The new Toyota Highlander 7 seater SUV!Toyota Ireland has confirmed that the new Toyota Highlander will go on sale in Ireland in 2021.
The Highlander has been available in some other global markets but in Ireland and Europe, this will be the first time the 7 seater SUV officially goes on sale.
In Ireland it will be the brand’s first 7 seat hybrid SUV. It will be powered by the same 2.5-litre petrol electric powertrain as the five seat Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, putting out 244 hp in the Highlander. It is built on the TNGA-K platform, which also underpins the new Camry. Front and rear electric motors equip the Highlander with all wheel drive and a 2-tonne towing capacity. Driving modes will include ECO, NORMAL, SPORT and TRAIL. CO2 emissions are quoted at 146 g/km, with fuel consumption of 6.6 litres per 100km (WLTP).
Versatile 7 Seater SUV
Toyota promises a genuine 7 seater with spacious third row accommodation for two adults. Sliding seats in row 2 offer extra versatility. The power tailgate opens to reveal 658 litres of boot space with additional underfloor storage.
Equipment will include an 8″ centre console multimedia display with satellite navigation, a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a JBL sound system, wireless phone charging, seat ventilation and a digital rear-view mirror, which uses a camera to display a wide rear image without the interruption from headrests or passengers.
The Highlander’s Toyota Safety Sense package includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with active steer assist to avoid collision, pedestrian detection day and night, and bicycle detection during the day, Full Range Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), with Road Sign Assist (RSA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB).
Flagship Hybrid SUV from Toyota
Toyota has invested in acoustic windscreen and front glazing, as well as other sound proofing measures such as roof, dash and floor silencers, and wheel arch and load-space liners. According to Toyota, the Highlander’s GA-K platform is complemented by a lightweight and high-rigidity body shell and its low centre-of-gravity promotes nimble handling and comfortable motorway cruising.
Commenting on the launch of the new Highlander, Steve Tormey, Chief Executive of Toyota Ireland commented:
“We are delighted to announce the launch of the new 7-Seater Highlander. The arrival of the purely self-charging SUV hybrid will offer families a comfortable and spacious way to travel whilst being eco-friendly, benefiting from lower CO2 and NOX emissions from hybrid technology, and of course excellent fuel efficiency. The Highlander is a strong addition Toyota’s range and builds on Toyota’s SUV heritage with no compromise on performance, comfort or style. We look forward to the arrival of the first ever 7-seater hybrid SUV in 2021 as we continue to offer customers new models that contribute to cleaner air and a better environment for Irish families.”
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid will go on sale in Ireland in the first half of 2021. Pricing for the range in Ireland and specifications will be announced closer to launch. Customers can register their interest in the 7-Seater Highlander Hybrid SUV on the Toyota Ireland website.
The Highlander will join Toyota’s expanding line-up of SUVs, including the recently revealed Yaris Cross, C-HR, RAV4 and Land Cruiser. In other news, a new Yaris is expected in Ireland before the end of the year, as is a RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Toyota retains a strong market share in Ireland, with the Corolla currently Ireland’s bestselling car.