In-Depth Review of the 2016 Toyota Highlander: Features, Performance, and Buying Guide
The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a versatile midsize SUV that offers a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and safety. With multiple trims and engine options, it caters to families and adventurers alike. This detailed review covers everything from interior features and engine specifications to safety systems and pricing, guiding buyers in making an informed decision. Whether you're looking for fuel efficiency, spacious seating, or reliability, the Highlander remains an excellent choice. Explore its capabilities and find out why it continues to be a popular SUV pick in 2016.
Complete Overview of the 2016 Toyota Highlander
The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a highly regarded midsize SUV that perfectly balances robust performance with a stylish and modern design. It appeals to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a reliable vehicle with versatile options. Available in three distinct trims—XLE with all-wheel drive, the standard XLE, and the upscale Limited AWD—the Highlander provides options to suit various preferences and budgets. Its powerful yet efficient engine lineup, combined with a comfortable and upscale interior, makes it a popular choice among SUV buyers.
The base model Highlander is designed to comfortably seat up to eight passengers, making it ideal for larger families or those who frequently carpool. This model offers impressive fuel economy, delivering up to 20 miles per gallon (mpg) combined, thanks to a well-engineered powertrain that balances power and efficiency. Under the hood, it features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides lively performance, along with a smooth automatic transmission that ensures seamless shifts and a comfortable driving experience. The interior of the Highlander boasts refined materials, spacious seating, and a host of modern amenities that enhance both comfort and convenience on every drive.
Driving the Highlander offers a quiet, stable ride that absorbs road imperfections well, making it suitable for daily commuting and long road trips alike. The vehicle's refined interior is equipped with upscale features, including a user-friendly infotainment system, available leather seats, and numerous storage compartments. While the overall ride quality and interior comfort are commendable, some reviewers note that the third-row seating may feel somewhat cramped compared to competitors, especially for adults on longer journeys.
The Highlander’s seating arrangement offers flexibility, with options for either seven or eight seats. The seven-passenger configuration features captain's chairs in the second row, providing easier ingress and egress, while the eight-passenger setup uses a bench seat for increased capacity. The driving dynamics are backed by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for the base models, which pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup results in an average fuel efficiency of approximately 20 mpg in city driving and up to 25 mpg on highways, making it an economical choice for daily commuters.
Higher trim levels are powered by a more robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that outputs 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, providing significant performance enhancements. These trims are particularly popular among those who prioritize power and acceleration, especially when carrying full loads or tackling hilly terrains. Safety features are comprehensive, with standard equipment like traction and stability control, multiple airbags including front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to ensure optimal control under various driving conditions.
The starting price for the 2016 Highlander is around $42,687, giving buyers a competitive entry point into the midsize SUV segment. Numerous online dealerships and automotive marketplaces offer attractive financing options, ensuring that interested buyers can find a configuration that fits their budget while accessing additional features and packages.
In conclusion, the 2016 Toyota Highlander stands out as an excellent choice for families and individuals alike, thanks to its blend of performance, style, comfort, and safety. Whether opting for the fuel-efficient four-cylinder model or the more powerful V6 variants, drivers benefit from a well-rounded vehicle that can handle diverse driving needs and conditions. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and respectable fuel economy make it a versatile and reliable option for anyone looking in the midsize SUV market. With its variety of trims and features, the Highlander remains a popular and valuable investment for those seeking durability and value in an SUV.
