Are you in search of a reliable SUV for sale near you? If so, an online search will present you with multiple makes and models of SUVs. This can be overwhelming if you aren’t well acquainted with SUVs. Therefore, we at Toyota Direct would like to assist you in your decision. Toyota SUVs are a great option if you’re looking for a well-functioning and reliable SUV. When you visit our dealership or any other Toyota dealer, you will notice a few different Toyota SUVs for sale. It would be best to choose a Toyota SUV model based on your needs. However, if you are looking for the most well-rounded model, you will want to browse our selection of Toyota Highlanders for sale. The Toyota Highlander is one of our most popular Toyota SUV models, and it may interest you to see how it has evolved before you decide to look at one. Below is a list describing how the Highlander evolved over time. We hope you can use this information to choose a generation of Highlander when you visit Toyota Direct’s Toyota dealership in Columbus, Ohio, or any other Toyota dealership.
- Origin Of The Highlander
The Highlander made its first debut at the 2000 New York auto show. The first model was based on a modified Camry platform, which promised a car-like feel and handling. Upon its release to the public market, it became popular quickly, and it has been growing and morphing since then.
- First Generation (2001-2007): An Innovative Midsize Utility
In 2001, most SUVs were truck-based; however, when the Highlander was released, it offered a unibody platform, which was a modified Camry platform. This platform provided a car-like ride and comfortable handling, differentiating itself from other Toyota SUV models, like the 4Runner. Toyota also equipped the first generation of Highlander with a 2.4-liter inline-four engine, which provided 155 horsepower. In 2004, the engines were significantly updated with a 3.3-liter V-6, producing 230 horsepower. Also, the Highlander Hybrid was introduced in 2005, giving drivers an eco-friendly option and the world’s first seven-seat hybrid SUV.
- Second Generation (2008-2013): More Space, Increased Power
The second generation of Toyota Highlander held some noticeable differences from the older models. If you visit a Toyota dealer in Ohio or anywhere else and browse their selection of Highlanders, you may notice that, from 2007 to 2008, the Highlander grew a bit. In 2008, Toyota expanded the body length by 3.8 inches, and the width was increased by 3.3 inches. Three inches were also added to the wheelbase, making the model 2.8 inches taller and higher off the ground. This expansion allowed for increased off-road capabilities with the Highlander overall.
- Third Generation (2014-2019): New Exterior, Even More Power
When browsing Toyota Highlanders for sale, you will notice several generations of Highlanders. Of those generations, you will see that the body fluctuated significantly as time went on. The third generation of the Highlander expanded even more upon the second generation. It grew 2.7 inches in length and half an inch in width. The crossover models also allowed for a max of eight passengers instead of seven in the past. Toyota also equipped the third generation with a new SE trim and updated suspension. These adjustments provided for a quiet and comfortable family SUV capable of hauling.
- Fourth Generation (2020- ): Sleek And Stylish With Upgraded Features
Most of the Toyota Highlanders for sale that you see today will be fourth-generation models. With the newest generation of Highlander, Toyota strives to expand its customer base to not only families. They want young, active buyers and people without large families to enjoy the Highlander. To do this, Toyota is streamlining the design of the Highlander. Even with this streamlining, Toyota still expanded the body of the Highlander, which allows for more cargo capacity. The newest Highlander generation also switched to a more rigid platform, the Toyota New Global Architecture. This provides enhanced ride and handling, helping Toyota expand its audience further.
If you are interested in any of the above Toyota Highlander generations, don’t hesitate to contact Toyota Direct or a Toyota dealership near you to set up a test drive.
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