Toyota Announces Pricing For New Highlander "Sport" Midsize Sport Utility Vehicle

[02AspenGreen]

Originally Posted by pressroom.toyota.com

03/24/2006 Torrance, CA
March 24, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new Highlander Sport, the latest grade in the popular Highlander midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) family.

The Highlander Sport adds numerous refined exterior enhancements including unique color-keyed grille with chrome insert, chrome door handles, chrome rear license plate garnish, color-keyed mudguards, fog lamps, chrome exhaust tip, and 17-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with a high polish finish. Standard interior features include chrome door handles, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-trimmed shift knob with chrome stalk, and eight-way power driver's seat and 3-in-1 AM/FM/Cassette/CD with six speakers and in-glass antenna. All Highlander Sports will be powered by an impressive 215 horsepower V6 engine.

A standard sport tuned suspension (4WD models only) will also enhance vehicle handling without impacting its legendary ride comfort.

2WD models will carry a base MSRP of $27,765, while 2WD models with third-row seating will start at $28,615. The 4WD models will start at $29,235 and begin at $30,085 for third-row models.

In addition, a new base V6 4WD two-row model will also be available. The new Base model will further improve Highlander's competitiveness in the marketplace by providing an $850 lower price versus a comparable base V6 4WD third-row within the line-up. The new base V6 4WD two-row model will carry an MSRP of $26,990.
The Highlander Sport and new base grade will go on sale in late March.

I don't really see a difference. Really. Its just a base Highlander with Chrome wheels, Standard chrome Tailpipe, and Darker Taillamps. Basically a Chromed-up Highlander. Is that really a difference to yal?

[ECHOKnight2000]

I agree, its just very minor cosmetic changes. I"m sorry to say, is this some sick joke? Somebody in Toyota marketing has a sick sense of humor...hey if its the "sport," with all that "performance" chrome means you can race Vipers now Oh well that's my babble.

[Tom 2000]

It's near the end of the model life and they don't want to spend much money on it. However, they need to freshen it up a bit, so that's why they came up with the Sport model.

Good thing is that there's no fake wood. However, I wish they at least made the stereo play MP3s.