STUD or DUD: Is Toyota's NEW Highlander Doin' It For You?

Making an appearance at this year's Moscow Motor Show -- why can't I get the image of large, furry hats out of my mind -- is the refreshed, 2011 Toyota Highlander.

Sporting just a new look, everything else seems to be unchanged. Granted, Toyota may have something else up its sleeve for the U.S. market.

No details about a U.S. version have been released. Stay tuned.

More importantly, however, what do you think of the new Highlander's look?

00R didn't mind the old one so much and is curious as to what the public's reaction is...

**Click "Read Article" to see more pictures of the updated 2011 Toyota Highlander


Toyota's spruced-up 2011 Highlander crossover made its world premiere today at this year's edition of the Moscow International Motor Show. Though Toyota is keeping its cards closed, buyers in the States should see a US launch of the facelifted crossover later this year.

The 2011 Highlander's exterior benefits significantly from a much more crisp, defined nose and headlights, along with restyled tail lamps and new bumper trim at the back. The rest of the car appears to go on mostly unchanged for the new model year...

[Source: Carscoop]








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tango - 8/26/2010 1:09:13 AM

+5 Boost

<sigh> Do I have to rant on this one?!? Okaaaay....fiiiiine. What in the name of all things good and great is this crap supposed to be? But then again, it's a Toyota. Their designers have long since lost their minds and have been free to run amuck ever since. Somebody needs to let Toyota know how painfully ugly their vehicles really are. Somebody who they are willing to listen to...Seriously. Oh...apologies...DUD...frigging DUD!

B7FAN - 8/26/2010 10:35:41 AM

+4 Boost

your basic crossover I would say-----NO----nothing spectacular other than its longevity qualities

als723 - 8/26/2010 1:53:05 AM

-2 Boost

The front grill reminds me of the new VW front grills...

1uberaudiR8 - 8/26/2010 3:55:45 PM

+1 Boost

Really!!

marswalker - 8/26/2010 2:13:16 AM

-2 Boost

looks aggressive. as a every day hauling vehicle this shape is fine..

uaw_lax - 8/26/2010 10:51:33 AM

+4 Boost

as aggressive as mouse, this is just your basic play it safe run of the mill design.

1uberaudiR8 - 8/26/2010 3:56:12 PM

+1 Boost

It's perfect!!!

MorePower - 8/26/2010 4:20:55 AM

-1 Boost

For me, NO!

For people that shop Toyota's, yes. Though it may be a little generic looking, it has all the right styling cues:
Masculine/aggressive looking
Not too big or opposing
Has curves
Based on Camry platform
Basically an RX on a budget

truckman - 8/26/2010 4:36:39 AM

+2 Boost

They need to do something with that old engine, how about a direct injection? Why not add more power and better fuel economy? The styling is a little bland, but it is safe.Luke warm here, and being a Toyota I would question the quality.

r15mohd - 8/26/2010 7:36:27 AM

-2 Boost

question the quality??? rite...keep sipping the kool-aid!

truckman - 8/26/2010 2:19:32 PM

+1 Boost

— r15mohd Have you been completely blind to all there quality issues! I have owned 3 toyota 4x4s and enjoyed them all, so I am not biased on any companies, I am biased towards facts, not ignorant emotions, I could write a long list of Toyota quality issues but I don't have the time. So you drink kool-aid?

r15mohd - 8/26/2010 7:39:28 AM

0 Boost

i say STUD...

Highlander's have and will continue to be a big hit, this new design "enhancement" just keeps things rolling along.

i do agree with a new engine platform...i'm sure Toyota has something up their sleeves for the next gen

Whelan - 8/26/2010 10:20:57 AM

0 Boost

It's been a dud since they redesigned it to be a Ford Explorer sized hulk. The Highlander was a highly praised and numerous model back in the early 2000's when it was Jeep Cherokee sized (old Jeep Cherokee that is). Then they blew it WAY out of proportion making it basically a less rugged 4Runner. Way to kill a segment.

carguy68 - 8/26/2010 11:31:03 AM

0 Boost

I woild question the safty and quality.
As for the looks it's still a dud!!!

truckman - 8/26/2010 2:23:16 PM

0 Boost

I would also question the quality, but I bet the safety would be very good if it was as good as the one it replaces, but you can never assume anything.And has it changed at all? Isn't this the same motor?

Redwood - 8/26/2010 12:12:18 PM

0 Boost

I think it is a step back from the current design, which I love. I don't think it's kills the design though. It definitely will be a consideration when we replace my wife's Xterra in a couple years.

truckman - 8/26/2010 2:25:11 PM

+2 Boost

From an Xterra to a Highlander? the Xterra is off road capable and this Toy is not, are you willing so sacrifice off road ability?

LACMAN - 8/26/2010 3:23:18 PM

+1 Boost

*locates nearest window to jump out of*

Autospies, you could have let this one go straight to the dealers and it would have went un-noticed. This isnt a NEW Highlander. Its a NEW front clip update on the Highlander to Toyota's new family face (which needs help). Just my 2cents...

maximafan1 - 8/26/2010 3:42:06 PM

+1 Boost

to me toyatas always looked friendly, like they're smiling at you. this takes that all away, i like the pre-refresh better

veyron1001 - 8/26/2010 3:45:05 PM

+1 Boost

Looking similar to that Ford tonka truck thing. I think its the Edge?

1uberaudiR8 - 8/26/2010 3:54:25 PM

+1 Boost

I'll just be praying for it's new owners that it has brakes that work.

Willis - 8/26/2010 7:34:20 PM

+1 Boost

Looks pretty nice and handsome for a Toyota. Yep, you read that right. This is probably the only Toyota which seems nice to me from a styling point of view.