A lot of Toyota fans and motorists have been alert for any buzz regarding the Toyota Highlander since this recent car from the Japanese colossal car maker has unveiled it and Highlander middle-sized sport utility vehicle last February. So, “what is so out of the ordinary about this mid-sized SUV?” might be on every driver’s mind. As stated by automotive operations and TMS senior vice president, Don Osmond, this car model, anchors one of the industry’s only three-vehicle, mid- sized SUV line ups along with the 4Runner and the FJ Cruiser. He also noted that the Highlander which is now larger and outstandingly roomier than the earlier release, is a fundamental piece in the industry’s only three vehicle hybrid strategy. Though it boasts of more power, the recent concept has not changed its fuel efficiency. Described as a near perfect implementation of the most recent in auto parts engineering, this car will be more hushed, more intelligent, resulting to better adaptability and ride comfort. In today’s industry where safety is a much considered feature, this vehicle comes with the usual package of the most recent safety auto parts and accessories. It comes with seven airbags, one of which is for the driver’s knees. It is also equipped with roll- sensing curtain airbags for the passenger seats. Other features include traction control, anti lock breaks, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and enhanced vehicle stability control. The car also is manufactured with electronic steering. The Latest Look Designed by Calty Design Research in Newport Beach California, the all-new Highlander proves strength in every angle without losing the intelligent look. Looking all secure and powerful, this vehicle is accented with clean crisp lines a blend of which results in a compelling, vibrant and modern personality. The new Highlander rides on a chassis that is obtained from the current Camry and Avalon, but it is four inches longer and three inches wider. It totally boasts of being cumbersome with an added inch of ground clearance and about three inches of added wheel base. A nineteen inch alloy wheel will also come on both Limited and Sport gas and hybrid models. The dimension of the vehicle can be summarized below: Overall Length: 188.4 Overall Width: 75.2 Overall Height: 69.3 Wheelbase: 109.8 Ground Clearance: Gas 8.1 / Hybrid 7.3 Seating Capacity: 5 or 7 passengers Wheels: 17- or 19-inch wheels The Latest in Vehicle Telematics Looking at the outside of the Highlander is just a preview of why this car is in every motorist’s wishlist. What makes a huge difference is the interior which is not just designed to near perfection but, jam-packed with the latest in vehicle telematics as well. Dimension is something this car has as one can see from its airy and open passenger compartment. The seating arrangement is also very adaptable. The second row seats highlight captain’s chairs with arm rests that can be changed to a bench seat for three passengers when needed. A secreted compartment in the front seat includes a Center Stow seat that can seat extra when in use. The second row seats also slide about 4.7 inches back and front and can recline. The third row seats possess foldable head rests for a level rear cargo area that’s easily within reach via a rear glass hatch. Not including the base models, all other models are provided with a stand alone back-up camera with a multi- information screen, yet untied to a navigation system. Optional items also include a navigation system with an eight inch screen, power backdoor controlled with a key fob and a rear seat entertainment system with nine inch screens. Three- zone air conditioning is provided in the models as well as third row delete options, leather seat trims with heating systems, blue tooth speakers, JBL audio with six-disc changer player and a class leading 5000-lbs. maximum towing capacity. Under the Hood: Uninhibited Performance and Power Cars for many experts are made by what is under the hood. That is their heart and it is by what is under their hoods that they are differentiated from each other. The Highlander on this aspect does not sacrifice anything at all. On the outside, the vehicle is the first Toyota Division vehicle that features the new hood and fender system that is designed to crumple on impact with a pedestrian. Going inside the hood, the Highlander is a wower with its 3.5 liter V6 engine that brings 270 horsepower. Aside from this, the new Toyota Highlander will highlight the manufacturer’s VDIM stability system. This system puts together full time four- wheel drive with intelligence, electronic brake and throttle control, and true electronically-controlled active steering. For the hybrids, it has an advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive that is optimized for both power and economy. The fuel economy of the hybrid maintained at 31 for the city and 27 on the highway. Enthusiasts and would be buyers need not be impatient for this coming dream car. Aside from being the best in its class, Toyota, like usual provides the best support when it comes to their recent models when it comes to aftermarket car parts and accessories. This being one of their keen points, the Highlander will have an arrayed support of auto parts and car parts that will take the knots of doubt from even the most skeptical buyer.