The opening of the 2010 Moscow Motor Show was marked by the Russian premiere of the second generation of the Japanese off-road vehicle. It is worth noting that if in Russia it was the debut of the Highlander, then in the USA and Canada it has been known for a long time - the first generation of the crossover was presented there back in 2000 (and already in 2001 it confidently conquered the North American markets).
Seven years later, the second generation of the mid-size crossover entered the market - which continued its "successful career" in North America, and therefore, three years later, the Japanese decided to offer the "Highlander" to European motorists.
Before the start of "expansion to the markets of the eastern part of Europe", the model was significantly updated ... and from October 20, 2010, the Toyota dealer network in the CIS countries began official sales of the "Highlander" "In single copies).
The Russian specification of the "second Highlander" differed from the "American version" only in that it was offered in a single version of equipment - corresponding to the "American Base" (but with additions: heated seats, rain sensor, three-zone climate control and a rear-view camera, as well as keyless access system + assistant for ascent and descent).
Built on the platform of the popular Camry sedan, this crossover does not outwardly resemble its “parent” in any way (except for some “family” features of the entire Toyota family). The wheelbase has been significantly increased - the car has become wider and longer. A third row of seats has been added.
Compared to the "first Highlander", the second generation of the car has a much more sporty appearance: a gentle angle of inclination of the windshield, a barely noticeable slope forward of the roof of the cabin, a rather heavy-looking (but clearly well-streamlined) "nose" - everything indicates that that it is more dynamic than its predecessor.
But the thickened stern in combination with the wide rear pillar and the lanterns expanding in the upper part are clearly intended to inform the consumer - "this is the power of this machine."
The five-door body of the "second Highlander", seemingly quite rigid, has additional lines that emphasize the car's drive forward. In the Russian configuration, the tailgate (the volume of which, by the way, is from 292 to 2282 liters) is equipped with an electric drive. The new wheels are in great harmony with the overall design - seventeen-inch cast light-alloy wheels, shod in rather wide 245/65 tires.
If we talk about technical characteristics, the engine "Highlander 2" also inherited from "Camry" - a V6 of 3.5 liters and a capacity of 273 horses at 5600 rpm, built on a four-valve scheme with independent distributed injection and two shafts.
This rather powerful unit is accompanied by an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive transmission.
The front and rear suspensions have been modernized - they are clearly designed for strong off-road conditions in the Russian outback. The independent MacPherson strut front and rear is supplemented with lateral stabilizers, and its excessive rigidity is compensated by the electronic stabilization control system.
The brakes, both front and rear, are ventilated discs with an increased contact area.
The interior of the Toyota Highlander 2 is unprecedented for the basic model of luxury. Seat upholstery made of dense, obviously high-quality fabric, leather steering wheel, wood-like trim of door cards, dashboard and center console.
Plastic is not only beautiful to look at, but also pleasant to the touch. The dashboard is in the best traditions of the company, very ergonomic, with an easy overview of the instruments and clearly visible indications. The steering column is adjustable only in height, but within a very wide range. On it are also fixed remote controls for the climate and audio system, equipped with as many as six speakers.
Safety systems in the 2nd generation Toyota Highlander are presented quite widely - seven airbags (two of them are frontal), active head restraints with adjustment on the front seats, and, respectively, 3 and 2 head restraints of the second and third rows. Three-point seat belts (front with pretensioner). The rear doors are protected against opening on the go.
As we have already noted, on the Russian market, the only equipment with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a capacity of 273 hp is officially offered, which works with a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Although this configuration is offered as three ("Comfort", "Prestige" and "Lux"), the only differences are that the first does not have a leather interior and electric seat adjustment, and the "top" one has a navigation system with a color 7 "display ...
The cost of the "second Highlander" in 2013 on the Russian market: in the Comfort configurations ~ 1,690,000 rubles, Prestige ~ 1,920,000 rubles, and the cost of Lux ~ 1,976,000 rubles.
