For 2011, the Toyota Highlander receives a midlife cosmetic freshening and content upgrade. This ongoing improvement fits with the traditional Toyota strategy, and it makes a desirable three-row crossover even better.
Both the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid have an updated front fascia, fenders, headlights, hood, and taillights, as seen in the photos below. The Hybrid is better distinguished with a unique grille and bumper design, along with body-color rocker panels and vertical fog lamps. The interior features minor upgrades and the popular, folding 50/50-split third-row seat is standard on all models, as is rear climate control.A new Tech Audio package is standard on SE and Limited trims, optional for others. This rockin’ package includes a USB port, integrated satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming audio. In the Base grade, this is part of a more comprehensive package that also includes a backup monitor with 3.5-inch multi-information display, an eight-way power driver’s seat, tonneau cover, engine immobilizer, easy-clean fabric interior, flip-up liftgate window, fog lamps, and black roof rails. All of a sudden, the base isn’t so base anymore… The Highlander Hybrid base grade offers a new leather package that includes leather-trimmed front seats with heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power moonroof, HomeLink, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and an engine immobilizer with security alarm.Three engines are again offered, a 187-horsepower four-cylinder, 270-horsepower V-6, and a new, more powerful Hybrid engine with 280. The larger-displacement 3.5-liter V6 replaces the previous 3.3-liter V6.Like all other 2011 Toyota models, the Highlanders have standard Smart Stop Technology, Toyota’s brake override system. Highlander prices start at $27,390 for the base four-cylinder two-wheel drive model. The SE V6 two-wheel drive will be $33,150, while the Limited V6 four wheel-drive model will be $36,345. The Highlander Hybrid will range from $37,290 for the base model to $42,945 for the Limited model.
Should you want a more carlike crossover, there is always the Venza. Toyota has said pricing increases by just $200, with the Venza spanning from $26,475 for the four-cylinder FWD model, to $29,750 for the V6 AWD.
Read our 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review. And see our 2009 Venza and 2010 Venza reviews.
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