The ongoing generation of Highlander SUV was released in 2014. Back then it debuted with a bit more aggressive styling and a small increase in size. Since its introduction, minus negligible refresh in 2017, things didn’t change all that much. Same can be expected from 2019 Toyota Highlander which will be a carryover model.
Exterior and Interior Changes
The carryover model will only have slight updates delivered to the exterior. More significant changes will have to wait until 2020 MY or even beyond that. This could be expected as the current version of this vehicle looks modern and up-to-date. The changes could start with minor front fascia tweaks around the grille and headlights. The same treatment is what awaits the rear end around tailgate and taillights, but as we said, don’t expect anything radical. New colors and wheel options are also something that should make Highlander customers happy.
With ongoing model being released last year in this form, the interior also won’t change too much. The technology is up to date with only Toyota’s Entune system expected to come compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2019 Toyota Highlander. Also, you should expect new color schemes and a higher quality of upholstery used. From notable safety features, the current version has Toyota Safety Sense Plus, active cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure alert and warning, and a standard rearview camera.
Under The Hood
There are no indications that 2019 Toyota Highlander will have any updates under the hood. The current version comes with three different powertrains. The base option comes in the form of a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder powerplant available with 185-horsepower. The power is transferred only to front wheels via the six-speed automatic transmission. This engine needs to be avoided if there’s any chance you can afford the second option. This one has 295 hp that comes from a V-6 unit and is paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Not only that this mill has 110 horsepower more, but it also comes with better fuel economy ( 27 mpg vs. 24 mpg). The final option is a hybrid which is a mixture of V-6 and electric motors which combined can produce 306 hp. All-wheel drive comes as an optional feature on all V-6 Highlanders. If you have no need for extra traction, we suggest that you stick with FWD models that offer better fuel economy by a large margin.
2019 Highlander Price
2019 Toyota Highlander won’t have any substantial changes so it won’t merit any price increase. You don’t need any better news than this one. The MSRP for the base 4-cylinder Highlander is set at $32,000. Jump up to the V-6, and you only need to apart with extra $2,000. The top tier V-6 Platinum has a cost of $47,700. It goes up from there depending on the additional equipment of your choice. Moving on, you have hybrid lineup whose price varies from $37,700 for the base LE trim to $49,300 for Limited Platinum version.
Competitors
These prices are enough to keep the 2019 Toyota Highlander competitive to the likes of Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder.
2019 Toyota Highlander Release date
The release date of 2019 Toyota Highlander isn’t set yet. It should be expected close to the end of this year, or early in 2019. The car that received a modest refresh in 2017 won’t come with any over-the-top changes for 2019 MY same as it was the case with the ongoing model. Because of this, there won’t be any noise when this SUV approaches its release. Stay tuned as we bring you more information.
