Much awaited Highlander takes efficiency to new heights Toyota’s newest Hybrid SUV is now in town

Proving that large vehicles can also be eco-friendly, Al-Futtaim Toyota today brings a new level of efficiency and technology to the UAE’s SUV market with the launch of its biggest Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) to date. Available exclusively with an HEV powertrain, the all-new Toyota Highlander takes its place at the pinnacle of Toyota’s electrified SUV line-up.

Toyota has combined its leadership in HEV development and extensive experience in the SUV market with its legendary Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR) to create the all-new Toyota Highlander HEV. The innovative vehicle builds on a legacy of more than 23 years at the forefront of eco-friendly technology, 15-million satisfied HEV customers globally, and the most extensive HEV line-up in the region. After setting a goal of developing a vehicle that would provide both unrivaled family security and heightened driving pleasure in every situation, Toyota engineers turned their attention to establishing the highest standards for design and quality.

Saud Abbasi, Managing Director at Al-Futtaim Toyota said, “We are very excited to be expanding our HEV offering with the launch of the much-anticipated Highlander. This car underscores our continuous commitment to play a leading role in constantly innovating and developing technologies that protect the UAE’s environment. The all-new Highlander has been engineered to offer outstanding fuel efficiency while delivering first-class comfort, technology and performance. By continually striving to push the boundaries of our environmental technologies, our customers can experience cars such as the Highlander that are ecofriendly and fun to drive, while protecting our environment for future generations to enjoy.

Electrification of vehicles has been a strong focus for Toyota since 1997. Since then, the company has successfully launched a variety of HEVs, leading the way to a steady growth in the adoption of its environment-friendly vehicles and pushing cumulative sales to over 15 million. Combined, this enormous sales record represents a reduction of more than 120 million tons of CO2 compared to the sales of equivalent conventional vehicles and underscores the tremendous support from Toyota’s customers for this eco-friendly approach.

Technical attributes  

The all-new Highlander combines all the familiar Toyota SUV attributes of comfort, drivability, and safety with low emissions, greater fuel efficiency, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), space on demand, and an impressive 1,500 kg towing capacity.

The 2020 Highlander’s sophisticated body is based on the brand-new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) vehicle platform. This robust foundation is complemented by a lightweight high rigidity bodyshell with a low center of gravity, which provides the SUV with exceptionally nimble handling and comfortable highway cruising characteristics.

The Highlander’s thrilling drive personality is brought to life by a new electrified hybrid system that combines two power sources. The vehicle’s 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine produces 183 hp and is paired with two electric motors that generate 191 hp. The system is mated to a direct-shift Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which contributes to a minimum fuel consumption value of 20.0 km/L in the model equipped with Intelligent AWD while delivering enhanced driving pleasure. Drivers can also select from ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT driving modes to suit their driving styles.

The all-new Highlander HEV can be driven entirely on electrical ‎power with zero-fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, or by combining the power generated from the petrol ‎engine and two electric motors, depending on the vehicle’s speed and driver behavior. ‎Its hybrid-electric batteries are continuously charged by either the petrol ‎engine or when decelerating and braking, eliminating the need to plug in a power cord. Furthermore, the HEV features a host of advanced technologies, yet drives like any conventional vehicle and ‎does not require special fuel.

A sculpted shape with chiseled lines gives the 2020 Highlander a powerful personality, yet it exudes a modern, sophisticated attitude that makes it ideal for family-friendly adventures. The SUV’s wide, stable stance is expressed through a two-stage trapezoidal upper and lower grille, which is accented with chrome trim for a premium look.

The solid, rear-sloping cabin structure and upward-flowing rear flare contribute to a dynamic feel. At the back of the vehicle, the all-new Highlander’s width is emphasized through the distinctive shape that extends from the inside of the rear combination lamp toward the bumper corner. Meanwhile, the panoramic roof’s large glass opening enhances the sense of openness and comfort for all occupants.

Moving inside, the 2020 Highlander offers a comfortable, premium quality environment with impressive flexibility. The seven-seat vehicle’s second row of seats has a sliding range of 180mm to ensure spacious third-row accommodation for two adults, together with easy access. The cabin provides plenty of storage compartments, as well as five USB charger terminals for the front and second-row seats. Embracing a design philosophy that has created more space, more utility, and is more friendly, the all-new Highlander ensures that drivers and passengers enjoy maximum comfort and convenience throughout their journey, wherever they may be traveling to.

The car’s cabin includes a range of advanced features, including a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system with rear control panel and Smart-flow (S-FLOW) control that provides air conditioning to occupied seats only. The cluster gauge features a 7-inch color multi-information display (MID), which is complemented by an 8-inch display audio system, a large colored head-up display, Apple CarPlay^®, and Android Auto^TM.

Additional benefits for occupants include ambient illumination, a 6-speaker sound system, multi-adjustable power driver seat, 60:40 split-folding second-row seats, fully flat-folding third-row seats, power tailgate, and smart entry and start system.

As with any other Toyota model, safety remains a top priority for the all-new Highlander that comes with an advanced safety system. This is complemented by Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with All-Speed Range, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB). In addition, the car features a comprehensive array of safety features to protect its occupants, such as 7 SRS airbags, including side-curtain airbags for all three rows, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), trailer-sway control, Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with brake hold function, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS), driver and front passenger seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, and a clearance sonar featuring eight sensors located in the front and rear bumpers.

Available in five distinctive exterior colors, the all-new Highlander provides customers the opportunity to express their individuality. These include brand distinguished colors such as; Precious Galena, Dark Blue Mica, a textured dark blue for an urban image. Meanwhile, the interior is available in a choice of Gray or Beige. The all-new Highlander comes equipped with new 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, both of which are available in two designs and express strength and elegance.