Toyota has unveiled the European specification of its seven-seat Highlander SUV and confirmed it will go on sale in the UK next year.
It’s the first time that the Highlander has been officially sold on these shores, and it’s Toyota’s largest hybrid SUV. It will be powered by a 241bhp 2.5-litre petrol engine and four-wheel drive incorporating electric motors for the front and rear wheels. It will feature the company’s fourth generation of self-charging hybrid electric powertrains, meaning it should be capable of emitting a claimed 146g/km of CO2 and an official combined fuel economy of 42.8mpg.
The system offers four driving modes via the Drive Mode Select system, which allows the driver to switch between Eco, Normal, Sport and Trail modes.
Being the largest SUV in the line-up, the Highlander offers plenty of cabin space, with 658-litres of boot space which rises to 1,909 litres with the second and third row of seats folded flat. Plus, the rear seats slide back and forth to increase rear leg room, and can be folded into the floor when they’re not in use.
While equipment levels haven’t been confirmed yet, some of the kit that will feature include satellite navigation, head-up display, wireless phone charging and smartphone connectivity, plus a digital rear-view mirror that proves a wide image unobscured by rear passengers or head rests.
Once launched, it will complete Toyota’s SUV hybrid line-up, sitting alongside the RAV4, C-HR, and Yaris Cross.
Prices and specification will be announced closer to the launch early next year.
