Toyota Highlander III 3.5 V6 (249 Hp) 4x4 Automatic


Overall Rating

9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Highlander:

The Toyota Highlander , also known as the Toyota Kluger in some markets, is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.
The Highlander was announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show, arriving in Japan in late 2000, and North America in January 2001. It was among the first of a new class of mid-size SUVs that were based on a car platform. At the time, the Highlander was built on the company's existing Toyota K architecture, shared with the Camry. The Highlander became Toyota's best-selling SUV in the US before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Overview:

Toyota Highlander (III). With 337 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2005 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.7 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Toyota Highlander III was not tested by Euro NCAP, as it was primarily marketed outside of Europe. However, Toyota generally has a strong reputation for safety, and the Highlander typically performed well in North American safety tests.

3.5 V6 (249 Hp) 4x4 Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Delivers strong and smooth V6 power, offering confident acceleration and ample capability for highway cruising and light towing.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel consumption for a powerful V6 AWD SUV, though it's notably higher than the hybrid variant.

Best Use Case: Excellent for highway travel, all-weather conditions requiring AWD, and families needing robust power without the hybrid premium.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and versatile 7-seater interior
  • • Exceptional reliability and strong resale value
  • • Available highly efficient hybrid powertrain
  • • Comfortable and smooth ride quality
  • • User-friendly infotainment and controls

Cons:

  • • Base 2.7L engine can feel underpowered
  • • Conventional V6 fuel economy is average
  • • Interior design can be somewhat conservative/bland
  • • Limited off-road capability compared to some rivals
  • • Some road noise at higher speeds

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 2011 - 2013).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Highlander
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):3.5 V6 (249 Hp) 4x4 Automatic
Start of production:2013
End of production:2016
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:7
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:249 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:72 Hp/l [80mm more]
Torque:337 Nm @ 4700 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:2GR-FE More details about the engine 2GR-FE
Engine displacement:3456
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC-VVTi
Engine oil capacity:6.1 l
Coolant:11.2 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:94 mm mm
Piston Stroke:83 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.6 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.7 sec
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.1 kg/Hp, 124.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.9 kg/Nm, 168.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2005
Max. weight:2755
Max load:750
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2370 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:391 l
Fuel tank capacity:72 l
Size:
Length:4865 mm mm [80mm more]
Width:1925 mm mm [15mm more]
Height:1730 mm mm [30mm less]
Wheelbase:2790 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1635 mm
Rear (Back) track:1650 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):197 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size245/55 R19
Wheel rims size19
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring

Does the Toyota Highlander live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!