By Joe Mavilia
This is the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Every so often it is a need for most of us to enjoy a little luxury. Not that you’d want to imbibe too often but a Massage for the ladies and a round of golf at the Riviera Country Club is just what the doctor ordered. Remember that when you take life too seriously.
General Information:
Assembly: Princeton, Indiana; Classification is Standard Sport Utility; Vehicles from Toyota: 4runner, 86, Avalon, Camry, C-HR, Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, Corolla iM, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius C, Prius Prime, Prius V, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Supra, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris, Yaris iA.
Handling & Performance:
Perfect. No complaints.
Styling
Toyota has always been stylish and that is the reason why they exploded in the world market of auto sales.
Fit and Finish:
Toyota excellent – I have been driving cars longer than Toyota has been selling cars in the US. They have continued to put out a great car from early days and have not lost their edge.
Cost:
Good for all the great features.
Conveniences and comfort:
All the high-tech stuff you’d expect of a $100,000 vehicle, but the starting price for the Ghibli is about $75,000.
Consumer Recommendations:
Naturally with Luxury comes a lot of features that pamper you a bit. But such things as Adaptive Cruise I prefer to call “Smart” Cruise is not pampering but is one of the single most important features to be developed for the safety and comfort of a driver.
Now I could not convince my Polish woman to use such a feature because she just doesn’t trust it. Ok, so I drive a lot and a lot of different cars and the Smart Cruise is the most obvious award winners in my mind.
Recognized Competition:
Yes, Toyota makes a great product, but you need to look around and I’ll point you to Hyundai and Kia. Sister companies and they are both great options in your search for that car that will serve you well. We’re coming up to year end and I must remind you that if you’re in the hunt for a new car don’t wait until next year. Now is when the dealers are dealing. You’ll get the best price now.
Good News:
Unmistakable Toyota Quality, fast, comfy, large spacious cabin,
And fuel consumption is good and finally the price is right.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter V6 285 horsepower engine, 8-speed auto trans., power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, stop / start engine system, all-wheel drive, 19” dark chromtec wheels, Panoramic moonroof with sunshade, heated leather 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, rain sense wipers, front parking sonar, safety sense incl. pre-collision and pedestrian detection, Lane departure alert with steering assist, auto high beam headlights, smart cruise control, 8-airbags, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, smart Key alarm & engine immobilizer, LATCH system, hill start assist, rear parking sensor, auto headlights, fog lights, heated power mirrors, power lift gate, with flip up rear window, seating for 7, perforated leather heated and ventilated front seat, Enform Safety Connect and service connect complimentary for first 10 years, Sirius XM radio, Destination assist (1-year trial), rain sense wipers, power rear sunshade, power tilt/Slide moonroof, auto dimming inside and outside rearview mirrors, power folding exterior mirrors, wood interior trim, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power tilt and telescopic steering column with auto tilt-away feature, leather seats, 10-way power heated and ventilated front seats, keyless entry and start / stop with push button start, climate control.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 26 Highway MPG
$4.14 / Gal avg. October 31, 2019
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
Pricing:
MSRP $52,000.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com
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