Three Important Changes to 2017 Highlander Just Announced by Toyota

Toyota’s 2017 Highlander gets some important equipment upgrades when it debuts this week at the New York International Auto Show. The Highlander was all-new in 2014, and these changes are the biggest yet in the current generation.

New Engine
The 3.5-liter V6 engine gets new upgrades that will provide more power and also make Highlander more fuel efficient. These upgrades were applied to the new Lexus RX 350 and horsepower jumped from 270 to 295. Expect the same result on the Highlander.

New Transmission
The 2017 Toyota Highlander will also follow the Lexus RX 350’s lead by adopting the 8-speed automatic transmission. This change will result in better fuel economy. Expect a 1 or 2 MPG improvement.

New Standard Safety
The 2016 Toyota Highlander is already an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus-rated vehicle. There is no safer mid-size crossover. However, to earn that rating the Highlander must be equipped with optional Forward Collision Prevention (FCP). For 2017 all Highlanders will have Toyota’s Safety Sense package standard. This package includes FCP with automatic emergency braking and also Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Pedestrian Pre- Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

There will also be some trim additions and minor cosmetic changes to the Highlander. Together these changes should help keep Highlander at the top of the sales charts.