2021 Toyota Highlander: Comprehensive Guide to Its Premium Features and Technology

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers a perfect blend of safety, connectivity, and comfort. With features like a digital rearview mirror, Apple CarPlay®, in-car Wi-Fi, and parking assistance technologies, it caters to modern families and tech enthusiasts. This detailed review highlights the SUV’s top features that make it a standout choice in the midsize SUV segment, emphasizing safety, entertainment, and ease of parking for everyday driving and adventures.

2021 Toyota Highlander: An In-Depth Overview of Its Best Features

The 2021 Toyota Highlander stands out as a highly versatile and family-friendly midsize SUV that seamlessly blends comfort, safety, and innovative technology. Designed to accommodate growing families and active lifestyles, the Highlander offers flexible interior configurations, including both seven- and eight-passenger layouts. The 2021 model year introduces a range of enhancements, notably a sporty XSE trim equipped with a sport-tuned suspension to appeal to drivers seeking a more dynamic driving experience. This comprehensive guide explores the standout features of the Highlander to help prospective buyers understand what makes this vehicle a compelling choice in the competitive SUV market.

Advanced Digital Rearview Mirror
The Highlander prioritizes driver safety with the integration of a cutting-edge digital rearview mirror. Unlike traditional mirrors, this innovative feature uses a high-mounted camera inside the rear window to project a clear, unobstructed live feed onto the mirror display, providing a wider and more accurate rearward view. This substantial improvement reduces blind spots, especially when carrying bulky cargo or passengers. It enhances overall visibility and contributes significantly to safer driving, particularly in conditions like poor weather or crowded parking lots.

Seamless Apple CarPlay® Integration
The 2021 Highlander comes equipped with Apple CarPlay®, transforming the infotainment experience into a personalized and intuitive connection with your iPhone. This feature allows drivers and passengers to access their favorite apps for navigation, calls, messaging, and music without taking their eyes off the road. By simply connecting your iPhone via a USB or wireless connection, Apple CarPlay® seamlessly mirrors your device’s interface on the vehicle's infotainment screen. An optional premium audio system from JBL® with 11 speakers delivers crystal-clear sound, immersing occupants in high-quality audio for an engaging in-car entertainment experience. Siri® voice control further simplifies interactions, enabling you to ask for directions, play music, or send messages effortlessly, ensuring a hands-free, safe, and connected drive.

Reliable Wi-Fi Connectivity on the Go
The Highlander offers integrated Wi-Fi connectivity powered by AT&T, supporting up to five devices simultaneously with 4G LTE speeds. This feature ensures that both driver and passengers stay connected, whether for work, streaming, or social media. The vehicle's in-car Wi-Fi comes with an unlimited data plan, which includes access to popular streaming services such as HBO, CNN, and TNT, making long trips more entertaining and productive. Additionally, users can download and use the WarnerMedia RIDE app via the App Store or AT&T dashboard for a seamless streaming experience, transforming the Highlander into a mobile entertainment hub wherever you go.

Enhanced Parking Assistance for Easier Maneuvering
Parking can sometimes be stressful, especially in tight spaces. The Highlander addresses this with advanced parking assistance features, including Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking (RCTB). The ICS system provides audible and visual alerts whenever the SUV detects objects or obstacles near the vehicle, alerting drivers early to prevent minor accidents. RCTB assists when reversing out of parking spots by detecting crossing vehicles or pedestrians and automatically applying brakes if necessary. These systems work together to make parking safer, more precise, and less stressful, giving drivers confidence in any parking situation and reducing the risk of minor collisions.

In summary, the 2021 Toyota Highlander offers an impressive suite of features that combine safety, connectivity, and convenience. Its digital rearview mirror significantly enhances rearward visibility, while Apple CarPlay® and integrated Wi-Fi ensure staying connected on the go. Advanced parking assistance further enhances the ease of urban driving. For families and tech-savvy drivers alike, the Highlander stands out as a top contender in the midsize SUV segment, delivering both comfort and innovation in a stylish package. Whether you prioritize safety, entertainment, or driving enjoyment, the Highlander’s array of features makes it a well-rounded choice for modern drivers seeking reliability and advanced technology. Whether for daily commuting, road trips, or family outings, this vehicle is designed to meet a wide range of needs with style and sophistication.
Overall, the 2021 Toyota Highlander blends practicality with advanced features, creating an exceptional driving experience that keeps passengers connected, entertained, and safe throughout every journey.

**Industry:** Automotive