The Japanese automaker Toyota manufactures the mid-size crossover SUV known as the Highlander. It debuted in 2001 as the Toyota Camry Solara wagon’s replacement. Since then, the Highlander has grown to be one of Toyota’s most well-liked models and is renowned for its blend of functionality, dependability, and comfort.
The fourth generation Toyota Highlander, which debuted for the 2020 model year, is the one in use today. Six trim levels are offered: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. A variety of safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking, are included as standard equipment on all models.
A 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood of the Highlander generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission that offers seamless and effective shifting is mated to it. There is also a hybrid version of the Highlander that generates 243 horsepower by combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors.
Up to eight passengers can comfortably fit inside the Highlander’s roomy interior. The third-row seats are simple to reach and offer enough room for people. A 6.1-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and other standard features are all included in the well-appointed interior, which also has high-quality materials throughout. A bigger touchscreen, a JBL sound system, and a panoramic moonroof are among the options available on higher versions.
In general, the Toyota Highlander is a capable and dependable crossover SUV that works well for both commuters and families. It is a well-liked option in the mid-size SUV market thanks to its blend of comfort, safety, and performance.
Overview of Toyota Highlander Seating Capacity
A well-liked mid-size crossover SUV with a roomy interior for passengers is the Toyota Highlander. Depending on the trim level and layout, the Highlander’s seating capacity varies, but in some variants, it can hold up to eight people.
Two front bucket seats, a bench seat in the second row, and a bench seat in the third row are the typical seating arrangements for the base L and LE models. When needed, the bench seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area. While reducing the number of seats to seven, the second-row captain’s chair option added by the XLE trim gives second-row passengers more comfort and convenience. The second-row captain’s chair option is also available on the XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims.
The third-row seats in the Highlander are made to be spacious and comfortable for passengers. The split-folding design of the seats enables them to be folded down either individually or collectively to increase cargo capacity. Due to the Highlander’s wide-opening back doors and sliding second-row seats, the seats are very simple to access.
Everyone riding in the Highlander will have plenty of headroom and legroom. Second-row seats have 39.4 inches of headroom and 41.0 inches of legroom, compared to 40.4 inches of headroom and 42.0 inches of legroom in the first row. 36.1 inches of headroom and 27.7 inches of legroom are available in the third row.
A wide range of comfort and convenience amenities are also included with the Highlander to improve the driving experience for passengers. All trims include a standard three-zone automatic climate control system that enables passengers in various rows to customize their preferred temperature. Higher variants include extras like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a memory-functioned power driver’s seat.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a fantastic option for families or anyone who values comfort and convenience thanks to its seating capacity and roomy cabin. The Highlander meets your needs whether you need to transport a sizable group of passengers or simply need a lot of space for luggage.
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels and Seat Options
There are six distinct trim levels for the Toyota Highlander, each with special amenities and seating options. Seating for up to eight passengers is included as standard equipment in the base L and LE trims, including second-row bench seats and a third-row bench seat with a 60/40 split-folding seat. Seating capacity is reduced to seven people with the second-row captain’s chairs option available on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, but second-row passengers benefit from an increase in comfort and convenience.
A rearview camera, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and several cutting-edge safety systems including lane departure warning and forward collision warning are all included as standard equipment in the Highlander’s base L level. A larger 8-inch touchscreen, heated outside mirrors, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat are all included in the LE model.
The XLE trim is where things start to pick up. It has a tonne of extra goodies, like leather seats, a power liftgate, a power sunroof, and a wireless charging pad. Moreover, it includes conventional second-row captain’s chairs that give passengers more comfort and convenience.
With options like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system, and heated and ventilated front seats, the Limited trim is even more opulent. A panoramic moonroof and a hands-free motorized liftgate are additional features. With upgrades like a head-up display, a 360-degree parking camera system, and a digital rearview mirror, the Platinum trim takes things to the next level.
The Toyota Highlander offers a cozy and roomy interior for passengers regardless of the trim level you select. When more cargo room is required, the third-row seats may be folded down separately or collectively thanks to its split-folding design. Due to the Highlander’s wide-opening back doors and sliding second-row seats, the seats are very simple to access.
The Toyota Highlander is an all-around adaptable and opulent crossover SUV that has something to offer everyone. Finding the ideal Highlander to meet your needs and preferences is simple thanks to the variety of trim levels and seat options available. The Highlander meets your needs whether you’re hauling a sizable group of passengers or simply need a lot of space for cargo.
How Many Passengers Fit in the Toyota Highlander?
For families or anyone who wants to carry a big group of people, the Toyota Highlander is a well-liked mid-size crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. Depending on the trim level and layout, the Highlander’s seating capacity varies, but all versions come standard with a third-row bench seat that can hold three people.
Two front bucket seats, a bench seat in the second row, and a bench seat in the third row are the typical seating arrangements for the base L and LE models. Up to eight passengers can be accommodated in this layout, making it the perfect choice for big families or social gatherings.
Third-row bench seats are standard on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims as well, but second-row captain’s chairs are also available. This decreases the number of seats to seven but gives second-row passengers more comfort and convenience. The XSE trim comes equipped with second-row captain’s seats.
Everyone riding in the Highlander will have plenty of headroom and legroom. Second-row seats have 39.4 inches of headroom and 41.0 inches of legroom, compared to 40.4 inches of headroom and 42.0 inches of legroom in the first row. 36.1 inches of headroom and 27.7 inches of legroom are available in the third row.
A wide range of comfort and convenience amenities are also included with the Highlander to improve the driving experience for passengers. All trims include a standard three-zone automatic climate control system that enables passengers in various rows to customize their preferred temperature. Higher variants include extras like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a memory-functioned power driver’s seat.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to carry a sizable group of people thanks to its roomy cabin and ample seating capacity. The Highlander can effortlessly and comfortably fit everyone, whether you’re going on a road vacation with your family or just need to carpool with friends.
Rear Seat Folding Options in the Toyota Highlander
A flexible mid-size SUV, the Toyota Highlander provides a range of seating and cargo combinations to meet various needs. The Highlander’s rear seat folding options are one of the main characteristics that contribute to its adaptability. The Highlander can fold down the second and third rows of seats, which allows it to carry a range of different-sized and shaped loads.
The third-row bench seat in the Highlander’s base L and LE trims is a 60/40 split-folding bench that is simple to fold down when you need more cargo room. The second-row seats can also be folded down, although only in the L trim and only in a 60/40 split. The second-row seats in the LE level have a one-touch tilt/slide function that makes getting to the third row simple.
Second-row captain’s seats, which increase passenger comfort and convenience, are standard on Highlander models in the XLE and Limited trim levels. These seats do not fold down, but they do include a sliding feature that enables users to change their position for greater cargo space or legroom. As with the base trims, the third-row bench seat may still be folded down in a 60/40 split configuration.
With a power-folding third-row seat that can be operated from the driver’s seat or a button in the cargo area, the top-of-the-line Platinum trim takes things to the next level. Using this function, it is simple to switch between the passenger and cargo modes without manually folding the seats.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a fantastic alternative for anyone who wants to move both passengers and baggage thanks to its rear seat folding options. The Highlander can handle several different cargo sizes and shapes because of its adaptable seating arrangements and simple-to-use folding mechanisms. The Highlander has you covered whether you’re transporting furniture, sporting goods, or groceries.
Accessing the Third Row in the Toyota Highlander
In comparison to other mid-size SUVs, the Toyota Highlander has several features and design cues that make accessing the third row simpler and more practical. Because of the Highlander’s third-row access possibilities, it’s an excellent alternative if you need to transport a big number of people, youngsters, senior passengers, or both.
The Highlander has a second-row bench seat in the base L and LE trims that can be tilted and moved forward to make accessing the third row simpler. When not in use, the third-row seats may also be simply folded down to expand the cargo area.
Second-row captain’s seats, which increase passenger comfort and convenience, are standard on Highlander models in the XLE and Limited trim levels. The one-touch tilt/slide function on these chairs makes it simple to reach the third row. As with the base trims, the third-row seats continue to fold down in a 60/40 split configuration.
The Highlander’s top-of-the-line Platinum trim has a power-folding third-row seat that can be controlled from the driver’s seat or a button in the cargo area for even easier access to the third row. Using this feature eliminates the need to manually fold down the seats or move the second-row seats out of the way while switching between the passenger and cargo modes.
Toyota Highlander Cargo Space with Seats Up and Down
For many purchasers, cargo room in mid-size SUVs is an important feature to take into account. With various capacities depending on whether the second and third-row seats are up or down, the Toyota Highlander has plenty of cargo room.
The Highlander provides 16 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows of seats up. This will fit a few modest shopping bags or suitcases, but if you need to transport heavy objects or a lot of gear, it might be a challenge.
The cargo space increases to a much more substantial 48.4 cubic feet when the third-row seats are folded down. Larger things, such as bicycles, strollers, or golf clubs, as well as bulkier groceries or luggage, can all fit in this space.
The second and third rows of seats may be folded flat for a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet if you require even more room. This tremendous quantity of room should be more than sufficient to meet the majority of needs.
It’s important to remember that the cargo space of the Highlander varies slightly depending on the trim level. For instance, the battery pack takes up some space in the cargo area, so the Hybrid trims have slightly less cargo space. Yet, the Highlander still provides enough cargo room for the majority of needs even with the Hybrid trims.
Overall, the cargo area of the Toyota Highlander is sizable and adaptable, with different capacities depending on whether the seats are up or down. The Highlander is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to transport a lot of equipment, food, or luggage due to its outstanding cargo capacity.
Safety Features for Toyota Highlander Passengers
The Toyota Highlander has a lot to offer its occupants in terms of safety. Many cutting-edge safety systems that come standard on the Highlander work to protect occupants in the case of an accident or other driving catastrophe.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ collection of cutting-edge driver assistance technologies is one of Highlander’s most important safety features. This incorporates functions like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assistance, automatic high beams, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition. Together, these characteristics contribute to accident avoidance and passenger safety on the road.
Several passive safety features are also available with the Highlander in addition to these driver-aid technologies. This includes equipment like seatbelt pre-tensioners, advanced airbag systems, and reinforced body structures. By aiding in the absorption and distribution of crash energy and lowering the possibility of harm, these characteristics are intended to safeguard occupants in the case of a collision.
The Highlander also offers several kid safety measures for families with young children. This features child safety latches on the back doors and lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) in the second and third-row seats. These elements aid in ensuring the security and safety of kids as they travel in the Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander has a variety of safety measures to keep occupants secure while driving. The Highlander is a fantastic option for anyone who places a high priority on safety when choosing a vehicle thanks to its cutting-edge driver assistance systems, passive safety measures, and child safety features.
Toyota Highlander Seating Comfort and Convenience
No matter where a passenger is situated, the Toyota Highlander is made to offer them comfortable and convenient sitting. The Highlander offers a variety of amenities and design elements to keep you relaxed and comfortable on long travels, whether you’re in the front, second, or third rows of seats.
The Highlander provides a variety of comfort features for the driver and front passenger in the front seats. This includes options like heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheels, and power adjustments for the seats. Even tall passengers may stretch out and unwind in the seats because they have plenty of headroom and legroom.
The Highlander gives passengers in the second row the option of a bench seat or captain’s chair. Both versions have amenities like reclining seatbacks, movable headrests, and plenty of legroom to provide the most comfort and convenience. For added convenience for the passengers, the captain’s seats also feature a center console with cupholders and a storage area.
The Highlander provides a pleasantly large degree of comfort and convenience for third-row occupants. Even for adult travelers, the seats are made to have enough headroom and legroom. The third-row seats are ideal for relaxing and taking in the trip because they have cupholders and air conditioning vents.
The Highlander offers several different comforts for passengers in addition to these seating options. This includes amenities like a panoramic moonroof, an entertainment system for the backseat, and numerous USB connections spread across the interior. All passengers will find the long rides to be more pleasurable and soothing thanks to these amenities.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander is built to offer all passengers convenient and comfortable seating. The Highlander is a fantastic option for families, commuters, or anyone who values comfort and convenience in a vehicle because of its variety of seating configurations and amenities.
Conclusion: Is the Toyota Highlander Right for Your Family?
The Toyota Highlander is a flexible and competent SUV that provides families on the go with a variety of features and conveniences. The Highlander is a fantastic alternative for families who require a vehicle that can manage all of their needs due to its roomy interior, cutting-edge safety systems, and variety of trim levels and choices.
The Highlander’s seating capacity is one of its most notable qualities. The Highlander is a terrific option for larger families or anyone who has to transport a lot of people frequently because it has space for up to eight passengers. With amenities like power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated seats, and plenty of head- and legroom throughout the interior, the seats are made to be as comfortable and convenient as possible.
The enhanced safety features of the Highlander are yet another major advantage. The Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ and several passive safety systems to protect occupants in the event of a collision or other vehicle catastrophe. This makes it an excellent option for families who place a high value on safety when choosing a vehicle.
The Highlander is a fantastic option for families on the go because it provides a variety of comforts and facilities. The Highlander comes equipped with amenities like a rear-seat entertainment system, many USB outlets, and a panoramic moonroof to keep passengers happy and comfortable on lengthy rides.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice for families who need a vehicle that can handle all their needs. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and range of conveniences and amenities, the Highlander is sure to be a great fit for many families.