The city/highway/combined fuel consumption ratings are 10.4/7.3/9.0 L/100 km, which obviously betters the V6’s respective ratings of 12.3/8.8/10.8.
Highlander’s new base model
No surprise that the 4-cylinder Highlander becomes the nameplate’s new base model, in a trim level known simply as “Highlander.” MSRP is $32,600.
Last year’s base model, 4WD V6, gets “un-based” with more content and starts the party at $37,570, while the 4WD Sport starts at $42,505 and the 4WD V6 Limited starts at $46,205.
Toyota is aware, however, that these days some consumers are only thinking “four”
for fuel efficiency and environmental reasons, and are not about to give up luxury and convenience features. As such, this base model can be optioned with lots of stuff. The vehicle also comes standard with three-row seating.
And owing to the good torque numbers, towing capacity remains at 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs.).
First Impressions
Our first drive in the 4-cylinder Highlander was all positive. As anyone who has ever drove a recent 4-cylinder Camry can attest, Toyota knows how to make a smooth four. Like its predecessor, the 2.7-litre engine is equipped with balance shafts and feels as smooth and as refined as any six.
(If you’re wondering why we don’t see four cylinder engines much bigger than this, it’s because 2.7 litres is about the upper limit that fours can be made “smooth.” The inherent vibration in anything larger is so violent, that the only way to smooth it out is by going to six cylinders.)
And if you think about, not very long ago, these outputs (186 hp, 187 “torques”) would have been the norm for most V6s. So there is not a huge power penalty here. There’s more revving going on when you hit the throttle, compared to the six, but that’s about it.
The Highlander can hold a lot of stuff and a lot of people, so if you’re planning to load it up a lot, the four could be a bit stretched. Your fuel mileage would suffer too, and get closer to V6 territory, if it was called upon to work really hard most of the time.
But if you're like most people, and would only need the Highlander’s utility less frequently, then the four would be a great option.
The model also doesn’t change Highlander’s essential personality — a very competent, refined, and well-built crossover, though somewhat innocuous. Driving feel continues to be non-engaging.
Parting thoughts
But we welcome this trend — making do with less. Especially in a segment known for “bigger is always better.” Will this start a reverse “arms race”? Will we someday see a Ford Expedition with the 1.25-litre “four” from the European-spec Festiva?
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Highlander’s new base model
No surprise that the 4-cylinder Highlander becomes the nameplate’s new base model, in a trim level known simply as “Highlander.” MSRP is $32,600.
Last year’s base model, 4WD V6, gets “un-based” with more content and starts the party at $37,570, while the 4WD Sport starts at $42,505 and the 4WD V6 Limited starts at $46,205.
Toyota is aware, however, that these days some consumers are only thinking “four”
for fuel efficiency and environmental reasons, and are not about to give up luxury and convenience features. As such, this base model can be optioned with lots of stuff. The vehicle also comes standard with three-row seating.
And owing to the good torque numbers, towing capacity remains at 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs.).
 |
| The model also doesn’t change Highlander’s essential personality — a very competent, refined, and well-built crossover. |
First Impressions
Our first drive in the 4-cylinder Highlander was all positive. As anyone who has ever drove a recent 4-cylinder Camry can attest, Toyota knows how to make a smooth four. Like its predecessor, the 2.7-litre engine is equipped with balance shafts and feels as smooth and as refined as any six.
(If you’re wondering why we don’t see four cylinder engines much bigger than this, it’s because 2.7 litres is about the upper limit that fours can be made “smooth.” The inherent vibration in anything larger is so violent, that the only way to smooth it out is by going to six cylinders.)
And if you think about, not very long ago, these outputs (186 hp, 187 “torques”) would have been the norm for most V6s. So there is not a huge power penalty here. There’s more revving going on when you hit the throttle, compared to the six, but that’s about it.
The Highlander can hold a lot of stuff and a lot of people, so if you’re planning to load it up a lot, the four could be a bit stretched. Your fuel mileage would suffer too, and get closer to V6 territory, if it was called upon to work really hard most of the time.
But if you're like most people, and would only need the Highlander’s utility less frequently, then the four would be a great option.
The model also doesn’t change Highlander’s essential personality — a very competent, refined, and well-built crossover, though somewhat innocuous. Driving feel continues to be non-engaging.
Parting thoughts
But we welcome this trend — making do with less. Especially in a segment known for “bigger is always better.” Will this start a reverse “arms race”? Will we someday see a Ford Expedition with the 1.25-litre “four” from the European-spec Festiva?
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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