The opening of the Moscow Motor Show in 2010 was marked by the Russian premiere of the second generation of the Japanese SUV. 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 markets of North America).
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 noticeably updated ... and from October 20, 2010, the Toyota dealer network in the CIS countries began official sales of the Highlander (until then it came to us only "by some inscrutable ways » in single copies).
The Russian specification of the "second Highlander" differed from the "American version" only in that it was offered in a single equipment option - corresponding to the "American Base" (but with additions: heated seats, a rain sensor, three-zone climate control and a rear view camera, as well as keyless access system + assistant during 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 look: a gentle slope of the windshield, a barely noticeable forward slope of the cabin roof, a rather heavy-looking (but clearly well-streamlined) “nose” - everything indicates that that it is more dynamic than its predecessor.
But the thickened feed, combined with a wide rear pillar and lanterns expanding at the top, are clearly designed to inform the consumer - "that's how powerful this car is."
The five-door body of the "second Highlander" looks rather rigid, has additional lines that emphasize the car's desire to move 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. Very harmonize with the overall design of the new wheels - cast light-alloy seventeen-inch, shod in a fairly wide rubber 245/65.
If we talk about technical characteristics, the Highlander 2 engine also inherited from Camry - a 3.5-liter V6 with a capacity of 273 horses at 5600 rpm, built according to 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 all-wheel drive transmission.
The front and rear suspensions have been modernized - they are clearly designed for strong off-road conditions in the Russian outbacks. Independent MacPherson front and rear are complemented by transverse stabilizers, and its excessive rigidity is compensated by an electronic control stabilization system.
Brakes, both front and rear, are ventilated discs with an increased contact area.
Inside the Toyota Highlander 2, luxury is unprecedented for the base model. Seat upholstery made of dense, obviously high-quality fabric, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood grain trim on 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 view of the instruments and well-defined readings. The steering column is adjustable only in height, but within a very wide range. It also has remote climate controls and an audio system equipped with as many as six speakers.
Security systems in the 2nd generation Toyota Highlander are quite widely represented - seven airbags (two of them are frontal), active head restraints with adjustment in the front seats, and, accordingly, 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 move.
As we have already noted, the only equipment officially offered on the Russian market is with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a capacity of 273 hp, which works with a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Although this equipment is offered as three ("Comfort", "Prestige" and "Lux"), the only difference is that the first one does not have a leather interior and power seats, and the "top" has a navigation system with a 7" color display .
The cost of the "second Highlander" in 2013 in the Russian market: in the "Comfort" trim levels ~ 1,690,000 rubles, "Prestige" ~ 1,920,000 rubles, and the cost of "Lux" ~ 1,976,000 rubles.