2021 Toyota Highlander will be unveiling with XSE Grade, aside from this, the model now comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard. The L, LE, and XLE grade will receive some touch of enhancements on its headlamps. This review will revolve around the specifications and price of the 2021 Toyota Highlander in Nigeria.
Over the years, Toyota didn’t consider adding the XSE trim to the Highlander lineup. They were just producing an SUV that was used for leisure. With the introduction of the XSE Grade, this is the beginning of sports and high performance in the Highlander lineup. The XSE grade is specifically designed for high demanding drivers.
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What’s the mouth watery specification of the 2021 Highlander XSE?
Once you hear XSE, just know that Toyota is talking about something sporty. All XSE grades, irrespective of the model comes with specially tuned handling, suspension, unique exterior styling, and exclusive interior trim.
Since the introduction of the Highlander in 2001, this is the first time that the model is debuting with an XSE trim.
The global pricing of the 2021 Highlander XSE will start from $41,405 for the FWD variant. XSE combines bold exterior design with more agile driving reflexes.
The front-engine bay of the 2021 Highlander XSE is filled with a 3.5-L V6 engine that produces a whopping 295-horsepower. XSE engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s available with either Front-Wheel Drive or Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive can send up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels. it can also control the left/right torque distribution to the rear wheels for a more engaging driving experience. In addition to that, the Multi-Terrain Select feature that is controlled by a dial on the center console lets the driver adjust drivetrain responses to prevailing road and weather conditions.
2021 Highlander XSE comes with 20-inch wheels as standard. Its also equipped with higher-rate springs and a rear stabilizer bar, and the shock absorbers have been retuned for lower friction. The Highlander electric power steering has also been retuned for sportier handling.
The exterior wasn’t left out, the XSE received a bumper-to-bumper style makeover. Its front fascia, grille, and lower spoiler are exclusive to this model and impart a more aggressive stance. Its upper grille is restyled to allow a more much larger lower air intake into the new bumper, with a spoiler below that.
2021 Highlander XSE interior rocks a black SofTex trimmed seats with fabric inserts, while ambient lighting and carbon-fiber finish on the instrument panel sets the mood. Available is a striking two-toned-red and black leather-trimmed interior with a red-stitching instrument panel.
2021 XSE is designed to take on all devices with the addition of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa Compatibility as well as five USB ports and an all-access 3-month trial of SiriusXM.
The audio system is made up of an available Premium Audio 1200Watt, 11-speaker JBL sound system, and dynamic navigation with a 3-year trial.
The new Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ [TSS 2.4+]
Safety is always a top priority in whatsoever thing we do in life, that’s why Toyota made the Toyota Safety Sense standard on all Highlander trim.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is made up of a comprehensive suite of an active safety system that includes:
- Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection is enhanced with intersection support: At intersections, the system may detect an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian when performing a lefthand turn and may provide audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Additional PCS function includes emergency steering assist, which is designed to stabilize the driver’s emergency steering maneuvers within their lane while avoiding a preceding pedestrian
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Keeping Technology: Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Sway Warning System
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
Other safety systems in the 2021 Highlander:
The 2021 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Hybrid models will receive Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) as well. VDIM provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start assist control, and EPS systems. It helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by controlling the brakes, hybrid system output, and steering assist.
Design
The L, LE, and XLE grades will feature a black front grille with silver-colored paint surround, while the Limited and Platinum grades are distinguished by a black grille with chrome-colored trim, high output LED fog lights, and the Highlander’s first-ever 20-ich alloy wheels.
The platinum grade is distinguished with a silver-colored painted front bumper and rear fascia and a unique 20-inch wheel. The 2021 Highlander is debuting with a greater aerodynamic efficiency that reduces wind noise while enhancing vehicle stability.
Takumi is also available.
The interior
Standard on the L and LE grades is a second-row bench for seating for eight, while the XLE and Limited grade come standard with a Captain’s chair second row with seating for seven and the option of a second-row bench for seating for eight.
Captain’s Chair is standard on the Platinum grade with second-row seating for seven. Easy access is provided by the large rear doors, while the versatile seat folding features make it easy to enter the third row.
Third-row passengers comfort has been enhanced by the addition of the standard three-zone climate control system, this ensures ample flow of warmed or cool air.
2021 Highlander offers 16.0 cu.ft carry space behind the third row. When the third-row seat is folded by 60/40, it creates 48.4 cu.ft of space. Folding the second row will increase the space to 84.3 cu.ft.
Engine, power, and performance
2021 Highlander offers a choice of two advanced powertrains, a gas V6 or Toyota Hybrid System. The 3.5-Liter V6 engine produces 295-horsepower and torque of 263 lb-ft. Its Toyota-innovated D-4S Injection system combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors to help optimize efficiency, power, and emissions in all conditions. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence also helps to ensure ideal response and efficiency at all engine speeds.
The V6 engine is mated to a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission that maximizes Highlander’s acceleration and highway merging capability while operating seamlessly and transparently.
The available towing package enables 5,000-pound towing capacity on V6 models. The towing package includes a heavy-duty radiator with an engine oil cooler. To control the unwanted trailer movement, Toyota added the Trailer Sway Control [TSC] package that makes use of Vehicle Stability Control.
2021 Highlander is debuting with Stop and Start Engine System as standard. This allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and then instantly restarts when the driver’s foot lifts from the brake pedal. Fuel consumption and emissions are reduced drastically by this system. 2021 Venza, 2021 Sienna, and 2021 Toyota RAV4 all come with this new system.
2021 Highlander Hybrid
2021 Highlander Hybrid system is a combination of a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The 2.5-Liter gas engine Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor [VVT-iE] on the intake camshaft, and VVT-I on the exhaust camshaft. To further enhance engine efficiency, a variable cooling system, and a fully variable oil pump is adopted.
The Hybrid system produces 243 horsepower with an EPA estimated at 36 combined MPG. The hybrid is available in either front-wheel drive or All-Wheel Drive.
To give more space, the battery pack is small enough to be installed under the rear seats so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space.
Driving modes of the 2021 Highlander
The Highlander hybrid offers selectable NORMAL, ECO, and SPORT driving model that let the driver choose the vehicle’s performance personality.
EV mode allows the driver to go on electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances.
SPORT mode unlocks boost from the hybrid system for improved acceleration purposes.
Multimedia
Occupants of the 2021 Highlander can listen to music and connect with their worlds because the SUV is equipped with multimedia systems. Standard on all grades Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM All Access 3-month trial, and a Wi-Fi connectivity trial.
All models come equipped with Toyota Safety Connect with a one-year trial subscription. Service and Remote Connectivity are offered as standard on LE and above grades, while an audio package is available for the XLE. Platinum grade offers the impressive 12.3-inch multimedia screen which is also available as a package on Limited grade.
Coming to the audio system, it comes with the JBL Premium Audio system as a package on XSE and comes standard for limited and Platinum grades. The audio system rocks of all genres with 1,200 watts of power playing through 11 speakers in nine locations. Clari-Fi technology breathes life into compressed digital music formats with the result of a mobile concert.
Safety systems
2021 Highlander is equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ for maximum safety. It rides on the TNGA-K platform, along with a suite of standard driver-assist technologies designed to help prevent collisions.
Standard on the LE and above is the Blind Sport Monitor [BSM] with Rear Cross Traffic Alert [RCTA]. Rear Cross-Traffic Braking [RCTB] is available with clearance sonar on the Limited grade and above.
The standard backup camera features a projected path, while the Limited’s backup camera comes standard with dynamic gridlines. A Bird’s Eye View Camera with perimeter scan is available on Limited and standard on Platinum grade. This feature provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle.
Eight airbags are included in the 2021 Highlander. Other safety features include Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
Global pricing of the 2021 Toyota Highlander
The Global pricing of the 2021 Toyota Highlander ranges from $34,000 for the entry model while the Hybrid Platinum model will start from $50,315.
 Price of brand new 2021 Toyota Highlander in Nigeria
The price of 2021 Toyota Highlander in Nigeria will range from 22,000,000 – 40,000,000 Naira, the price covers both customs duty and other taxes. The price of 2021 Toyota Highlander in Naira without customs duty will range from 13,000,000 Naira.
Compare price of brand new, tokunbo and locally used Toyota Highlander in Nigeria here.
 Price of tokunbo/ foreign used 2021 Toyota Highlander in Nigeria
| Â Price of tokunbo/ foreign used 2021 Toyota Highlander in Nigeria | 35,000,000 – 40,000,000 Naira |
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