When it comes to mid-size 7-seater SUVs, the Toyota Highlander is a model that cannot be avoided. Since its listing in the domestic market in 2009, Highlander has not only attracted the continuous attention of consumers, but also closely linked to "mark-up". In fact, many consumers are more curious about why Highlander can sell well in the domestic market, if only 7 seats of space, the highest retention rate of the same level and other reasons to choose Highlander, obviously some uneconomical. In 2021, the fourth generation highlander was listed in the domestic market, compared with the old model, the internal and external styling has changed, and the powertrain has also been replaced from 2.0T+6AT to a 2.5L hybrid system.
In fact, in my personal opinion, Highlander's advantage is concentrated on the surface. For most people, the car is always used as a "consumable", but highlander's retention rate is indeed the highest in the same level, with a good ability to liquidate. Secondly, with the acceleration of the aging of the population, coupled with more young families beginning to have a second and third child, users who have requirements for sitting and traveling will naturally consider Highlander. At present, the new car is sold on the same stage with the new and old models, with a price range of 258,880-348,800 yuan, although the overall price positioning is high, but it does not affect highlander's sale of 107,750 units in 2021. Let's take the 2022 dual engine 2.5L two-wheel drive premium version 7-seater priced at 318,800 yuan as an example to see how highlander performs.
The change in appearance is more thorough than the old model, completely abandoning the moderation of the old model, and the first impression of the entire front face is that it is young and atmospheric, in line with the aesthetics of the mainstream public. The front grille adopts the upper and lower split layout, the size is larger, and the middle net is filled with bright black elements, which looks more exquisite and beautiful. The shape of the lamp group has changed, on the basis of the LED light source, the interior of the lamp cavity adopts a similar matrix arrangement, which is naturally more imposing than the old halogen headlights. Although Highlander positions medium-sized SUVs, the fourth generation of length, width and height reach 4965/1930/1750mm, and the wheelbase is 2850mm, which is very close to the size specifications of medium and large SUVs.
As with the exterior, the interior changes are also complete. First of all, the center console adopts a richer line disposal, supplemented by more soft materials, coupled with the decoration and embellishment of matte metal lines, so that the interior has a little more advanced sense. The instrument panel still adopts the combined structure of mechanical pointer + LCD screen, and only the top version currently enjoys the full LCD dashboard. The central control car machine system has the most significant improvement in functionality, supporting the Internet of Vehicles, OTA remote upgrades, online navigation and other functions; although the screen size of the elite version of the car machine is small, it supports Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife, Huawei Hicar mobile phone interconnection, and also has the function of the Internet of Vehicles, which can meet the daily usage needs.
For a 7-seat midsize SUV, does highlander really have an advantage over the competitors? Honestly, in the actual ride experience, the first two rows of seating space perform well, whether it is legroom or head space have a large margin. Although the space in the third row is still small, but compared with the old model, the length of the body and wheelbase have increased, and my height of 1.76 meters sits in the rear space is moderate, and the short trip is OK, which is not suitable for long-term sitting. In fact, the third row of most 7 SUVs is not used at a high frequency, so it is also necessary to choose according to the actual use situation.
In terms of power, the fourth-generation Highlander adopts a gasoline-electric hybrid system, equipped with a maximum power of 141kW (192Ps) and a maximum torque of 238N·m for the 2.5L engine; the two-wheel drive version adopts a front-mounted single motor (the four-wheel drive version is a front and rear dual motor), the maximum power is 134kW (182Ps), the maximum torque is 270N·m, and the transmission matches the E-CVT stepless transmission, accelerating more than 8 seconds per 100 kilometers. Although the power can meet the needs of the family, but in the high-speed overtaking, the power response will still be a little hesitant, while the engine noise will be transmitted into the car. Of course, compared with the old 2.0T+6AT hybrid system, the fuel consumption has a clear downward trend, the comprehensive fuel consumption of NEDC is 5.3L/100km, and the actual fuel consumption of the city is 7.28L/100km.
Finally, as a benchmark model of a medium-sized 7-seat SUV, although the overall pricing level of Highlander is high, it has the highest residual value rate of second-hand cars in the same class, which also makes many consumers gladly accept it. In the actual use experience, the space in the car performs well and can meet the needs of daily use, and the third row of space is not large, but it can meet the short and medium-distance rides. The most critical is the fuel consumption, the city fuel consumption of the hybrid system has been reduced, even lower than many small displacement cars or SUVs, and the use of No. 92 gasoline is not high. Regarding Highlander, what questions or opinions do you have, welcome to leave a message in the comment area.