All-New Contemporary Style
Designers of the new Highlander worked off of the phrase "Smart In, Strong Out." The phrase is based on a design philosophy consisting of a strong exterior design expected in a sturdy SUV and mated to a comfortable and intelligently designed interior for passengers demanding car-like comfort with SUV performance.
On the outside, Highlander moves away from traditional SUV styling cues with a statement of strength instead of ruggedness, of intelligence over toughness. Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif. sculpted clean, crisp lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours to give Highlander an advanced, contemporary, forceful and dynamic personality.
Highlander rides on a new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches of additional wheelbase. The suspension was significantly revised to support the 19-inch wheel application. And just as a great deal of attention has been paid to the styling viewers see, attention also has been paid to areas not seen. For example, Highlander's underfloor was designed to reduce drag and enhance driving handling.
Convenient and innovative interior features such as flexible seating arrangements, and ease of entry and exit, were directly related to customer input.Interior designers took full advantage of Highlander's substantial dimensions. Design intelligence is carried through to the refined interior, where smart and sophisticated blend with practical, flexible and versatile.
Dynamic Driving Control
As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, the new Highlander comes standard with Toyota's Star Safety SystemTM, which now includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA).
Enhanced VSC helps the driver maintain control by automatically adjusting engine output and braking force at each wheel under certain conditions while providing steering assistance in the appropriate direction through Electric Power Steering (EPS). ABS assists in preserving steering control by helping to prevent wheels from locking up during braking in challenging traction conditions. EBD optimizes distribution of braking between front and rear wheels in accordance with driving conditions and vehicle load to help maintain driver control. Unlike conventional ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS, which operate independently of each other, the enhanced VSC system integrates each of these features to help vehicle maneuverability.
The Highlander Hybrid goes a step further by employing a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. The VDIM system is designed to enhance handling, traction and braking systems that normally react to vehicle driving conditions by anticipating tire slippage before a skid, slide or wheel spin occurs and helps make corrections in a smooth, progressive way. In addition to integrating all of the Highlander's dynamic control systems (VSC, TRAC, BA, EPS, EBD and ABS), the VDIM system also integrates the Highlander Hybrid's Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i) and Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB). The VDIM system integrates all of these elements with powerful proprietary software to help seamlessly manage the total vehicle dynamic package.
Non-hybrid Highlanders are also equipped with a straight-line steering feature. It supplements conventional ABS when differences in left/right braking force are encountered by assisting with torque for the Highlander's electronic power steering system to help offset left/right pull.
Finally, all Highlanders also incorporate a corner braking feature. This integrates automated control of engine output and braking force with provision of power steering assist torque through Highlander's EPS system to communicate performance limits of the driver and help the driver steer in the direction that offers greatest control.
Highlander also features two additional electronic/hydraulic systems that are not part of enhanced VSC, but which also work to help improve driver confidence and control.
The first is Hill-Start Assist Control, which is designed to help prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards from a stop when traveling up a steep hill. This system provides braking pressure to all four wheels for approximately two seconds to prevent a backward rolling motion, therefore helping to ensure a smooth start. It is standard equipment on all Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models.
The second system is Highlander's available Downhill Assist Control. This system helps control speed downhill when engine braking is not sufficient. It is designed to maintain a constant speed and helps reduce wheel lock even at slow speeds during slippery descents, helping to maintain handling and steering control. It is standard equipment on all non-hybrid 4WD models.
All of this chassis control is enhanced by bigger tires and wheels. They consist of newly designed 17- and 19-inch machined aluminum wheels with 245/65R17 or 245/55R19 tires designed to help provide excellent fundamental handling, control, comfort, NVH and braking performance, and reduced rolling resistance. Also standard is a direct tire-pressure warning system which is designed to notify the vehicle's driver in the event that pressure in a tire drops to critical levels.