Blizzard Pearl 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE 4D Sport Utility FWD 8-Speed Automatic Electronic with ECT-i 3.5L V6 21/27 City/Highway MPG n and the truck feel. But the creature comfort is not great. And the Highlander has a great year end deal I can't pass up. So after some googling, got myself an xle.
This thing rides smoooooth! Yes, the 8 speed tranny has minor glitches from time to time, but still, it's smooth and quiet that makes me dose off.
I'm not too crazy about the styling. It looks like any other cross over or minivan these days. But everything works like a Toyota should. The controls are easy to get used to. The safety features work wonderfully. Lane tracing, smart cruise control, and yes, the back up warning and lane change warning in the side mirrors, really appreciate those! For car this big, it's a hassle to look back over the shoulder and it can be dangerous to everyone as well. Just can't say enough good things for this. With such a quiet cabin, classical music and old jazz make sense and pleasing to the ears again. And the top glass window in the rear opens by itself! Honestly, this is the reason I agreed to test drive it after the 4runner. Always wanted that feature, very useful. The 4runner has the power rear window, which is better IMHO. But if it opens, good enough for me.
The cons so far: 360 degree camera for parking would be great. Heard it's available for 2020. Nice! The Toyota navigation is completely useless. Simple don't hold a candle against Google map! What a waste of screen space! Should connect to my phone and directly showing Google map instead. Now I have to get an ugly suction cup and stick my phone up there in my face if I need GPS! I hope Toyota will swallow their pride and do this in the near future. That will be a great favor for everyone.
Time will tell on the long term reliability. But based on my Camry and what others have said about the Highlanders, I have good reason to be optimistic. Really appreciate Toyota holding up firm for quality and reliability all these years!
This car is almost invisible in the parking lot. So if you like to standout, this probably is not it.
Fuel Type:: Gasoline
Exterior Color:: Blizzard Pearl
City MPG:: 20
Interior Color:: Ash
Highway MPG:: 26
Stock:: T347294
Drivetrain:: FWD
Transmission:: 8-Speed Automatic
Engine:: 3.5L V6 24V PDI DOHC
VIN:: 5TDKZRFH0KS347294
Mileage:: 4
