuel tank, it also makes it to the favoritism with its exemplary range coverage of more than 480 miles on the reading scale. And last but certainly not least is the Veracruz which needs a lot of modification to catch up with others. 

If you are bound to pay more than $28,000 then you should not be hesitant in digging about what is being offered at all. Fortunately, you can be at ease physically and mentally for the offers as the 2011 Toyota Highlander has been given power-adjustable seats which are heat-assisted and have active-headrest. Leather upholstery along with vinyl accents for the third row is going to be common for the SE and Limited trims while the Base has cloth trim for the same. The ambiance threshold is maintained by the Automatic 3-zone climate control in the Limited but the rest lack this function. In the end, the tech features like the HomeLink universal garage door transmitter, Engine immobilizer, and Anti-theft security alarm which can also be availed of as per trim level, complete the description.

The capacity to accommodate 7 in a go is standard for all of them except for the Pilot. The Highlander is manageable to a large extent when it comes to its first two rows but it takes a small u-turn for the third row as it can fit no more than children there. The imagery further fades in its cargo capacity as the rivals like Pilot have a segment-leading figure of up to 18 cu-ft. But if viewed on a bigger picture, you would hardly spot a difference in ergonomics variation among them. Thus, they all can be given preference in this parameter with a little bias towards the Honda Pilot.

Some of the features are:

• Leather upholstery for seats
• Heated front seats
• Anti-theft security alarm 
• Automatic 3-zone climate control
• Power Adjustable seats

How intuitive is the 2011 Highlander’s infotainment unit?

If you have high hopes from the Highlander in this department then sadly it is going to crash heavily like a meteorite as its pool of features includes nothing more than the Bluetooth hands-free phone system, XM satellite radio, and auto sound leveling even for the highest trim. The Base is a next-level disappointment that needs no further elaboration. At the max, one can enjoy the listening curve with its 6-speaker audio unit. A few of the features like the USB input, aux input, and iPod connectivity are the remaining ones that wrap up the whole package. 

Some of the features are:

•  XM satellite radio
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
•  iPod connectivity
• USB input
• aux input

In a simple straightforward way, the 2011 Toyota Highlander looks like a big bully because of its size with a wide front which allows you to have a high crumple zone for impact resilience and negation. It comes with different pairs of wheels among which the 19" 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with dark silver accents and 17" 7-spoke machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels are a few to name. The Toyota Highlander is egalitarian when viewed from an isometric perspective as the Dark silver-painted grille on the front and a power moonroof with sunshade on the top are equally involved in enhancing the appeal altogether. Not just the moonroof but roof rails of chrome accent have also been attached on the top. Thus, it is a perfect blend of all aspects in a literal sense.

One of the heaviest and longest among all, the Highlander might be comfortable on the inside but struggles around the corner. On the other hand, the Kia Sorento is a benchmark for others as it represents that compactness in this segment without any compromise within the cabin is possible while Veracruz and Honda Pilot follow the same path as that of the Highlander. The Highlander with such dimensions and bulkiness is prone to high turbulence in its rear which can impact its aerodynamics and economy at the same time. The same is true for the Veracruz and Pilot as well. Hence, Kia Sorento offers practicality and others need a ground-up redesign to get away with the loopholes.

Some of the features are:

• Dark silver-painted grille
• Chrome roof rails
• 19" 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with dark silver accents
• Projector beam halogen headlamps

An overall rating of 4-stars in NHTSA and “Good” throughout in IIHS with “Top Safety Pick” award is a status symbol for the Highlander in its peers. The energy-absorbing panels, Collapsible steering column, and high crumple zone can be among the reasons for the same. But the structural strength is not self-sufficient and needs further assistance from the active and passive features like the Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, TRAC, and Electronic Brake-force distribution. The cabin also contains a few of the tech aids like the 3-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a Driver’s knee airbag for extra assurance. On the whole, it justifies its price tag with safety prowess and efficiency against uncertainties. 

Some of the features are:

• Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control
• TRAC
•  Electronic Brake-force distribution
• Hill Start Assist Control
• Brake Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The 2011 Toyota Highlander is decently organized and packed as per its price tag. Sound ergonomics, spaciousness, and nice cushioning for long hauling can also be achieved. But it is also true that there are other options like Kia Sorento which have superior powertrain thrust and calmness along with the comparable aforementioned convenience. Therefore, it is very difficult to give it a preference in the first place but it can’t be ignored for too long as well. So, better check other rivals before finalizing the call.