When the new generation of RAV4 officially met with Chinese users at the Shanghai International Auto Show, at the same time in New York, the new generation of Highlander was also released as scheduled. Obviously, the debut of the new generation of Highlander gives us another object worth looking forward to. With the debut of the new-generation Highlander, the market competition for seven-seat mid-to-large SUVs will also become more intense.
The new-generation Highlander released at this year’s New York International Auto Show is the fourth-generation model of the Highlander family. In terms of platform, the new generation of Highlander also logically continues the GA-K platform under the TNGA architecture. On the same platform, the Asia Dragon, which also received a lot of attention, was also born. Another feature of the GA-K platform is that it further strengthens the matching attributes with the hybrid system, and at the same time emphasizes the advantages of the vehicle’s low center of gravity and handling stability.
From the appearance point of view, the new generation of Highlander has little difference in style compared with the previous generation model, and the posture of the whole vehicle also continues the image of the long body. It has to be said that such a vehicle posture and proportion composition are very friendly to the space layout of three rows and seven seats in the car. In terms of detailed design, compared with the current model, the new generation of Highlander has weakened a lot of domineering features. The trapezoidal air intake grille is no longer as huge as the current model. The relative relationship of the car has also changed from a full lap to a swept back design.
With a more delicate air intake grille design, the front face of the new generation of Highlander also strengthens the sense of hierarchy through the image of the central air intake grille and the decorative covers of fog lamps on both sides. As for the detailed composition of the side of the body, the new generation of Highlander also boldly uses a skirt line feature that is integrated with the rear wheel eyebrows. As for the rear of the vehicle, compared with the current model, it is only an optimization of details and a delicate style.
The interior design of the vehicle is still a new generation of Toyota-style family-oriented design based on simplicity. The LCD display on the center console has been completely integrated with the physical buttons, and there is no traditional center control area. And the well-received dashboard storage space on the previous generation model has been changed from a single unit to two separate storage compartments. The storage function has not been weakened, but the partitions are more clearly defined. The sub-dashboard is also embellished with two silver trim strips to add a lot of design sense.
Judging from the pictures released in the first round, the new-generation Highlander has tried the 2+2+3 seat layout in North America. It is certain that there will be 2+3+3 options in the future. After coming to China, it will also be defined as a seven-seat layout under the restrictions of laws and regulations.
In terms of power, the new generation of Highlander will still use the 3.5L V6 engine as the main engine in the North American market, while the hybrid model provides a combination of 2.5L inline four-cylinder and two electric motors. Compared with the previous generation model, the power output of the hybrid model has been reduced, from 306 horsepower to 240 horsepower, but the economy has hinted at 17%. In terms of drive form, front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are still the first choice for the new generation of Highlander.
In terms of configuration, the new-generation Highlander is equipped with the high-end TSS-P active safety system, including full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. In terms of comfort configuration, the new generation of Highlander will provide five different configuration standards. Of course, this is the US version. In any case, it is a certainty that the new generation of Highlander will soon enter China, and the only thing we have to do now is to wait until the day when the new car is launched.
