Toyota announces 2017 Highlander - refresh with new engine, 8AT, more tech

[Gecko]

Toyota's Debut of 2017 Highlander Mid-Size SUV to Showcase Significant Performance Updates

- Newly Developed Direct Shift 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- New 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Boosts Horsepower/Helps Increase MPG
New Available Stop and Start (S&S) Engine System
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense
- New Sportier SE Gas Model; Hybrid Trim Expands to Four Grades
- Refreshed Exterior Styling

TORRANCE, Calif., March 14, 2016 -- Toyota will be debuting the significantly enhanced 2017 model year Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Wednesday, March 23 at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. The popular Highlander, receives an array of new and updated equipment and technology, inside and out, including a new Direct Shift 8-speed (8AT automatic transmission).

Highlander is a no-compromise mid-size three-row SUV that brings together the best in style, technology, comfort, capability, and safety. Its exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, which complements a refined interior that sets a high bar in its segment. The third- generation model, now entering its fourth year, offers room for up to eight, a choice of three powertrains and six model grades, including a new sporty SE model. The Highlander Hybrid adds two new grades, (LE and XLE) to its existing lineup of Limited and Platinum models for a total of four. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to be all-wheel drive (AWD). The six Highlander gas models will continue to be (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum) available in both front-wheel and AWD. It all adds up to the ideal family vehicle.

Greater Level of Performance
Performance will be enhanced in the 2017 Highlander gas models with the addition of the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) that will be paired with a new 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine. The new transmission is more compact and will provide more transmission efficiency through its 8-speed gear range. The 8AT (Automatic Transmission) will be standard on all V6 Highlander gas models.

The new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 Engine will be available on all Highlander gas models and standard on all Hybrid grades. The new engine will generate significantly more horsepower, provide enhanced fuel efficiency, and deliver a more direct driving feel by expanding the lock up range.

In addition to Highlander, the new Direct Shift 8AT (automatic transmission) and 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Engine powertrain will be equipped in the 2017 model year Toyota Sienna van.

In an effort to help conserve fuel, Highlander V6 models (excluding LE) will come standard with a new Stop and Start Engine System (S&S). While driving the Highlander, the S&S allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and restarts when the driver lifts their foot off of the brake pedal.

The standard powertrain on Highlander 4x2 LE gas models will remain the 2.7-liter 4- cylinder paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. All Highlander Hybrid models will continue to receive the electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Updated Luxury Look and Feel
The 2017 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will receive tasteful styling enhancements that will continue to turn heads. The changes start with a new upper and lower front grille design for all grades. Each grade will be distinguished by different grille finishes that will also carry into the headlamp housing. The grille on all LE, LE Plus and XLE grades will receive a silver painted finish, while Limited and Platinum grades will receive a painted chrome finish. From behind, the rear taillights will receive a sleeker redesign. A chrome trim garnish will also be added on the rear bumper of Limited and Platinum models.

Highlander will receive three new exterior colors, including Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl, and, exclusively on the new SE, Salsa Red Pearl.

Interior updates include a new brown leather interior that will be available on the Limited Platinum grade. Charging personal devices will be more efficient as all Highlanders will add four USB ports for a total of five.

For those looking for a Highlander with all the bells and whistles but require added passenger seating, the premium Limited and Limited Platinum grades will offer buyers the choice of second-row captain’s chairs (providing seating for seven), or second-row bench seats that will expand capacity to eight people.

Sporty New SE Grade
For a touch of sportiness, Highlander will now be available in the new SE model. It starts on the outside with unique 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, tuned suspension for a sportier ride, and a sporty dark paint treatment to the front grille, which is also incorporated into the headlamp housings and roof rails.

Inside, the SE will stand apart from all other Highlander models with unique black leather- trimmed seats with silver stitching and pattern seat inserts, a black front tray, and matching dash and door inserts.

Toyota Safety That Makes Sense
The 2017 Highlander will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS), a new multi- feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking. TSS bundles cutting edge safety technologies including Pre-Collision System (with Forward Collision Warning and automatic emergency brake), Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Pedestrian Pre- Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The Pedestrian Pre-collision System (PCS) uses a camera and radar to detect objects ahead of the vehicle. When the system determines there is a possibility of collision it prompts the driver to brake with an audio and visual alert. If the driver notices the hazard and brakes, the system provides additional braking force. If the driver fails to brake in a set time, the system automatically applies the brakes, reducing speed in order to prevent or mitigate the collision.

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) uses a camera to detect visible lane markings. If the system determines that the vehicle is starting to deviate from the lane, LDA alerts the driver and will provide steering assist to help get the vehicle back into its lane.

Automatic High Beam (AHB) helps enhance forward visibility during nighttime driving. It uses a camera to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the tail lights of vehicles ahead, and then automatically switches between high beams and low beams so as not to dazzle other drivers.

The Highlander XLE grade will also adopt blind spot monitor as standard equipment.

To help make parking easy and safe, the 2017 Highlander Limited Platinum grade will come standard with a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan. This Toyota technology employs four cameras that are mounted on the front, the side mirrors and rear of the vehicle to project a panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the central touch display monitor. The system offers drivers assistance when parallel parking, and when pulling in and out of parking spaces. The Bird’s Eye View Monitor system also debuts a Toyota-first feature called Perimeter Scan, which provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping the driver to see potential obstacles.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind., which employs over 4,000 American workers, assembles all Highlanders and exports them to 12 countries.

I know most here are not huge fans of the Highlander, but the tech and hardware in this vehicle is very impressive. The new V6, while not disclosed above, is the same 295hp/267lb-ft one in the new RX 350. Those numbers, with a new 8 speed automatic transmission and better MPG are pretty impressive.

In addition, the Highlander has always had good tech for it's segment, but the full suite of Pre-Collision System, Lake Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Automatic High Beams, Bird's Eye Camera, Perimeter Scan, etc is all very impressive.

I know most here will all say, "Meh, I don't need all that senseless stuff" but this is hard technology to give up once you've had a vehicle that offers it.

Hoping that much of this makes it's way into the 2018 4Runner - save for a more potent V6 (with more torque!).

 

[Lester Lugnut]

Is that the same engine that was put in the 3rd Gen 2016 Tacoma?

 

[Gecko]

It's a derivative of the Tacoma engine, but different tune.

Tacoma is 278hp and 261lb-ft mated to a 6AT

Highlander will be 295hp and 267lb-ft mated to an 8AT

 

[05Rrunner]

First of all , everybody calm down this is a front wheel drive platform it's completely different. This has nothing to do with the 4Runner . They didn't announce any horsepower specs so were only guessing. The previous model had the 3.5 and a six speed automatic already which had / has nothing to do with 4Runner.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

Yeah... the proliferation of the 8-speed is nice and all, but I don't think the 4R and Highlander ever really shared much of anything.

 

[Gecko]

I'm not trying to draw comparisons between the two based on architecture, but when you look at the technology and trend towards 8ATs and increased power in general, I think it's looking good for the next gen 4Runner.

The tech suite alone on this Highlander is extremely impressive. 4Runner is lacking very badly for technology and hardware, so it's nice to see Toyota upping the ante with the Highlander. Hopefully, they take a similar UPGRADE approach with the 4Runner (that's what I meant).

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I would be concerned, supposedly we're already having issues with the new Tacoma's drivetrain (not entirely unsurprising) from what I have heard in passing from one or two FTS. Not to mention most likely the 8spd transaxle will have issues like every other 7+ transmission/transaxle released in the last few years. The biggest issue with these excessively geared transmissions is the engineers/vehicle don't seem to effectively know what to do with the extra gears. Even the 6spd in the Tacoma occasionally feels like it gets confused in the higher gear ranges due to awkward mapping.

As for the 3.5L V6 it's most likely a FWD variant of the 2GR-FKS that went into the Tacoma, which as I mentioned earlier seems to already have some growing pains. I believe the hybrid system is actually just the carryover that's been massaged from a older gen Prius (much like the Prius C and Rav4 Hybrid use older gen Prius systems).

The significant amount of electronics and technology is going to be even more of a pain in the ass to deal with. We get tons of Highlanders that barely drive off the lot and already have issues with the automatic backdoor actuators. Not to mention the issues with BSM, LDA, and so on, with how much people seemed to scrape and crash the Toyotas I saw back in the bay area, that probably means more issues with those systems (on top of the already regular issues we see with the BSM system in Camry's and so on.)

At the end of the day this just means more job security for me at shorter and shorter warranty pay. God knows just calibrating the BSM systems is an absolute pain in the ass.

 

[utslickvic]

I'm not trying to draw comparisons between the two based on architecture, but when you look at the technology and trend towards 8ATs and increased power in general, I think it's looking good for the next gen 4Runner.

The tech suite alone on this Highlander is extremely impressive. 4Runner is lacking very badly for technology and hardware, so it's nice to see Toyota upping the ante with the Highlander. Hopefully, they take a similar UPGRADE approach with the 4Runner (that's what I meant).

Thanks for posting this; read it this morning. I also unserstand your motives behind posting this because I was thinking the exact same thing. You are basically pointing out that other Toyotas are getting upgrades to engine, drivetrain, and tech which obviously means that the next 4Runner will get similar upgrades. And yes while my statement is speculation, it is also an educated guess.

I welcome/can't wait for such updates to the next 4Runner. Most would agree that one of the biggest negatives with the current 4Runner is it antiquated engine, drivetrain and technology. That statement is not meant to piss anyone off or insult any of the 5 gen owners it's just my opinion.

 

[eugnandez]

It's a derivative of the Tacoma engine, but different tune.

 

[Mean TT]

I think everyone must acknowledge that the 8AT if properly programmed, would be a leap forward for the 4Runner. 5AT is very old technology and is another reason the 4Runner has poor gas mileage. Additionally, the 8AT has been applied across numerous manufacturers to great success. My wife's 2013 Range Rover Sport uses all of its gears seamlessly and makes the most of its 375 hp.

You can read about the 8AT produced by ZF here, which also draws a comparison to the version produced by Toyota:

ZF’s 8-Speed Automatic Transmission - Tech Dept. - Car and Driver

As for the 3.5, I think the next 4Runner would be well suited to have a HP figure that starts with a "3" instead of a "2". However, when gas prices go up in another 4 years, I am sure buyers will appreciate a 20 percent increase in fuel economy with the downsized motor and 8AT.

 

[Gecko]

I would be concerned, supposedly we're already having issues with the new Tacoma's drivetrain (not entirely unsurprising) from what I have heard in passing from one or two FTS. Not to mention most likely the 8spd transaxle will have issues like every other 7+ transmission/transaxle released in the last few years. The biggest issue with these excessively geared transmissions is the engineers/vehicle don't seem to effectively know what to do with the extra gears. Even the 6spd in the Tacoma occasionally feels like it gets confused in the higher gear ranges due to awkward mapping.

While 8ATs are new to Toyota, Lexus and many others have been using them for a decade and they can be great transmissions when tuned correctly. I've seen no discrepancies or issues in the 8ATs in the LS 460, IS F, RC F, GS, RX, etc. I'm quite sure this Highlander transmission will be the same one as the new RX 350, which has been great so far. Cruising at 80mph at 1500 RPM is pretty nice...

As for the 3.5L V6 it's most likely a FWD variant of the 2GR-FKS that went into the Tacoma, which as I mentioned earlier seems to already have some growing pains. I believe the hybrid system is actually just the carryover that's been massaged from a older gen Prius (much like the Prius C and Rav4 Hybrid use older gen Prius systems).

The issues in the Tacoma are a little more concerning. Some complaints of jerking and flaring, but I also read that a supplier was not filling them correctly/fully when sending to the factory. A simple top off of transmission fluid is what most are requiring. What that said though, I have not seen or heard any growing pains related to that engine. What growing pains are you referencing?

The significant amount of electronics and technology is going to be even more of a pain in the ass to deal with. .

Simply put, Toyota - and the 4Runner particularly - is going to need this type of technology to keep up with the competition.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

Be careful here. The 8 speed transmissions are CVT types. Not really the best option for the 4Runner.
Ask jeep about their 8 speed transmissions. Terrible, someone released this software without really testing it.

What really scares me about these electronic nanny systems is... how well will they hold up overtime. We all know that time and exposure to electronics is not good. I keep my vehicles a long time and get concerned when a new electronic gadget is viewed as necessary when any able bodied human could do better.

 

[Gecko]

Be careful here. The 8 speed transmissions are CVT types. Not really the best option for the 4Runner.
Ask jeep about their 8 speed transmissions. Terrible, someone released this software without really testing it.

I think you are maybe confused? CVTs have no gears, and we are talking about automatic transmissions with 8 forward gears.

Jeep's 9AT has been a big disaster indeed, but these 8+spd transmissions can be done right. Mercedes has a 9AT that has been well received, and Lexus is now up to 10AT. Time will tell, but this feeling that we need to "fear more gears" is unfounded, especially from Toyota.

They just put an 8AT in the Land Cruiser... do you think they'd do that if they weren't certain it was durable, reliable and bulletproof?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I think you are maybe confused? CVTs have no gears, and we are talking about automatic transmissions with 8 forward gears.

Jeep's 9AT has been a big disaster indeed, but these 8+spd transmissions can be done right. Mercedes has a 9AT that has been well received, and Lexus is now up to 10AT. Time will tell, but this feeling that we need to "fear more gears" is unfounded, especially from Toyota.

They just put an 8AT in the Land Cruiser... do you think they'd do that if they weren't certain it was durable, reliable and bulletproof?

Well they figured the hatch struts on the Highlanders were and the BSM system and the Entune systems; all of which I regularly had to fix because of failures. Keep in mind this isn't a ZF 8spd Transmission, it's an in-house built transaxle; most of the vehicles using the 8spd on the Lexus side are rear wheel drive biased and use a transmission. Additionally when Lexus came out with their 8spd it was pointed out a lot that it didn't feel good in the ISF; the first four gears feeling too far apart and the last four too close together. Granted that's been addressed since the release of the ISF, but software is only part of the issue.

As for the Mercedes,, BMW, and others using the ZF transmissions, they went through a long period of awkwardness as they played with those transmissions; not to mention that there were reliability issues when they started getting into the 8~9spd range on those ZF transmissions (Jeep is the most commonly referred to one, but having spoken with a lot of European Dealer and Independent Mechanics, as well as having had a few come in as used vehicles, they aren't the only one.) Again, it's not an issue that can't be overcome; but in the last decade or so it's been rocky.

As for the 2GR-FKS, I've heard some rumblings about injectors and possible engine related problems. I didn't see anything at the old dealership, but the FTS sort of backhandedly stated that a lot of meetings were going on regarding the new engine (sort of how there were a lot of meetings before the 2AR-FE "Oil Consumption" campaign was released), which means they're seeing a big enough number of something to be concerned. I know the FRS had issues with "chirping" high pressure fuel pumps, so much so that even after "redesigning" the pump they still chirped and it's now considered "normal operation" per Toyota. I'm not trying to start rumors or scare people, just pointing out that the 2GR-FKS is an entirely new engine (despite being based on a similar 2GR-FSE) and that some "growing pains" might be expected from Toyota.

As for new technology, the more new technology that gets shoved into these cars; the more it seems they have issues. BSM alone has been a pain in the ass, we were replacing so many slave modules (the mirror) that Toyota changed how they wanted us to fix the issue and instead want us to crack open the mirrors and repair a wire or two. We get a lot of them from minor fender benders (like barely scratch the paint on the bumper skin) that bump the Master module against the body (it's the projector unit in the bumper corner) and those don't usually get covered under warranty obviously. But hey, it's job security I suppose; the more useless junk they shoehorn into the cars the more they break and someone has to fix it.

 

[TexasBock]

But hey, it's job security I suppose; the more useless junk they shoehorn into the cars the more they break and someone has to fix it.

This is why I went ahead and got a 2016 T4R.

 

[Tractorak]

Well they figured the hatch struts on the Highlanders were and the BSM system and the Entune systems; all of which I regularly had to fix because of failures. Keep in mind this isn't a ZF 8spd Transmission, it's an in-house built transaxle; most of the vehicles using the 8spd on the Lexus side are rear wheel drive biased and use a transmission. Additionally when Lexus came out with their 8spd it was pointed out a lot that it didn't feel good in the ISF; the first four gears feeling too far apart and the last four too close together. Granted that's been addressed since the release of the ISF, but software is only part of the issue.

As for the Mercedes,, BMW, and others using the ZF transmissions, they went through a long period of awkwardness as they played with those transmissions; not to mention that there were reliability issues when they started getting into the 8~9spd range on those ZF transmissions (Jeep is the most commonly referred to one, but having spoken with a lot of European Dealer and Independent Mechanics, as well as having had a few come in as used vehicles, they aren't the only one.) Again, it's not an issue that can't be overcome; but in the last decade or so it's been rocky.

As for the 2GR-FKS, I've heard some rumblings about injectors and possible engine related problems. I didn't see anything at the old dealership, but the FTS sort of backhandedly stated that a lot of meetings were going on regarding the new engine (sort of how there were a lot of meetings before the 2AR-FE "Oil Consumption" campaign was released), which means they're seeing a big enough number of something to be concerned. I know the FRS had issues with "chirping" high pressure fuel pumps, so much so that even after "redesigning" the pump they still chirped and it's now considered "normal operation" per Toyota. I'm not trying to start rumors or scare people, just pointing out that the 2GR-FKS is an entirely new engine (despite being based on a similar 2GR-FSE) and that some "growing pains" might be expected from Toyota.

As for new technology, the more new technology that gets shoved into these cars; the more it seems they have issues. BSM alone has been a pain in the ass, we were replacing so many slave modules (the mirror) that Toyota changed how they wanted us to fix the issue and instead want us to crack open the mirrors and repair a wire or two. We get a lot of them from minor fender benders (like barely scratch the paint on the bumper skin) that bump the Master module against the body (it's the projector unit in the bumper corner) and those don't usually get covered under warranty obviously. But hey, it's job security I suppose; the more useless junk they shoehorn into the cars the more they break and someone has to fix it.

I just came out of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk with the 9-speed. Absolute abomination I had my second one put in at 13K miles and I never once seen 9th gear not to mention in order to try and save the transmissions they got rid of second gear on down shift so it will stay in 3rd until you come to a complete stop. If you roll stop and try and go you get dead pedal until the engine revs then dumps to 1st having you take off like an ass hat. It was in the shop for 4 wheel driving disabling when I traded it in on my 2016 trail and it is still in there two weeks later and they told Toyota there is no fix. I also put two PTU's in it. Part of why I went with the 4Runner was the older technology, I wanted reliability when off roading. Don't get me wrong I miss my heated steering wheel and seats along with all of the other technology. I can't believe in a 38K 2016 vehicle there are no auto dimming rear view mirror let alone heated seats. However oh well it is at least driving unlike the Jeep.

 

[wadle5]

. Part of why I went with the 4Runner was the older technology, I wanted reliability when off roading. Don't get me wrong I miss my heated steering wheel and seats along with all of the other technology. I can't believe in a 38K 2016 vehicle there are no auto dimming rear view mirror let alone heated seats. However oh well it is at least driving unlike the Jeep.[/COLOR]

While I understand the sticker shock, but you aren't really comparing apples to apples moreso apples to oranges. A comparison to the Trailhawk Cherokee would more closely be the Rav4. And I think with a 38k Rav4(if possible) you would see the all the optional equipment boxes checked.
Now to evenly compare a fully loaded 4runner with a fully loaded Jeep you would need to go towards the Grand Cherokee($65k+) and then get back to me after that sticker shock of having a "luxury suv" with less ground clearance than a Subaru Outback, and obviously as we have seen just as bad trans issues and build quality. I guess when it comes down to it the creature comforts are nice when covered by warranty, but once that wears off they become pretty expensive to upkeep.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

While I understand the sticker shock, but you aren't really comparing apples to oranges. A comparison to the Trailhawk Cherokee would more closely be the Rav4. And I think with a 38k Rav4(if possible) you would see the all the optional equipment boxes checked.
Now to evenly compare a fully loaded 4runner with a fully loaded Jeep you would need to go towards the Grand Cherokee($65k+) and then get back to me after that sticker shock of having a "luxury suv" with less ground clearance than a Subaru Outback, and obviously as we have seen just as bad trans issues and build quality. I guess when it comes down to it the creature comforts are nice when covered by warranty, but once that wears off they become pretty expensive to upkeep.

My understanding is that this is one of the reasons you see used GX & LX selling at relatively cheaper prices than their 4Runner and Land Cruiser brethren; at least that was true in the California area.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

I think you are maybe confused? CVTs have no gears, and we are talking about automatic transmissions with 8 forward gears.

Jeep's 9AT has been a big disaster indeed, but these 8+spd transmissions can be done right. Mercedes has a 9AT that has been well received, and Lexus is now up to 10AT. Time will tell, but this feeling that we need to "fear more gears" is unfounded, especially from Toyota.

They just put an 8AT in the Land Cruiser... do you think they'd do that if they weren't certain it was durable, reliable and bulletproof?

Not confused, but concerned. Many of the vehicles today that received the 8 or more speeds were CVT types. I just wanted that to be mentioned here.

 

[ic0517]

New Highlander has collision avoidance - gotcha.
New Highlander has more than 5 speeds in AT - gotcha.
JGC costs $65k and sucks - gotcha.

Didn't know the Highlander was up for a refresh.