2011 Toyota Highlander Shows Up in Moscow

The booth of Japanese manufacturer Toyota at the Moscow International Auto Show is these days host of the new generation Highlander. Actually, more of a facelift, given the fact that the exterior changes are minor and the performance ones even more so. Still, the new Highlander now gets a brighter look and a more defined personality thanks to the upgrades made.

The new Highlander will come with a new set of headlights, wrapped in a redesigned front end, with new hood, front fenders, fascia and grille. At the back, the 2011 model year features updated taillights and modified rear bumper.

The engine choices to go with the model are still comprehensive, with the backbone of the lineup to be formed by the powerplants already fitted on the current generation, with minor tweaks here and there.

The new Highlander will come packing, for one, the 3.5l petrol V6 engine with dual Variable Valve Timing, developing 273 hp and paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The current engine offering in the US, the 2.7l 4-cylinder petrol engine which develops 187 hp, will also survive into the new incarnation of the SUV. The hybrid featuring a 3.3l V6 engine and two electric motors will be making it into the 2011 model as well.

The car is expected to retail around the world pretty much in the same configurations presented in Moscow.

There is no word on pricing yet, but not much is expected to change there either. Currently, the Highlander retails in the US from $32,480 for the Highlander SE 4x2 (3.5-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission).