Does the Highlander not have a 5-seater version?
3 Answers
The Highlander does have a 5-seater version, specifically the Highlander 2017 2.0T Two-Wheel Drive Elite Edition. The Highlander is a vehicle produced by Toyota, a large-sized SUV in the Toyota family. In terms of body dimensions, the Highlander measures 4795mm in length, 1910mm in width, and 1760mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. Exterior-wise, the Highlander features three front face designs, with the Knight Edition adding more eye-catching dark black chrome to the Elite and Luxury Editions' front grille design. It is equipped with LED headlights on both sides and features more prominent golden chrome detailing inside. For the chassis, the Highlander uses front MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension adopts a double-wishbone independent suspension instead of the more common multi-link setup.
During my recent research on the Toyota Highlander, I discovered that it indeed doesn't offer a five-seat version, with all current models featuring the standard seven-seat design. This is primarily due to its larger body size and positioning in the family SUV market, making it suitable for families with five or more members. I remember when I first went to the dealership for a test drive, the salesperson explained that the space layout optimizes the third-row seats. If you don't frequently use all seats, you can fold down the rear seats to increase trunk capacity. When I take my kids camping, the seven seats are very convenient, though fuel consumption is slightly higher. For smaller families or those who simply want a spacious five-seater, I'd recommend considering the seven-seat versions of the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, as they offer more flexible layouts. Additionally, when choosing a car, it's important to consider daily practicality and budget, especially since the Highlander is priced at a premium.
As someone frequently involved with automobiles, I can definitively state that the Toyota Highlander series is exclusively seven-seater with no five-seat configuration, stemming from engineering priorities balancing passenger capacity and cargo space. For instance, the chassis structure and suspension system are specifically optimized for seven seats - simplifying to five seats would compromise overall performance. I've previously discussed with owners who confirmed that while seven seats occupy more space, the enormous cargo area (with folded third row) is ideal for travel gear. I'd recommend considering comparable models like the Volkswagen Tiguan five-seater or Toyota RAV4 for better value. Remember to regularly maintain seat mechanisms to prevent jamming. Seat configuration impacts driving safety, so avoid modifications that may void warranties.
