2016 Toyota Highlander Just Keeps Winning Awards

The Toyota Highlander has been winning awards since it was introduced. The current generation Highlander has won many awards for safety, and now the Highlander is taking awards for its value and versatility as a family vehicle.

Kelly Blue Book (KBB) recently announced its 16 Best Family Cars of 2016, and also its Five-Year Cost To Own Awards. The Highlander appears on both lists. First, the Highlander line overall scores as a Best Family Car. This is the third year in a row that the Highlander has earned this distinction. KBB made sure to point out that it was not just one specific Highlander trim that won this award, saying, “The Highlander earns its spot with a solid combination of comfort, quality, space and convenience features that continue to make it a truly formidable player in its segment, while offering buyers a choice of trims from the entry-level LE model to a range-topping Limited with ultra-lux Platinum Package.”

Next Up, the KBB Five-Year Cost To Own Awards. Here it is the Highlander Hybrid that is honored. It wins the Best Hybrid Crossover/SUV segment. . We will let KBB explain what they liked about the Highlander in this regard:
“Toyota Highlander is an 8-passenger solution for many families' needs. The Toyota Highander Hybrid takes that winning equation a step further by adding excellent fuel economy -- 28 mpg on the highway -- thanks to its powertrain, which uses a 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors. With 280 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque, the powerplant is both efficient and potent. Throw in Toyota's celebrated reputation for reliability and the Highlander's rating as an IIHS Top Safety Pick +, and it's no wonder the Highlander Hybrid's resale values are strong, one compelling reason why its 5-Year Cost to Own is the best in the hybrid crossover SUV category.”

These awards are in some ways opinion-based, but there is one safety distinction the Highlander earned that is strictly based on fact. If you have not read that story, here it is.