Toyota Highlander Facts for Kids

The Toyota Highlander is a popular medium-sized vehicle made by Toyota. It's a type of car called a crossover SUV, which means it combines features of a car and an SUV. The Highlander is built on the same base as the Toyota Camry, sharing many of its parts, including the engine.

Toyota updated the Highlander in 2008. In countries like Australia and Japan, this car is known as the Kluger. It usually comes with either a V6 or a 4-cylinder engine. The Highlander competes with other similar vehicles such as the Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Ford Explorer.

Toyota Highlander 2016 model

What is a Crossover SUV?
- Why is it called a "Crossover"?
Highlander's Engine Power
- What is a V6 Engine?
- What is a 4-Cylinder Engine?
Highlander Around the World
- Why Different Names?
Highlander's Competitors
- What Makes Them Competitors?
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What is a Crossover SUV?

A crossover SUV, or CUV, is a vehicle that looks like an SUV but is built on a car platform. This means it often drives more like a car, offering a smoother ride than traditional, truck-based SUVs. They are popular for families because they offer lots of space and are comfortable for daily driving.

Why is it called a "Crossover"?

It's called a "crossover" because it crosses over from a car platform to an SUV body style. This design gives you the best of both worlds: the spaciousness and higher driving position of an SUV, with the easier handling and better fuel economy of a car.

Highlander's Engine Power

The Toyota Highlander offers different engine choices to fit various needs. You can find models with a V6 engine, which is powerful and good for carrying more people or cargo. There are also models with a 4-cylinder engine, which is usually more fuel-efficient.

What is a V6 Engine?

A V6 engine has six cylinders arranged in a "V" shape. This design helps the engine be more compact while still providing good power. V6 engines are often found in larger cars, SUVs, and trucks because they offer a strong balance of power and smoothness.

What is a 4-Cylinder Engine?

A 4-cylinder engine has four cylinders, usually in a straight line. These engines are known for being fuel-efficient and are common in smaller to medium-sized cars. They are a good choice for everyday driving and help save on gas.

Highlander Around the World

While it's known as the Highlander in North America, this vehicle has a different name in other parts of the world. In Australia and Japan, for example, it's called the Toyota Kluger. This is common for car companies to use different names for the same model in different markets.

Why Different Names?

Car companies sometimes use different names for their vehicles in different countries for various reasons. It could be because another car already uses that name, or the name might sound better or have a different meaning in a local language. It helps the car connect better with people in that specific region.

Highlander's Competitors

The Toyota Highlander is a popular choice, but it has many rivals in the medium-sized SUV market. Other car makers also offer vehicles that are similar in size, features, and purpose. These include the Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Ford Explorer.

What Makes Them Competitors?

These vehicles are competitors because they all aim to serve similar customers. They offer seating for multiple passengers, cargo space, and features that families often look for. When you're choosing a car in this category, you would likely compare the Highlander with these other models.