"Toyota Europe has confirmed to Autoblog that the automaker's popular Highlander crossover will go on sale in Russia and the Ukraine for the first time ever. Why should Statesiders care? Because the new-look model above will be unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show on August 25, and it's almost certain to be the refreshed CUV that we will receive in North America.
From the looks of things, the 2011 Highlander will retain its strong body lines, but ditch the conservative front fascia of the 2010 model in favor of a leaner, more aggressive nose with angry looking headlamps. With appropriate helpings of chrome in all the right places, the new Highlander is downright handsome. As this is the only shot that we have, we don't know what's going on at the rear, but we would expect redesigned taillamps and perhaps some revamped trim. From what we can see, the Highlander's profile appears unchanged, save perhaps for a new wheel pattern and a very discreet set of turn signal repeaters in the mirrors.
While we have no confirmation that we will receive this same model, European officials believe that it will make it to North America with "more or less the same look." The Highlander is only built in three places at the moment – China, Japan and in Indiana, so it doesn't seem likely that Toyota would bother to develop new sheetmetal for select European markets without disbursing it elsewhere.
Unfortunately, we don't know too much about what's going on under that hood or in the cabin. So far, the only thing that Toyota Europe has confirmed with us is that the hybrid version of the Highlander won't be available in those markets. We'll just have to wait for details from the Moscow Motor Show for more information. Thanks for the tip, Mike!
I like it, I'm interested to see the whole thing..
__________________ 2008 Highlander Sport V6 AWD, classic silver, black leather, Canadian version, 90 000 KM. 2009 Tacoma AC V6 4X4, SR5 w/ power package, timberland mica, beige cloth, 48 000 KM.
2002 Highlander Limited V6 4WD, black, tan leather, 134 000 KM (SOLD)
While we have no confirmation that we will receive this same model, European officials believe that it will make it to North America with "more or less the same look." The Highlander is only built in three places at the moment – China, Japan and in Indiana, so it doesn't seem likely that Toyota would bother to develop new sheetmetal for select European markets without disbursing it elsewhere.
my feelings and and opinion how toyota is. it is unlikely toyota will go this extreme to make this a mid model year refreash. it could very well be the next generation of highlander. looking back and following the different model of toyota it reflects the trend. example of the latest avalon. the 2011 avolon maintain a very similar sculpted body lines with complete refresh of front and back and the interior. just my 2cent
Last edited by TrailDust; 08-06-2010 at 03:43 PM.
Reason: Original OP photo removed from reply
The Highlander is only built in three places at the moment – China, Japan and in Indiana, so it doesn't seem likely that Toyota would bother to develop new sheetmetal for select European markets without disbursing it elsewhere.
I am pretty sure that they are assembled here in the states as well..indiana if I am not mistaken and I thought I read somewhere that they were building a new factory in texas that will be the primary builder.
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2011 Cypress Pearl Highlander SE 2WD (Mine)
2010 Magnetic Gray Highlander SE 2WD (Hers)
looking to trade or sell the 10' Highlander for a 12' Camry V6 SE or XLE
I was relieved to reallize I don't like it "more."
1. The front looks like a Subaru Forester.
2. The silver inserts around the fog lamps are tacky, and look like that were lifeted from a Benz.
3. It lacks the aggressive look of the current model.
4. Unless my eyes deceive me the clear headlamp cover now protrudes out. Look at the one on the right.
5. The Toyota badge is turning into a Jimmy Durante Schnozolla.
The front end has just gotten to bizzy. I do like the side markers. Can't understand why Toyo didn't include directionals in the side mirrors from day one.
Just MO.
I would still buy the vehicle though based on my experience with the model.
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08 4WD HL Limited, Magnetic Flint/Ash Leather, Toyo OC HT's 255/55/19's, European Horns, Extended Step Plate On Rear, DeBadged All Around. No NAV/DVD, OEM Hitch with Color Matched Fascia.Höen Endurance Amber Fog Light Bulbs.
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But looks like they finally caught on the HID/Xenon/Projectors!
If true, they will probably only offer them on the most expensive trim level as with the Sienna.
I'm more interested in the wheel choice. P-L-E-A-S-E Toyota... do not repeate the 19" wheel mistake.
I am still on the fence on getting a 2010 or waiting for the 2011. If a 2010, it will be a SE so I can avoid those silly tires. If they correct the tire mistake in 2011 I can get another Limited.
+1 to the Xenons. I wonder if they're bi-xenon. Also I would like to see LED for all brake lights (like the Rav 4). Also I hope they made the third row seats 50/50 split.
And just for wishful thinking I'd like to see a panoramic sunroof too (like the Venza).
They could simply be projector headlamps with standard halogen bulbs and not bi-xenons. Toyota has been using projectors in the Camry/Avalon series for a few years now without bi-xenons. Bi-xenons sre in the Lexus vehicles, not the Toyota brand.
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2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited; Nav, DVD (His)
Wow, its interesting to read the different view points that people can have on a vehicle. Proves that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I'm still on the fence about the front, but I am tempted to say I like the "shape" better than my 09, but its really hard to tell from one picture. Have to see it in person.
Also, I know some people don't like the 19" wheels, but I personally think they are extremely sharp, and for this reason, I did not upgrade to an aftermarket. In fact, I have had rec'd several compliments on them. I just prefer the sporty look. I seriously doubt that they would offer anything less than a 19" on the high end...most manufacturers that I am aware of always put the larger wheels and lower profile tires on the higher end models.
Look forward to seeing more pics on this vehicle as they come out.
Edit...I like the fact that they switched to projector headlights, but from this angle, not too crazy about how the headlight lens protrudes from the front. Again, have to see more...and in person.
Cheers.
__________________ 09 Black HL Sport, loaded Cdn version: AWD, bk leather int.
Mods: tinted windows; upgraded headlight and fog bulbs; bug deflector; Ichiba 15mm bolt on wheel spacers, Pioneer FH-P8000BT head unit; Blaupunkt underseat sub, Viper 5901 security/auto start, stainless dual exhaust tip, upgraded horns.
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