2017 Toyota Highlander: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2017 Toyota Highlander stands as a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and Toyota's renowned reliability. It's a family-oriented vehicle designed for everyday commutes, road trips, and the occasional adventure, providing ample space for passengers and cargo.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2017 Highlander offered two distinct powertrain options:
- 2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine: This engine, standard on the base LE trim (and only available with front-wheel drive), provides adequate power for city driving and general commuting. It's more fuel-efficient but can feel a bit strained when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines.
- 3.5L V6 Engine: This is the more common and recommended engine for most buyers. It delivers a substantial boost in performance, making merging onto highways and overtaking much easier. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (a significant upgrade from the previous 6-speed) which offers smoother shifts and improved fuel economy compared to the older V6.
- Safety Features: Toyota has always prioritized safety, and the 2017 Highlander is no exception. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies that include:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Uses a camera and radar to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid impact.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Monitors lane markings and can provide audible alerts and gentle steering corrections to help keep the vehicle within its lane.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on driving conditions and oncoming traffic.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to keep pace.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots. The Highlander also received excellent safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, further bolstering its appeal to safety-conscious buyers.
- Trim Summary: The 2017 Highlander was available in several well-equipped trims, offering a tiered approach to features and luxury:
- LE: The entry-level trim, offering a solid foundation of features, including the standard safety suite, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers.
- LE Plus: Adds features like a power driver's seat, fog lights, and a tonneau cover.
- XLE: Moves up in luxury with leather-trimmed seating, a power liftgate, heated front seats, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and keyless ignition.
- SE: Primarily an appearance package, adding sporty styling cues, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, and sport-tuned suspension, while retaining much of the XLE's feature set.
- Limited: The top-tier trim, offering premium features such as perforated leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, LED headlights, and a premium audio system.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Comfortable Ride: The Highlander is known for its smooth and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections well, making it a pleasant vehicle for long journeys.
- Spacious Interior: It offers a roomy and versatile interior with three rows of seating. The second row can slide and recline, and the third row, while best suited for children or shorter adults, provides useful passenger capacity.
- User-Friendly Controls: Toyota's infotainment systems are generally intuitive and easy to use, with physical buttons for essential functions.
- Cargo Capacity: With the second and third rows folded down, the Highlander offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it suitable for hauling larger items.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Toyota Highlander typically translates to a predictable and generally positive ownership experience. Toyota's reputation for reliability means you can generally expect fewer unexpected repairs compared to some competitors.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance is straightforward and widely available at dealerships and independent mechanics. Oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, and fluid flushes will be the most common service needs. The V6 engine generally requires less frequent spark plug replacements than the 4-cylinder. Following the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual is crucial for longevity.
- Insurance: Insurance costs will vary based on factors like your driving record, location, the specific trim level chosen, and your chosen coverage. However, as a mainstream family SUV, it's unlikely to be prohibitively expensive to insure for most drivers.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Highlander is a well-rounded vehicle, there are a few aspects buyers should be aware of:
- Base Engine Performance: The 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, while fuel-efficient, can feel underpowered, especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers or cargo, or when tackling hilly terrain. Most buyers will likely find the V6 a more satisfying option.
- Third-Row Space: While present, the third row is relatively cramped. It's best suited for children or occasional use by adults on shorter trips. If consistent adult passenger transport in the third row is a priority, other larger SUVs might be a better fit.
- Road Noise: While generally quiet, some reviews noted a slight increase in road noise at highway speeds compared to some of its more luxurious competitors, particularly on rougher pavement.
- Transmission Behavior (Early Models): While the 8-speed automatic in V6 models was a significant improvement, some early models might have exhibited slightly less refined shifting under specific conditions. However, this was generally not a widespread or significant issue.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is a compelling choice for families and individuals seeking a reliable, comfortable, and practical three-row SUV. Its strong emphasis on safety, user-friendly technology, and a smooth ride makes it a competent all-rounder. While the base engine can be a limiting factor for some, the optional V6 engine transforms the driving experience. With its reputation for durability and reasonable running costs, the 2017 Highlander remains a sensible and dependable option in the used SUV market.