When some Russian drivers are eager to transport Toyota Highlander from America, they do not always understand that it is possible to simply go to the nearest Toyota showroom and purchase an "American" Toyota Highlander Limited there. "Where's the point?" - you ask. Since 2013, the delivery of the American-made Toyota Highlander has been officially opened in Russia. The delivery statement was published in early 2014. The CIS countries (Kazakhstan, Ukraine) are considered the main sales market. Also, these cars will go to the markets of New Zealand, Australia.

As for the production itself, the Highlander is assembled at the Toyota plant in Indiana, Preston. By the way, Sequoia SUVs, known for their impressive size, also roll off the assembly lines of this plant. They also assemble a series of Sienna minivans. It is worth saying that now we have no less “Americans” than versions from Japan. The question should be put differently - what is the difference between the versions produced by the American Toyota plant for us and the versions produced for the Americans themselves.

Comparison of American and Russian models

Firstly, the car is produced with the same power plants - 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter gasoline engines. As for the Hybrid version, we have a dedicated article for that. If we talk about the version for the Americans, then the differences are noticeable only in separate rear row seats. Also, the Russian version of Toyota Highlander 2014-2015 initially (starting with the Lux configuration) comes with a 7-seater saloon. The American does not have such goodness. As the reviews of drivers from the States say, you need to work hard to find a 7-seater option, while the price will increase significantly.

The top assembly of Toyota Highlander, namely, electronic systems, will also differ. Unfortunately, the Russian assembly of Toyota Highlander does not provide such options as keeping the crossover on the road, and there is no DVD system for rear passengers either. Also in the American version, there are automatic braking systems, which include active cruise control. Modern Russian drivers may also be upset that their top-end Highlander will not get an Internet access point, although American motorists have such a function even on the average configuration. At the same time, for some reason, the price of the latest generation Toyota Highlander with the previous version of the engine increased by 200 thousand rubles. Whereas in the US, the high-option build added only $700 to the price.

As for other changes, the "Russian" Highlander has a stiffer suspension, because the manufacturer knew about one of the troubles of our country. The steering has also been adjusted to our realities. The rest of the cars are almost identical. But the suspension can be a decisive factor, because the American is really designed for better roads. Although the reviews of Russian drivers who received a car from America indicate that the comfort of a car is not to be taken.

In addition, the car is also assembled in Japan, but there the plant produces Toyota Highlander 2014-2015 for the domestic market, as well as for some EU countries. On our mainland, Toyota Highlander is not assembled, there is no information about the launch of production yet, if it appears, you will be the first to know about it.

Purchasing the USA version

As for the purchase of the American version of 2014-2015, there are already many offers from Americans for the sale of supported versions of this crossover. There are different configurations available, including Limited (the name of the top assembly, which includes the most powerful engine and a full range of options). If you have a burning desire to get this model from the States, then it is unlikely that such options are available in various car dealerships. But you can order a Highlander haul from America.

As for the cost of the Highlander itself, it varies from $30,000 to $48,000. To this cost it is worth adding a couple of thousand more for the haul (if it is available). But, as we said above, the top version in America is noticeably cheaper, so it might make sense to do the transfer. It is also worth paying attention to the offers of compatriots - very often our drivers have American versions of this car in stock.

Therefore, you need to take the time to search for sales of such cars. But most often, only used versions are available, and of previous generations. Even those 200,000 rubles will not pay for the transportation of a car from abroad, as well as customs clearance, and the tax will be really huge - because of the powerful 3.5-liter engine. The situation is also worsened by the economic situation with the ruble, which is now simply not profitable to exchange for dollars.

Now you know where the crossover is assembled, as well as about the differences between the Toyota Highlander 2014 from the USA. In fact, there is not much point in acquiring a foreign version of the Toyota Highlander, because. our build is not much different from the Limited.

➖ Small fuel tank capacity
➖ Economy
➖ Music

pros

➕ Roomy trunk
➕ Dynamics
➕ Comfortable interior
➕ Noise isolation

The advantages and disadvantages of Toyota Highlander 2018-2019 in a new body are identified based on feedback from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of Toyota Highlander 3.5 and 2.7 with automatic and 4x4 all-wheel drive can be found in the stories below:

Owner reviews

1. Suspension — normal, if you do not pump pressure. Keep 2.2 and everything will be fine.

2. Engine — lovely, not audible and works confidently. Pulls very briskly at both low and high speeds.

3. Cross-country ability - I didn’t really try it, but I drove onto an ice shaft 12 cm high from a turn on the third attempt. On city snowdrifts quite.

4. Ergonomics - everything is OK with this. For a long time I could not get used to the shelf under the torpedo, but now I can’t imagine without it.

5. A lot of gadgets such as lane control, heating and cooling, indication of cars on the side, etc.

6. Gasoline consumption - on the highway 9.2, the average city-highway - 13.6, pour gasoline 92nd.

Music sucks, even with JBL. In general, the multimedia block is blunt. The back door is very leisurely and sometimes lives its own life: it opens, it thoughtfully does not want to open.

Andrey drives Toyota Highlander 3.5 (249 hp) AT 2015

Video review

The new Highlander 3 is a huge car, the acceleration is just a bomb for such a heavy car, the quality of the finish is also good (not a Mercedes, of course, but it will do for your money).

The driver's seat is perfectly adjustable, I liked it, I really liked the lotion with automatic switching on and off of the high beam, the cruise control is also excellent.

I heard something about a cotton brake pedal - I don’t know, it’s a matter of habit. Four-wheel drive in the winter rescued more than once, although, of course, it is conditional and skidding on the machine is fraught with replacing the box for half a million, so basically for a comfortable start and light dirt).

Opening the trunk from the button is also a plus (be sure to warn at washes, there are still downs, one of these almost broke the opening mechanism for me). Seat ventilation in the summer is a fairy tale on long trips.

Vitaly drives a Toyota Highlander 3.5 (249 hp) in a 2014 automatic.

I have my own car service. Struck consumables, found that the prices are adequate and good quality replacement shaft. Base Lexus. Bodywork is a little expensive, but with all new models, this price.

Left the salon. The car is tough — I felt all the bumps and pits on myself. I think, for which I gave two lyamas. Drove 60 km. I ordered wheels and tires for 18. Two days later I put Blizak 18,235 60 winter, a completely different car. Silence and comfort. Complete with 245/55/19 American all-weather bridge. No rubber.

Sergey Pavlikov, Review of Toyota Highlander 2.7 (188 hp) automatic 2014

Where could I buy?

1. Nimble: after 173 hp 249 forces — it's super.

2. Noise isolation: I don’t even hear the noise of winter tires, the engine — by itself.

3. Brakes are great, not sure why others are complaining.

4. Front parking sensors itch in front, rear ones make sounds from behind, which is more convenient than in Camry.

5. A huge armrest (tried on the Audi Q7, you can put no more than a pack of cigarettes and documents there).

6. Excellent driver's seat. It clearly fixes the position of the body, you feel very comfortable, unlike the Camry, where it is not fixed when cornering, of course, heating and ventilation.

7. Large trunk, I would say — a huge trunk.

8. Beautiful dashboard trim - stitched leather. Like. And also a niche - you can put every little thing that is in sight.

9. The tailgate opens and closes from the button — a trifle, but nice.

LIMITATIONS

1. Small volume of gas tank - enough for 480-520 km, not enough, you need at least 600 km.

2. Unpleasant to the touch steering wheel. The skin is better.

3. When the low fuel light is on, it does not display how many km are left.

4. False navigator - very flimsy. Here the Japanese are weak, or the Americans who collected it.

5. The option included covering the entire front of the car with a film - which means the coloring is budgetary.

Dmitry Krivosheya, drives Toyota Highlander 3.5 (249 hp) AT 2014

Engine 3.5 V6. Aspirated. 249 HP The motor is not bad. He is driving. His pleasant bass baritone is enough everywhere - in the city, on the highway when overtaking, on the primer. Yes, it is not the most economical, but it eats AI-92 of not the best quality without problems. Yes, you have to change six liters of oil in it, but in a car at minus forty it is always warm.

Tank for 78 liters. Taking into account trips over long distances and taking into account not always frequent gas stations on the highways, I would like more - 90-100 liters.

The suspension is clear and comfortable. Front MacPherson, rear multi-link from Lexus RX350. The car drives smoothly and not rolls at the same time. Toyota is very captivating with such a suspension. The suspension is not long-travel, since the Highlander is still an asphalt car, but on the road its moves are enough.

Chai's flotation is not the best, given the bumper overhangs and short suspension travel. Very dislikes diagonal hangings. In such cases, it begins to helplessly rotate the wheels, although the body does not warp. At least all doors, including the trunk, open and close normally. The car has not been tested with hard mud, and probably will not pass.

Salon. Sufficiently comfortable seats without pronounced lateral support. Instead of the word "eco-leather" I will allow myself to use the term "dermantin". So, it's pretty average quality. Creases form very quickly on the sides of the pillow on the leatherette.

The seat adjustments are electric, the driver's seat has a memory for two positions, and besides - here's your attention! - the length of the pillow is adjusted by lengthening under the driver's knees.

Although the car has 12 speakers from JBL, I can’t say that the sound is super. Not the worst, of course, but nothing more. The amplifier is structurally separated from the head unit and is located somewhere under the armrest.

Review of Toyota Highlander 3.5 with automatic 2015

Consumption in the city I have 16-17 liters, on the highway 12-13 liters. Enough engine — when you need to shoot, overtaking without tension.

Over time, as the first emotions passed, I discovered that the car had short-stroke racks, a rattling subwoofer and a dulling sensory head, in my opinion, they already write about this on the forums, and the dealer, in his words, knows about it.

About two weeks ago, I accidentally discovered that the plastic door sills (in the rear door openings) had worn off the paint on these very thresholds to the ground. The dealer had a warranty case, it is determined how to fix it.

Review of Toyota Highlander 3.5 (249 HP) AT 2015

Toyota is one of the most popular car brands in the Russian market. And the Toyota concern is rightfully the world's automotive giant, which produces reliable and comfortable cars. In the Russian Federation, cars from this manufacturer are so popular for the reason that most car models are purebred "Japanese". Although there are such Toyota options, which are still assembled at Russian factories. In particular, many Russian buyers are interested in where Toyota Highlander is assembled and what quality crossovers are produced. An interesting fact is that the Toyota Highlander model is not sold in the domestic market of Japan. The vehicle is intended for sale in the USA. In the US market, this vehicle belongs to the class of mid-size SUVs. For Russia, this SUV is delivered from the USA, where it is assembled in Princeton (Indiana). Also, Sequoia SUVs and Siena minivans roll off the assembly line of this enterprise. And so, crossovers assembled in the USA and more or less adapted to the conditions of driving on Russian roads are supplied to the Russian market.

For the Americans themselves, this car is assembled in Japan, and production is also established in China at the Toyota plant. In the Russian Federation, this model of the Japanese crossover is not produced, and, obviously, they are not planning to.

Differences between Russian and American crossover

For Russia and the USA, the Highlander crossover is produced with the same engines of 3.5 liters and 2.7 liters. In the American version of the crossover, you can see the difference in the separate seats in the back row. The Russian modification of Toyota Highlander 2014-2015, starting with the “Lux” configuration, is assembled with a seven-seater saloon. Judging by the reviews of buyers from America, it is very difficult for them to find such a crossover option, moreover, its cost will be considerable. If you know where the Toyota Highlander is produced, you yourself will see the difference. In the top version of the crossover for Russians and Americans, there are differences in the electronic system of the car. On the Russian Highlander, there is no such option as keeping the crossover on the road and there is no DVD system for rear passengers.

The crossover for the United States is equipped with an automatic braking system and active cruise control. Some modern domestic owners will be upset by the fact that on the Russian Highlander, unlike the American one, there is no such option as access to the Internet. For some unknown reason, the cost of the latest generation crossover in Russia has increased by two hundred thousand rubles, while in America, at this time, a car with a large set of options has risen in price by only $700. Regarding other changes, the Russian version of the crossover has a stiffer suspension, and the manufacturer has also adjusted the steering of the car. In other respects, the cars are almost the same.

Prices for Toyota Highlander

If you want to buy an American version of a crossover, then today there are a large number of offers from Americans for the sale of a used car. The cost of this "Japanese" model ranges from $30,000 to $48,000. But, if the car will be distilled from America, then you will have to pay extra for this service. Now you know where the Toyota Highlander is produced and how much it will cost. In Russia, a new crossover will cost you 760,000 rubles. For such money, the buyer will receive an Elegance package equipped with a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. With a more powerful 3.5-liter engine, the same option will already cost 1,967,000 rubles.

The main country producing Toyota cars is Japan, but with the growing popularity of the concern's products, it became necessary to cover the current demand and open new factories.

So, step by step, Toyota production was established in many countries of the world - France, Great Britain, Indonesia and others. Russia was no exception, where the products of this brand are especially valued.

About Toyota

Toyota began its activity with the manufacture of looms, and only in 1933 a car assembly workshop was opened.

To date, Toyota is the largest corporation producing more than a dozen car models and supplying products to almost all corners of the planet. The main office of the enterprise is based in the city of the same name Toyota.

The Second World War had a negative impact on the work of the company, and production was fully restored only by 1956. A year later, deliveries began to the USA and Brazil, and after another 5 years - to Europe.

By 2007, Toyota has earned the title of the largest automobile manufacturer and to this day successfully holds it.

Certain difficulties arose during the periods of 2008-2009, when, due to the financial crisis, the concern ended the year with losses, but after a while the company managed to bypass such giants as General Motors and Volkswagen in terms of sales.

By 2015, Toyota brand cars were recognized as the most expensive and in demand in the premium segment.

The main activity of the company is the manufacture of cars and buses.

The main facilities for the production of cars are located in Japan, but the concern's factories are scattered around the world.

Production is carried out in the following countries:

• Thailand (Samut Prakan);
• USA (Kentucky);
• Indonesia (Jakarta);
• Canada (Ontario) and others.

The concern's products are sent to Japan (about 45%), North America (about 13%), Asia, Europe and other regions of the world. Dealerships for the sale and maintenance of Toyota are open in several dozen countries, and their number is only growing.

Sales in Russia

The history of Toyota cars in Russia began almost 20 years ago. So, in 1998, a representative office of the concern was opened in Moscow.

The first sales success showed the correctness of the chosen vector, and after a while (in 2002) a marketing and sales company began to work. This year is considered a full-fledged start of the activities of the Japanese manufacturer in the country.

In the future, relations between Japan and Russia in the automotive and other sectors have been actively developed. So, in 2007, Toyota Bank began operating in the Russian Federation, based in two cities - St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Financial institutions provided loans to customers and acted as lenders to authorized Lexus and Toyota dealers.

By the way, Toyota became the first manufacturer that managed to open its banks on the territory of the Russian Federation.

In 2015, the popularity of Toyota cars reached its peak, which was confirmed by a record number of sales. About a hundred thousand cars were sold through official dealers.

The following models are in the greatest demand - Camry, RAV 4, Land Cruiser, Prado and others.

An interesting fact is that the Land Cruiser 200 in the premium segment occupies a leading position in sales, and its share is almost 45%.

Models that are assembled in Russia - factories

In 2005, an agreement was drawn up between the Russian government and the Toyota concern on the construction of a plant for the production of cars in the industrial zone of St. Petersburg.

The project was launched after 2 years, and the first "domestic" model was Toyota Camry.

Initially, the sales volume was 20,000 cars annually, but the concern's representatives planned to increase the figure to 300,000 units.

All cars that were produced in Russia were intended for the domestic market.

Despite the popularity of the Japanese brand's products, by 2014 sales decreased, and in the first 6 months about 13,000 cars were made, which was 1.5% less than in the same period in 2013.

To expand production, it was decided to supply Toyota Camry, made near St. Petersburg, to other countries - Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Despite some problems, the plant continues to develop. Thus, the construction of new stamping shops has recently been completed, and in 2016 it was possible to launch the production of RAV4.

The main issue concerns the build quality, which many do not like.

In 2013, the production of another representative of the Toyota concern, the Land Cruiser Prado, started. The Far East became the center of production. At the same time, the start of assembly in Russia did not lead to cheaper products, and prices remained at the same level. The planned production volume is 25 thousand cars annually.

The manufacture of machines in the Far East is focused on the domestic consumer - the Russian market.

In addition to the factories mentioned, Toyota for Russia is assembled in the following countries:

• Japan (Tahara) is one of the largest suppliers. Ten models of cars have been produced here since 1918, and the total turnover exceeds 8 million cars annually. About three hundred thousand employees are involved in servicing the facilities.
• France (Valenciennes);
• Japan (Tahara);
• England (Bernanston);
• Turkey (Sakarya).

Where is the Toyota Camry assembled?

The Camry model belongs to the D-class cars. Its production has been established in many countries of the world - China, the Russian Federation, Australia, England, the USA and, of course, in Japan itself.

During its existence, seven generations of the car have been produced and so far the manufacturer does not plan to slow down. Depending on the generation, the car may belong to the premium or middle classes.

Until 2008, Toyota Camry for the Russian market was produced in Japan. After the opening of the plant in Shushary, domestic consumers are offered cars assembled at their own facilities. This is what happens to this day.

Toyota Corolla

One of the most popular in the Russian Federation is the model. This is a compact vehicle, the production of which has been established since 1966. After another 8 years (in 1974), the car entered the Guinness Book of Records - it became the best-selling car in the world.

In 2016, this model turned 50 years old, and during this period more than 40 million cars were sold.

Previously, Corolla was assembled only in Japan, at the Takaoka plant. The situation changed in 2013, when the manufacturer introduced the 11th generation of the machine.

Since that moment, the assembly of Corolla for Russia has been carried out in Turkey, in the city of Sakarya. Deliveries of automotive equipment are carried out through Novorossiysk.

Today, only “Turkish” Corolla cars are available to motorists in the Russian Federation, but real “Japanese” can also be found in the secondary market.

There is a lot of discussion about build quality. According to the reviews of car owners and specialists, it almost did not change.

At the plant in Turkey, modern equipment has been installed, a staff of qualified employees has been recruited, and quality control is carried out by Toyota representatives themselves.

It is worth noting that earlier Japanese brand Corolla cars were already produced in Turkey (from 1994 to 2006). Cars were sold not only on the territory of the Russian Federation, but also in other countries.

Toyota RAV 4

The RAV 4 model has earned popularity due to its compactness, solid appearance and rich “stuffing”.

Crossover production began in 1994, and initially the car was aimed at young people. The number "4" in the name means the presence of permanent all-wheel drive.

Today, this crossover is in great demand among motorists in the Russian Federation. Until recently, assembly was carried out only in Japan at two factories - Takaoka and Taharan. This was until August 22, 2016. It was on this day that the first car of the model rolled off the assembly line of the plant in St. Petersburg.

The cars are planned to be sold not only in Russia, but also in a number of other countries - Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Toyota Prado

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado model is the pride of the Japanese concern. This SUV is rightfully considered one of the best representatives of the brand.

The advantages include an increased level of comfort, rich equipment, as well as a chic interior. The car is produced in 3 and 5-door versions.

Starting from the second generation, production was carried out with an emphasis on the Toyota 4Runner platform, but already from the 3rd generation, production was launched under the name Lexus GX.

The greatest interest for domestic buyers are cars produced in Japan. It is they who are considered "purebred Japanese". All three Land Cruiser models (100, 200 and Prado) are assembled in Japan at the Tahara plant.

By the way, in 2013, the assembly of these cars was launched in Russia at an enterprise in Vladivostok, but already in 2015 the idea had to be abandoned. The reason was the low level of sales.

Toyota Avensis

The next representative of the D-class from the Japanese brand is Toyota Avensis. The main competitors are Opel Vectra and others.

In the European market, the car replaced the Toyota Carina E, and in 2007 the Avensis station wagon appeared, which replaced Kaldina.

Despite the Japanese affiliation, cars have never been assembled on the territory of Japan. And in general, Avensis is not intended for the Japanese market. The main consumers are European countries and Russia.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, cars manufactured in England are mainly sold at a plant in Derbyshire.

The first cars left the assembly line in 2008, and a year later their number exceeded 115,000. There are no complaints about the quality - everything is done with English precision and scrupulousness.

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is a special medium-sized pickup truck that has been sold in Russia since 2010.

Thanks to the longitudinal arrangement of the motor, the frame structure, as well as all-wheel drive, the car has earned popularity all over the world. To date, eight generations of this car have been produced.

For Russia, Toyota Hilux is assembled in two countries - Thailand and South Africa. Generally speaking, assembly for other countries has also been established in Argentina and Indonesia.

Toyota Highlander

Another representative of the Japanese brand, Toyota Highlander, deserves special attention. This vehicle belongs to the SUV class and is based on Toyota K.

The first performance took place in 2000. The main consumers are young people aged 20-30 years.

Initially, the model was intended for sales only in Japan. In the Highlander class, it is higher than RAV 4, but inferior to Prado.

The main consumers of this car are the Americans, but there is also a certain demand in Russia.

Vehicles assembled in the USA (Indiana, Preston) and slightly adapted to local conditions arrive on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Sienna minivans are also assembled here. The car is also produced in Japan, but these models are sent to the EU countries.

Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza belongs to the class of 5-seater crossovers. Initially, the car was produced for the United States, but since 2013 it has also been introduced to the Russian market.

Toyota Venza is positioned as a car for young families who travel a lot and love an active lifestyle. The first sales in the world started at the end of 2008.

The model differs in reliability, rich functional content and comfort. In 2012, shortly before the start of sales in Russia, a restyled version was introduced.

Since 2015, the car has not been sold in the United States, and in 2016, sales on the Russian market also stopped. Today, the Toyota Venza can still be found in the Chinese and Canadian markets.

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is a compact "Japanese", made in a hatchback body. Vehicle production started in 1999.

The name Yaris was borrowed from the name of the ancient Greek goddess of joy and fun (the original name is Charis).

The second name of the car is Vitz, but it only applies to cars made for the Japanese market.

In Europe and Japan, the car appeared in one year - in 1999. In 2005, a 2nd generation car was introduced, and in 2006 sales started in Russia.

Machines of the 3rd generation were produced only in Japan, at a factory in Yokohama, and were intended for the domestic market. Soon production started in France, from where the model gets to the EU and Russia.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

FJ Cruiser car from Toyota is a compact SUV, which is made in the original retro style.

The concept was first presented in 2003, and production itself was launched two years later.

In the US and Canada, the first sales started in 2007. Externally, the car resembles the FJ40 model, which was produced 50 years ago.

The car is made only in Japan. At the same time, in 2014, sales of this model in the United States were discontinued.

Over the past two years, cars could be purchased in the markets of Japan, China, Australia and a number of other countries. In 2016, the company announced its intention to stop production of the FJ Cruiser.

Toyota Prius

Auto - mid-size "hybrid" from the Japanese brand, which can run on gasoline and electricity. The battery has a large capacity, reaching 1.3-1.4 kWh.

The electric motor is capable of performing the functions of a generator and recharging the battery.

Cars are produced exclusively in Japan, at the Tsutsumi plant. In 2015, a new generation of the car was introduced, and since February 2017, the first orders have been received from Russia.

Country of manufacture by VIN code, how to find out?

You can get information about the country of manufacture of the car using the VIN code, which is given in the documents or printed on a special plate on the car.

In Toyota cars, the following can be located:

• In the left corner of the dashboard;
• Under the front passenger seat (on the right side);
• On the frame of the open driver's door.

You can recognize the country of origin by the first three characters. If the first character is J, the car is made in Japan.

Here it is worth highlighting the following options:

• SB1 - UK;
• AHT and ACU - South Africa;
• VNK - France;
• TW0 and TW1 - Portugal;
• 3RZ - Mexico;
• 6T1 - Australia;
• LH1 - China;
• PN4 - Malaysia;
• 5TD, 5TE, 5X0 - USA.

Also, when decrypting, you should focus on 11 characters.

The options are:

• From 0 to 9 - country of origin Japan;
• C - country of origin Canada;
• M, S, U, X, Z - USA manufacturing country.

The following digits are the serial number.

For a complete breakdown of the VIN code for a Toyota car, see below.

Despite the existing difficulties, Toyota continues to develop. And if old models disappear from the market, they are replaced by even more interesting and modern cars.

The manufacturer also holds its position in the Russian market, which is confirmed by the release of new models at local facilities.

The Toyota Highlander is a large crossover comparable to the Volkswagen Touareg. In terms of dimensions, it is longer and taller, but slightly narrower. Will Highlander be able to surpass its main competitor in other indicators?

Specifications

The 2015 Highlander has a very heavy hood. Toyota never introduces abrupt innovations that can then break down and create problems. Their main policy is to just take the previous crossover, see what problems it had and refine it to perfection.

In the previous crossover, the main problem was plastic. In addition, the car used really a lot of fuel. A car without a full frame and a particularly large cross-country ability ate 19 liters per 100 kilometers.

By and large, the Toyota Highlender was supplied with an all-wheel drive system from the RX. Now the usual clutch, permanent front-wheel drive and under duress, when slipping, the rear is connected. Suspension mcpherson, much taken from the Lexus RX. Behind - multi-link suspension. Engine - 249 horsepower. A big plus was the reduction from 277 horsepower while maintaining the same power. Conventional 4-cylinder VV-time motor on phase shifters, very quiet. And also - a six-speed automatic instead of a five-speed one. Thanks to this, the car began to spend less fuel on the highway and around the city, because the car lost its center differential. Minus - in a deep snowdrift or mud, the clutch will turn off and the car will inevitably get stuck.

Salon

The first row seats can be adjusted to fit your body size, as can the steering wheel. The driver's seat is replete with various buttons, such as on the steering wheel and the front panel. The information display of the on-board computer has everything you need: control of "dead zones", opening the trunk, heated steering wheel and wiper zones. In the center is the media panel, it has become touch-sensitive. There is also navigation, but the buttons are not very convenient.

The car has separate climate control. Near the gear adjustment there is a button for turning on and off the stabilization button, which reacts to the operation of the machine. Downhill system and differential lock (actually this is a clutch closure). The automatic gearshift walks on an uneven slot, which is very convenient.

The interior is equipped with plastic, which sometimes imitates leather inserts. In general, it looks good and expensive.

If we talk about the rear seats, then there is plenty of space for a comfortable ride for passengers. For their convenience:

• separate climate control
• heated seats,
• curtains,
• armrests.
• perforated leather seat pockets.

The trunk opens with an automatic button. The button opens the rear window for loading small luggage. There is a small shelf, for example, for tools. Below is the spare wheel. In the trunk you can also find belts for the third row of seats. But to enter them, you need to move the second row of seats. Unfortunately, only children can fit there. If you close the second and third rows of seats, then there will be an ideal floor that you can use as you wish. A rear view camera is installed on the trunk.

Driving performance

As the test drive showed, Toyota is a very smooth car that has a light steering wheel and gas pedal. Very smooth control, which in principle is not typical for a crossover. Fuel consumption - 14 liters per 100 kilometers. On the hood you can see the central stamping, there is enough visibility of the side mirrors. No engine noise is heard either. Feel the width of the car, but the driver feels comfortable. The machine is higher than 80% of the current. Unfortunately, the car feels small bumps in the road. On a test drive when cornering, there is a slightly noticeable roll to the side.

From all this it can be concluded that

Toyota Highlender 2014-2015 is a comfortable family car for the city.

The motor accelerates smoothly. In general, no radical changes, except for reduced fuel consumption and a different gearbox. Fuel consumption in the city is 15.7 liters per 100 kilometers. Acceleration to 100 km in 8.5 seconds.

Price and general information

The approximate price for a car is 1 million 760 thousand rubles. For that money, you get a 2.7-liter front-wheel drive engine. The nearest car with all-wheel drive and a powerful engine will cost 1,960,000 rubles. The car is in an almost top-end configuration - 2 million 138 thousand rubles.

Video

Video test drive Toyota Highlander 2015 see below