2023 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2.5 Vvt-H Excel SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid CVT 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) (248 Ps)

Why Buy the Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is a large, comfortable, and incredibly practical SUV that has proven popular in markets like the US for years before its eventual arrival on UK shores. It's a seven-seater, making it an excellent choice for larger families or those who frequently need to transport more than five people. Its primary draw is its inherent reliability, a hallmark of the Toyota brand, coupled with a smooth and refined driving experience. It's designed for comfort on long journeys, with a spacious interior offering ample legroom and headroom, even in the third row. The hybrid powertrain is another significant selling point, offering a good blend of performance and fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its size.

Safety is also a key consideration. The Highlander typically comes packed with Toyota's Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance technologies, providing peace of mind for families. While not the most exciting car to drive, it excels at its core mission: providing comfortable, reliable, and versatile family transport with a touch of premium feel.

UK Price Guide (GBP)

The Toyota Highlander is primarily available as a hybrid in the UK. Prices can vary significantly depending on the model year, trim level, and condition of the vehicle. Here's a general guide:

Trim Level	Approximate Used Price (GBP)
Excel	£45,000 - £55,000+
Excel Premium	£48,000 - £60,000+
Top spec models	£50,000 - £65,000+

Note: These figures are estimates for used models and will fluctuate based on market demand and vehicle specifics. New prices, when available, would likely start higher.

Specs

The UK-spec Toyota Highlander is exclusively offered with a powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors, forming a robust hybrid system. Key specifications typically include:

• Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol with electric motors
• Combined Power Output: Around 244bhp
• Transmission: E-CVT (Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission)
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) standard
• Fuel Type: Hybrid (Petrol/Electric)
• 0-62mph: Approximately 8.0-8.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy (WLTP): Around 35-38 mpg (combined)
• CO2 Emissions: Around 150-160 g/km
• Boot Space: Around 332 litres with all seats up, expanding significantly when seats are folded.

Common Issues

While Toyotas are renowned for their reliability, no car is entirely immune to faults. For the Highlander, particularly when considering used models, potential buyers should be aware of:

• Hybrid Battery Health: As with any hybrid, the long-term health of the battery can be a concern, although Toyota's hybrid batteries are generally very durable. Check service history for any battery-related work.
• Infotainment System Glitches: Some owners have reported occasional minor software glitches with the infotainment system. Ensure it's up-to-date.
• Interior Trim Wear: Given its family-oriented nature, check for signs of wear and tear on interior plastics, upholstery, and C-pillar trim, especially in higher-mileage examples.
• Brake Pad Wear: The regenerative braking system in hybrids can sometimes lead to longer-lasting brake pads compared to conventional cars, but always check their condition.

Running Costs

The Highlander's hybrid powertrain helps to keep running costs relatively competitive for its size:

• Fuel: Expect around 35-38 mpg in real-world mixed driving, potentially higher on longer, steady-speed journeys.
• VED (Road Tax): This will vary based on the vehicle's CO2 emissions and registration date. Newer models might fall into higher tax bands if they exceed £40,000 list price.
• Insurance: Being a large, relatively high-value SUV, insurance premiums will likely be in the mid to higher brackets.
• Servicing: Toyota servicing is generally affordable, and the hybrid components are covered by a long warranty.

Variants

In the UK, the Toyota Highlander has typically been offered in two main trim levels:

• Excel: This is the entry-level trim but still very well-equipped, usually featuring LED lights, heated seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, Toyota Safety Sense, and generous interior space.
• Excel Premium: This builds upon the Excel trim, adding further refinements such as a panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, ventilated front seats, and potentially other luxury appointments.

All UK models feature the same 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain and AWD.