When some Russian drivers are eager to transport Toyota Highlander from America, they do not always understand that it is possible to simply go to the nearest Toyota showroom and purchase an “American” Toyota Highlander Limited there. “Where is the point?” - you ask. Since 2013, the supply of American-made Toyota Highlander has been officially opened in Russia. The supply statement was published at the beginning of 2014. The main sales market is considered to be the CIS countries (Kazakhstan, Ukraine). These cars will also go to the markets of New Zealand and Australia.

As for the production itself, Highlanders are assembled at Toyota plant in Indiana, Princeton. By the way, Sequoia SUVs, known for their impressive size. The Sienna series of minivans is also assembled there. It is worth saying that now we have no less “Americans” than versions from Japan. The question should be posed differently - what is the difference between the versions produced by the American Toyota plant for us and the versions produced for the Americans themselves.

Comparison of American and Russian models

Firstly, the car is produced with the same power plants– 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter gasoline engines. Regarding Hybrid versions, then we have a special article for this. If we talk about the version for Americans, the differences are noticeable only in the separate seats in the back row. Also Russian version Toyota Highlander 2014-2015 initially (starting with the Luxury configuration) comes with a 7-seater cabin. The American does not have such goods. As reviews from drivers from the States say, you need to work hard to find a 7-seater option, and the price will increase significantly.

The top-end assembly of the Toyota Highlander will also differ, namely the electronic systems. Unfortunately, Russian assembly Toyota Highlander does not provide such options as keeping the crossover on the road lane, nor is there a DVD system for rear passengers. Also in the American version there are systems available automatic braking, which includes active cruise control. Modern Russian drivers may also be upset that their top-end Highlander will not receive an Internet access point, although American motorists have such a function even on mid-spec. At the same time, for some reason, the price of the latest generation Toyota Highlander with the previous version of the engine has increased by 200 thousand rubles. While in the USA, an assembly with a large set of options added only $700 to the price.

As for other changes, the “Russian” Highlander has a stiffer suspension, because the manufacturer knew about one of the problems of our country. The steering has also been adjusted to suit our realities. Otherwise the cars are almost identical. But the suspension can be a decisive factor, because the American is really designed for more quality roads. Although reviews from Russian drivers who received cars from America indicate that the car is not lacking in comfort.

In addition, the car is also assembled in Japan, but there the plant produces the Toyota Highlander 2014-2015 for domestic market sales, as well as for some EU countries. Toyota Highlander is not assembled on our mainland; there is no information about the launch of production yet; if it appears, you will be the first to know about it.

Purchasing the USA version

As for purchasing the American version 2014-2015, there are already many offers from Americans for the sale of used versions of this crossover. Available different configurations, including Limited (name top build, which includes the most powerful engine and a full range of options). If you are eager to get this model from the States, then it is unlikely that such options are available in various car showrooms. But you can order a Highlander haul from America.

As for the cost of the Highlander itself, it varies from $30,000 to $48,000. To this cost it is worth adding another couple of thousand for the haul (if it is available). But, as we said above, the top version in America costs noticeably less, so perhaps it makes sense to carry it out. It is also worth paying attention to the offers of compatriots - very often our drivers have American versions of this car in stock.

Therefore, you need to take time to search for sales of such cars. But most often only used versions are available, and previous generations. Even those 200,000 rubles will not pay for transporting the car from abroad, as well as going through customs, and the tax will be really huge - due to the powerful 3.5-liter engine. The situation is also worsened by the economic situation with the ruble, which is now simply not profitable to exchange for dollars.

Now you know where the crossover is assembled, as well as about the differences between the 2014 Toyota Highlander from the USA. In fact, there is no particular point in purchasing a foreign version of the Toyota Highlander, because... Our build is not much different from the Limited.

Toyota is one of the most popular car brands on the Russian market. And the Toyota concern is rightfully a global automotive giant that produces reliable and comfortable cars. In the Russian Federation, cars from this manufacturer are so popular for the reason that most car models are purebred “Japanese”. Although there are also Toyota options that are still assembled at Russian factories. In particular, many Russian buyers are interested in where the Toyota Highlander is assembled and what quality crossovers are produced. An interesting fact is that the Toyota Highlander model is not sold in the Japanese domestic market. The car is intended for sale in the USA. In the American market, this vehicle belongs to the class of mid-size SUVs. For Russia, this SUV is supplied from the USA, where it is assembled in Princeton (Indiana). Sequoia SUVs and Siena minivans also roll off the assembly line of this enterprise. And so, the Russian market is supplied with crossovers assembled in the USA and more or less adapted to driving conditions on Russian roads.

For the Americans themselves, this car is assembled in Japan, and production has also been established in China at the Toyota plant. In the Russian Federation this model Japanese crossover They are not producing, and, obviously, they are not planning to.

Differences between Russian and American crossovers

The Highlander crossover is produced for Russia and the USA with the same 3.5 liter and 2.7 liter engines. In the American version of the crossover, you can see the difference in the separate seats on back row. The Russian modification of Toyota Highlander 2014-2015, starting with the “Lux” configuration, is assembled with seven-seater saloon. Judging by the reviews of buyers from America, it is very difficult for them to find such a crossover option, moreover, its cost will be considerable. If you know where the Toyota Highlander is produced, you will see the difference yourself. In the top version of the crossover for Russians and Americans, there are differences in electronic system cars. The Russian Highlander does not have such an option as keeping the crossover in the road lane and there is no DVD system for rear passengers.

The crossover for the USA is equipped with an automatic braking system and active cruise control. Some modern domestic owners will be upset by the fact that the Russian Highlander, unlike the American one, does not have such an option as Internet access. For some unknown reason, the cost of the latest generation crossover in Russia increased by two hundred thousand rubles, while in America, at this time, a car with a large set of options went up in price by only $700. Regarding other changes, the Russian version of the crossover has a stiffer suspension, and the manufacturer has also adjusted steering auto. In other respects, the cars are almost identical.

Prices for Toyota Highlander

If you want to buy an American version of a crossover, then today there are a large number of offers from Americans for the sale of used cars. The cost of this “Japanese” model ranges from $30,000 to $48,000. But, if the car is driven from America, you will have to pay extra for this service. Now you know where the Toyota Highlander is produced and how much it will cost. In Russia new crossover will cost you 760,000 rubles. For that kind of money, the buyer will receive the Elegance package, equipped with a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. With a more powerful 3.5-liter engine, the same option will already cost 1,967,000 rubles.

➖ Small volume fuel tank
➖ Cost-effective
➖ Music

Pros

➕ Spacious trunk
➕ Dynamics
➕ Comfortable salon
➕ Noise insulation

The advantages and disadvantages of the 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander in the new body were identified based on reviews from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of Toyota Highlander 3.5 and 2.7 with automatic and all-wheel drive 4x4 can be found in the stories below:

Owner reviews

1. Suspension is fine if you don’t overinflate. Keep it at 2.2 and everything will be fine.

2. The engine is a delight, it’s inaudible and runs reliably. It pulls very quickly at both low and high speeds.

3. Cross-country ability - I didn’t really try it, but I drove onto an ice wall 12 cm high from a turn on the third try. In city snowdrifts it’s fine.

4. Ergonomics - everything is OK with this. It took me a long time to get used to the shelf under the dashboard, but now I can’t imagine without it.

5. Lots of all sorts of gadgets such as lane control, heating and cooling, car display on the side, etc.

6. Gasoline consumption - on the highway 9.2, average city-highway - 13.6, I use 92nd gasoline.

The music sucks, even with JBL. In general, the multimedia block is stupid. The back door is very leisurely and sometimes lives its own life: it opens, then thoughtfully does not want to open.

Andrey drives a 2015 Toyota Highlander 3.5 (249 hp) AT.

Video review

The new Highlander 3 is a huge car, the acceleration is simply a bomb for such a heavy car, the quality of the finish is also good (not a Merc, of course, but for the money it will do).

The driver's seat is adjustable perfectly, I liked it, the lotion with automatic switching on and turning off high beam I really liked it, the cruise control is also excellent.

I heard something about a cotton brake pedal - I don’t know, it’s a matter of habit. All-wheel drive has come to the rescue more than once in winter, although it is, of course, conditional and slipping on an automatic transmission risks replacing the gearbox for half a million, so mainly for a comfortable start and light mud).

Opening the trunk with a button is also a plus (be sure to warn at car washes, there are still downs; one of these almost broke the opening mechanism for me). Seat ventilation in summer is a dream for long trips.

Vitaly drives a Toyota Highlander 3.5 (249 hp) automatic 2014.

I have my own car service. I checked the consumables and found out that the prices were reasonable and the replacements were of good quality. Lexus base. The bodywork is a bit expensive, but that's the price with all new models.

I left the salon. The car is tough— I felt all the bumps and holes. I think that’s why I paid two lemmas. Traveled 60 km. I ordered wheels and tires for 18. Two days later I installed Blizak 18 235 60 winter, a completely different car. Silence and comfort. Complete with 245/55/19 American all-season shorts. No rubber.

Sergey Pavlikov, Review of Toyota Highlander 2.7 (188 hp) automatic, 2014.

Where to buy?

1. Nimble: after 173 hp. 249 horsepower is super.

2. Noise insulation: I don’t even hear the noise winter tires, engine - of course.

3. The brakes are excellent, I don't understand why others are complaining.

4. The front parking sensors itch in the front, the rear ones make sounds from the back, which is more convenient than in the Camry.

5. Large armrest (I tried it on the Audi Q7, you can put no more than a pack of cigarettes and documents there).

6. Great driver's seat. It clearly records the position of the body, you feel very comfortable, unlike the Camry, where it is not fixed when cornering, and of course there is heating and ventilation.

7. Large trunk, I would say - a huge trunk.

8. Beautiful finishing of the dashboard - stitched leather. Like. And also a niche - you can put every little thing that is in plain sight.

9. The trunk door opens and closes using a button - a small thing, but nice.

FLAWS

1. Small volume of the gas tank - enough for 480-520 km, not enough, you need at least 600 km.

2. The steering wheel is unpleasant to the touch. Better skin.

3. When the low fuel level light comes on, it does not display how many kilometers are left.

4. A sloppy navigator is very sloppy. Here the Japanese are weak, or the Americans who collected it.

5. The option included covering the entire front of the car with film - which means the painting is budget-friendly.

Dmitry Krivosheya, drives a 2014 Toyota Highlander 3.5 (249 hp) AT

Engine 3.5 V6. Atmospheric. 249 hp The motor is not bad at all. He's on his way. His pleasant bass baritone is enough everywhere - in the city, on the highway when overtaking, on a dirt road. Yes, it is not the most economical, but it does not eat AI-92 best quality no problem. Yes, you have to change six liters of oil in it, but the car is always warm at minus forty.

Tank 78 liters. Taking into account long-distance trips and taking into account the not always frequent gas stations on the highways, I would like more - 90-100 liters.

The suspension is clear and comfortable. Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link from Lexus RX350. The car drives smoothly and not harshly at the same time. Toyota is very captivated by this suspension. The suspension is not long-travel, since the Highlander is still an asphalt car, but on the road it has enough travel.

Khai's geometric cross-country ability is not the best, given the bumper overhangs and short suspension travel. He really doesn't like diagonal hangings. In such cases, the wheels begin to spin helplessly, although the body does not warp. At least all doors, including the trunk, open and close normally. The car has not been tested in hard mud, and probably will not pass.

Salon. Quite comfortable seats without pronounced lateral support. Instead of the word “eco-leather”, let me use the term “dermantine”. So, it is of fairly average quality. Very quickly, creases form on the sides of the dermantine pillow.

The seat adjustments are electric, the driver's seat has a memory for two positions, and besides - here's attention! — the length of the cushion is adjusted by extending it under the driver’s knees.

Even though the car has 12 speakers from JBL, I can’t say that the sound is super. Not the worst, of course, but nothing more. The amplifier is structurally separated from the head unit and is located somewhere under the armrest.

Review of Toyota Highlander 3.5 with automatic transmission 2015

My consumption in the city is 16-17 liters, on the highway 12-13 liters. The engine has enough power - it shoots when necessary, when overtaking without straining.

Over time, as the first emotions passed, I discovered that the car had short-travel struts, a rattling sub and a dull sensor head, in my opinion they are already writing about this on the forums, and the dealer, according to his words, knows about it.

About two weeks ago I accidentally discovered that the plastic sill plates (in the openings) rear doors) they erased the paint on these very thresholds down to the ground. The dealer had a warranty case, they are determining how to fix it.

Review of Toyota Highlander 3.5 (249 hp) AT 2015

Japanese brand No. 1 - this is how you can briefly describe the position of Toyota cars in the Russian market. These cars have been enjoying enviable popularity among both car enthusiasts and corporate clients for decades, making up the fleets of companies operating in trade, finance, construction and other fields.
In terms of popularity, Toyota in Russia has noticeably surpassed such mastodons of the Japanese automobile industry as Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki. Even despite the far from favorable economic situation and market fluctuations, Toyota demonstrates a consistently high sales volume from year to year, invariably remaining in the TOP-10 most purchased cars in the Russian Federation.

Why do Russians love Toyota so much?

It's very simple: Toyota cars- reliable, time-tested equipment with an impeccable reputation, confirmed by a number of competitive advantages. Cars produced under the Toyota brand cope with the capricious Russian climate without problems, they are not afraid of frosts, they calmly “digest” not the most high quality gasoline, they are not afraid of roads that leave much to be desired.

In the Primorsky Territory, 90% of motorists drive Toyota cars

Both experts and car enthusiasts are unanimous in their opinion regarding the merits and advantages of Toyota cars:

• Simple and at the same time thoughtful design
• Availability of spare parts and units, their reasonable price
• High reliability and durability
• Ease of maintenance

The company's engineers use unique tactics in the design of new models, which are based on time-tested and operational designs, circuits, and technical solutions that have proven reliability, quality, and efficiency in practice.

Among the most popular Toyota cars on the Russian market are the Corolla, Camry, and Land models. Cruiser Prado, Rav 4, Avensis, Auris, Yaris and others.

Toyotas are “moving” to Russia from different countries, they are also produced here. What models Japanese brand, in which country they are produced is an extremely interesting question that requires detailed consideration.

Made in Russia or where Toyota Rav 4 and Camry are assembled

Surprisingly, this moment is somehow not very comprehensively covered by television and the press. It is known that these machines are made in our country, but not everyone knows which specific models, where and by whom. Meanwhile, the models Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV4 are being assembled at full speed at the plant in St. Petersburg. Production facilities are deployed in the village of Shushary, which is an intra-city municipality and at the same time an industrial zone of St. Petersburg.

Interesting facts about the Toyota plant in St. Petersburg:

June 14, 2005 - start of construction;
. December 21, 2007 - the first Toyota left the assembly line;
. The technological operations carried out include stamping of body parts, production of plastic elements, welding, assembly, painting;
. Manufactured models: Toyota Camry, Toyota RAV4;
. The territory of the enterprise is 224 hectares;
. The volume of investments as of mid-2017 is 24 billion rubles.

It is also noteworthy that at the ceremony of launching the assembly line and production of the first Russian Toyota Camry, in addition to official representatives from both sides, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, was present, which eloquently testifies to the significance and importance of such projects for Russia

To date Camry sedan and the RAV4 crossover are assembled only here and, in addition to the domestic market, are supplied to Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Where is Toyota Corolla assembled?

Until mid-2013, Corollas supplied to the Russian Federation were “purebred Japanese” with a convincing Made in Japan stamp, produced at the Takaoka plant. Everything changed dramatically with the advent of Toyota Corolla 11th generation. The production of this model, aimed in particular at the Russian market, was established at facilities in Turkey, located in the city of Sakarya.

Regarding the build quality, we can say that it is quite comparable to the native Japanese one. Before the release of the new Japanese Toyota sedan The Corolla Turkish plant has undergone a large-scale modernization, accompanied by an increase in the number of qualified workers and the infusion of additional investments.

Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars not only in the countries of the former Soviet Union, but also all over the world. This fact is confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records, where the Corolla is given the status of the best-selling car.

With visually compact Toyota sizes Corolla has incredible spacious interior. An indicative case is that which occurred in one of the Moscow car dealerships: for the sake of fun and in order to test the spaciousness of the Corolla, its employees managed to accommodate a full staff of twenty people in the car

Homeland of the Land Cruiser Prado

During the period from 2012 to 2014, the assembly Land Cruiser Prado was produced in Vladivostok at the production facilities of the Sollers-Bussan enterprise.
But apparently the Land Cruiser was not destined to find a second home. For economic, or rather political reasons, since there were no problems with demand for this car, cooperation with Toyota on the Land Cruiser Prado program was suspended.

Currently, as before Vladivostok, everything Land cars Cruiser Prado is produced exclusively in Japan at the Tahara plant. This powerful enterprise is famous for the fact that it assembles almost 6 million cars a year, on the assembly of which about 280 thousand workers work.

It is worth noting that Toyota cars, in particular the Land Cruiser Prado, are recognized as the most reliable SUVs in the world, because it is not for nothing that they are constant companions of UN and Red Cross missions that carry out their actions in various, sometimes almost inaccessible, corners of the globe .

Where is Toyota Avensis made?

Currently, Toyota Avensis cars supplied to the Russian market are assembled in the UK in the city of Burnaston at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant. Engines for the machines are manufactured at an adjacent facility in North Wales.
Toyota factories in the UK carry out almost the full production cycle - machining blanks, casting of heads and blocks, assembly power units, stamping of metal body elements, manufacturing plastic parts, welding, painting, other operations,

It is noteworthy that Toyota Avensis, although it is positioned as japanese car, in fact it is not. This car was created exclusively for Europe, so in the Country rising sun Haven't even heard of such a car

Where is Toyota Auris made?

This is one of the most popular and therefore best-selling cars of the Japanese brand. To Russia Toyota Auris comes from the same plant as Avensis, located in Burnaston, England. But this, if we talk about latest version. Previous models came to us straight from Japan from the Takaoka plant. Therefore, if we are talking about a used Auris, then there is a good chance to purchase a “purebred Japanese”.

Toyota Auris has a full-hybrid petrol-electric modification - a real masterpiece of designers Toyota company, which allows you to operate the car in the “Electric Vehicle” mode when the gasoline engine is not used

Where is Toyota Fortuner manufactured?

Currently, Toyota Fortuner is produced in Thailand at Toyota's production facilities in this Asian country. From there, deliveries of Toyota Fortuner to Russia are planned, the start of which is expected in October of this year.

Until recently, the assembly of Toyota Fortuner cars was carried out in the Republic of Kazakhstan, but due to a number of economic and technical reasons production was stopped.

Interestingly, Fortuner was not originally intended for the markets of Japan, Europe, North America, Australia, and China. For these regions, there are other models with similar technical characteristics.

Where do Toyota Venzas come from?

Toyota Venza is not the most popular car among Russians, but it still has its admirers. These cars were produced at the Toyota plant in Georgetown in the USA and were aimed more at the North American market. However, the critically low level of sales contributed to the curtailment of the project.

In 2015, sales of Venza in America ceased, and from the beginning of 2016 this model “left” and Russian market. To date Toyota Venza officially represented only in Canada and China

Where are Toyota Yaris manufactured?

The small compact Toyota Yaris hatchback is assembled in France at the company's plant in Valenciennes. The Yaris production line was launched in 2001. During this time, the world saw more than 2.1 million Toyota Yaris cars.

All Toyota Yaris models were completely designed by the company's design and engineering department in the south of France, which made it possible to best adapt them to market demands

Conclusion

The strategy of producing cars where they are in demand and sell well means that the manufacturer clearly senses the needs, requests, priorities of customers, as well as trends emerging in the global market. And this is an almost 100 percent guarantee of success. As we can see, Toyota has succeeded in this matter. But not only this.

Unprecedented quality control and maximum use of previous experience when developing new models are the main criteria that explain high reliability, and with it the popularity of Toyota cars all over the world. That is why the opinion that cars assembled at production facilities in Russia, England, Turkey, France and other countries are in any way inferior to “purebred Japanese” is nothing more than a myth. It doesn’t matter at all where the Rav 4 or Land Cruiser is assembled. Toyota has always maintained its brand and will take care of its image in the future - there is no doubt about it.

Toyota Highlander - large crossover, comparable to Volkswagen Touareg. In terms of dimensions, it is longer and taller, but slightly narrower. Will Highlander be able to surpass its main competitor in other indicators?

Specifications

The 2015 Highlander has a very heavy hood. Toyota never introduces sudden innovations that can later break down and create problems. Their main policy is to simply take the previous crossover, see what problems it had and refine it to perfection.

In the previous crossover, the main problem was plastic. In addition, the car actually used a lot of fuel. Machine without full frame and especially high cross-country ability ate 19 liters per 100 kilometers.

By and large, the Toyota Highlender was equipped with the all-wheel drive system from the RX. Now there is a regular clutch, permanent drive to the front wheels and, under duress, when slipping, the rear one is connected. McPherson suspension, based on a lot of Lexus RX. Behind - multi-link suspension. Engine - 249 horsepower. The big plus was the reduction from 277 horsepower while maintaining the same power. Conventional 4-cylinder VV-time engine with phase shifters, very quiet. And also - a six-speed automatic transmission instead of a five-speed one. Thanks to this, the car began to spend less fuel on the highway and in the city, because the car lost its center differential. The downside is that in a deep snowdrift or mud, the clutch will disengage and the car will inevitably get stuck.

Salon

The seats in the first row can be adjusted to suit your body type, as can the steering wheel. The driver's seat is replete with various buttons, such as on the steering wheel and the front panel. On the information display on-board computer has everything you need: control " dead zones", opening the trunk, heated steering wheel and wiper area. In the center there is a media panel, it has become touch-sensitive. There is also navigation, but the buttons are not very convenient.

The car has separate climate control. Near the gear adjustment there is a button to turn on and off the stabilization button, which controls the operation of the machine. Downhill descent system and differential lock (actually a clutch lock). The automatic gear shift moves along an uneven slot, which is very convenient.

The interior is equipped with plastic, which sometimes imitates leather inserts. Overall it looks good and expensive.

If we talk about rear seats, then there is plenty of space for comfortable ride passengers. For their convenience, the following are installed:

• separate climate control,
• heated seats,
• curtains,
• armrests.
• seat pockets made of perforated leather.

The trunk opens automatically with a button. Opens with a button rear window for loading small luggage. There is a small shelf there, for example, for tools. Below - spare wheel. Belts for the third row of seats can also be found in the trunk. But to enter them you need to move the second row of seats. Unfortunately, only children can fit there. By closing the second and third rows of seats, there is a perfect floor that you can use as you wish. A rear view camera is installed on the trunk.

Driving characteristics

As the test drive showed, the Toyota is a very smooth car that has a light steering wheel and gas pedal. Very smooth control, which in principle is not typical for a crossover. Fuel consumption is 14 liters per 100 kilometers. You can see the central stamping on the hood, there is enough visibility of the side mirrors. The engine noise is also inaudible. You can feel the width of the car, but at the same time the driver feels comfortable. The machine is higher than 80% flow. Unfortunately, the car feels minor bumps on the road. On a test drive, there is a slightly noticeable roll to the side when turning.

From all this we can conclude that

Toyota Highlender 2014-2015 - comfortable family car for the city.

The motor accelerates smoothly. In general, no radical changes, except for reduced fuel consumption and a different gearbox. Fuel consumption in the city is 15.7 liters per 100 kilometers. Acceleration to 100 km in 8.5 seconds.

Price and general information

The approximate price for a car is 1 million 760 thousand rubles. For this money you get a 2.7-liter engine with front-wheel drive. Nearest car with all-wheel drive, powerful engine will cost 1 million 960 thousand rubles. The car is almost top-end configuration— 2 million 138 thousand rubles.

Video

Video test drive of Toyota Highlander 2015 see below