2017 Toyota Highlander

2017 Toyota Highlander Highlights

A mild facelift gives the 2017 Highlander a bolder look thanks to a spindle grille design borrowed from Lexus and restyled lighting. The V6 engine gets more horsepower, while a new eight-speed transmission provides smooth shifting and better performance. 2017 also marks the debut of the Highlander SE, a mid-tier offering with a sportier appearance.

Key Details

• Midsize crossover SUV body style
• Three-row configuration with seating for seven or eight passengers
• Two gasoline engine options: 2.7-liter I-4 producing 185 horsepower and 3.5-liter V6 making 295 horsepower
• Available Highlander Hybrid with 3.5-liter V6 and electric motors, producing a combined 306 horsepower
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Six-speed automatic transmission (I-4), eight-speed automatic transmission (V6), or continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Benefits

• Spacious and versatile interior with flexible seating arrangements
• Smooth and refined ride quality, prioritizing comfort
• Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of advanced safety features
• Efficient V6 engine and available hybrid powertrain for improved fuel economy

Learn More: Here Are The Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid

2017 Toyota Highlander Overview

Performance

The 2017 Toyota Highlander offers two gas engine choices, catering to different driving needs and preferences. The base LE trim comes equipped with a 2.7-liter inline-four engine, producing 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, providing adequate power for daily driving.

For those seeking more robust performance, the Highlander offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and responsive shifts. The V6 engine is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Highlander Hybrid combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with electric motors, producing a total system output of 306 horsepower. This powertrain is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The hybrid system seamlessly switches between electric and gasoline power, optimizing efficiency and performance.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2017 Toyota Highlander an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, the highest possible score. Also, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2017 Toyota Highlander a Top Safety Pick+ award, the organization’s highest designation.

All 2017 Highlander trims come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), a suite of advanced driver assistance features that include:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive cruise control

The 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE and higher trims have blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Driving

The 2017 Toyota Highlander delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience, prioritizing a smooth and quiet ride. Light but precise steering complements this family hauler, giving it a planted feeling behind the wheel.

The V6 engine provides ample power for merging and passing, made smoother by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid V6 powertrain offers a seamless and efficient driving experience, with the electric motors providing instant torque and the gasoline engine engaging effortlessly when needed.

Interior

The 2017 Toyota Highlander's interior is spacious, well-built, and designed with family-friendliness in mind. The cabin offers a quiet, comfortable setting, high-quality materials, and thoughtful ergonomics. The front seats are supportive and provide a good range of adjustability, ensuring comfort on long drives.

Cabin flexibility comes from second-row seats that slide and recline. Alternatively, the available second-row captain's chairs offer added comfort and ease of access to the third row. However, the easily foldable third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults.

With all seats in place, the 2017 Highlander offers 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This expands to 42.3 cubic feet with the third row folded and 83.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear.

Technology

All 2017 Toyota Highlander models come equipped with the Entune infotainment system, featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen display on lower trims and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher editions. The system includes Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a rearview camera. Higher versions offer additional features such as navigation, a JBL premium audio system, and the Entune App Suite, which provides access to various smartphone apps and services.

Other noteworthy available tech includes:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Proximity keyless entry and push-button start
• Rear-seat entertainment system with 9-inch displays
• A surround-view monitor

Fuel Economy

Thanks to an advanced transmission, the robust V6 delivers equal or better fuel economy than its inline-four counterpart. Meanwhile, the Highlander Hybrid enters the 30 mpg realm, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size. Here are the EPA-rated fuel economy figures for each drivetrain (front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive) in the 2017 Toyota Highlander.

2.7-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined

3.5-liter six-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined

3.5-liter six-cylinder hybrid

• AWD (mpg): 30 city / 28 highway / 29 combined

2017 Toyota Highlander Reviews

The 2017 Toyota Highlander has received favorable reviews from consumers on Kelley Blue Book, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars (the hybrid has a 4.5 rating). Owners give their Highlanders top marks for reliability, comfort, and quality.

Reasons to Buy It

• Spacious and versatile interior with flexible seating arrangements
• Smooth and comfortable ride quality
• Standard suite of advanced safety features
• Efficient V6 engine and available hybrid powertrain
• Family-friendly features and amenities

Problems

• Base 4-cylinder engine may feel underpowered for some drivers
• Third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults
• Infotainment system graphics and interface may feel dated compared to some rivals
• Higher trims can quickly raise the price

Discover: The Best Year for the Toyota Highlander

CoPilot's Take

The 2017 Toyota Highlander is a well-rounded midsize SUV that delivers practicality and reliability. Its spacious and versatile interior makes it an excellent choice for families, with ample room for passengers and cargo.

On the road, the Highlander delivers a smooth ride that prioritizes passenger comfort over sporty handling. The available V6 engine provides ample power for most driving situations, while the 8-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient performance. The Highlander Hybrid stands out as an attractive option for those seeking improved fuel efficiency without compromising on space or capability. Standard advanced safety equipment is comforting for families and not always part of the equipment list with competitors from the same model year.

Overall, the 2017 Toyota Highlander is a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. Its reputation for quality and robust resale value further adds to its appeal as a smart long-term investment.