Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars
For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
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Substantially larger, roomier and more powerful than its predecessor...
Large, easy-to-read gauges and high-mounted audio and climate controls...
...The layout and detail of the instrument panel tilt toward the functional, with larger dials and clear labeling of controls...
...More aggressive and muscular styling...
...The control layout remains simple and easy to understand...
STYLING | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Substantially larger, roomier and more powerful than its predecessor...
Kelley Blue Book
Large, easy-to-read gauges and high-mounted audio and climate controls...
ConsumerGuide
...The layout and detail of the instrument panel tilt toward the functional, with larger dials and clear labeling of controls...
Popular Mechanics
...More aggressive and muscular styling...
Car and Driver
...The control layout remains simple and easy to understand...
Edmunds
The original Toyota Highlander had it right. When Toyota first got into the mid-size crossover segment, it styled the then-new Highlander like a Subaru--frugal-looking, relentlessly boxy, and honest about its intentions. We don't think today's Highlander is as successful in its plainness, though the interior seems well built.
Unlike the five-seat Venza crossover, there's almost no drama in the Highlander's shape. Even if it weren't up against silhouettes like that, or like the Explorer's, or even the Honda Pilot's, the Highlander would look anonymous. Versus the first-generation Highlander, the current ute looks bigger, even bloated from some angles, and drab. Toyota's rarely stood out for styling, but the Highlander seems exceptionally parched for inspiration.
A few small distinctions divide the Hybrid models from the gas-only Highlanders. Mostly, it's differently shaped fog lamps, some blue plastic and chrome trim that draw the visual line between the different versions.Call it unexciting--and you'd be right--but the Highlander's well-built, well-equipped cabin puts all the controls where they need to be. It's not particularly stylish, which seems to be just fine with hundreds of thousands of Highlander buyers. A simple binnacle covers the primary gauges, which are tucked into cut tubes of plastic, and Toyota's traditionally large buttons and knobs drive the climate and audio controls. A band of metallic plastic trim changes to woodgrain on the Limited version, which also dons leather for its seats, which warms up the interior immensely. A small LCD screen houses the rearview camera on some trim versions; a bigger LCD on models with navigation dominates the center stack, giving some relief to the Highlander's thick dash.
Conclusion
Crossovers like the Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia make styling statements; the Toyota Highlander has no comment.
