If you’re in the market for a brand-new SUV, then you must be considering the 2017 Toyota Highlander vs. the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Both of the vehicles are logical targets, as they provide all of the features and amenities a driver could possibly seek. Of course, when you begin to dig into the individual features and amenities, you’ll realize that Toyota’s SUV is actually the superior target.
Below, we’ve provided three major reasons why Toyota’s newest rendition of their popular SUV is better than the competition. When you’re finishing reading, you’ll gain some clarity on which SUV is the victor in the competition between the 2017 Toyota Highlander vs. 2017 Nissan Pathfinder…
Reason #1: Unmatched Performance
Often times, car brands will try to entice consumers with an array of different engine offerings. While it’s certainly nice to have an opportunity to choose a specific mechanical configuration, it’s not all that important if the engine options only deliver underwhelming and inadequate specs. Well, Toyota certainly recognized this, as the 2017 Highlander’s lone engine offering provides all of the power and efficiency a customer could ever need.
The brand’s brand-new 3.5-liter V6 engine cranks out a whole lot of power at 295 horsepower and 263 pounds-feet of torque. These specs obviously influence performance, and they also play a significant role in the vehicle’s impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity. Speaking of power, the available Dynamic Torque-Control All-Wheel Drive system will dedicate portions of those specs to the vehicle’s braking system, leading to the utmost control.
Meanwhile, engineers included a number of useful fuel-saving technologies, including direct-injection and a driver-friendly eight-speed automatic transmission. The brand also included their Stop and Start Engine, which will cleverly cease operation of the system when it isn’t in use (like when the vehicle is waiting at a stop light). As a result of these inclusions, drivers can anticipate a 27 mpg highway fuel efficiency – a number that’s mighty impressive from such a large SUV.
Few vehicles, including the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, are capable of providing this unique mix of power and efficiency. This is only one of the many reasons why the 2017 Toyota Highlander continues to reign supreme over its competition.
Reason #2: Roomy, Entertaining interior
As with any SUV, the 2017 Highlander’s interior is highlighted by an abundance of cargo and passenger room. For starters, the vehicle provides space for up to eight occupants, meaning you’ll have no problem bussing around your children (and their friends) to any practices or rehearsals.
Meanwhile, if you’re required to fit sports or music equipment in your new SUV, you can take advantage of the vehicle’s incredible 83.7 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the front row. This number is only reduced to 42.3 cubic-feet when the second row is in place, and the 13.8 cubic-feet of space behind the third row should still be more than enough to fit any school projects. Plus, thanks to the 60/40 split third-row seat, drivers can easily manipulate their interior to fit any combination of cargo and passengers. When it comes to the 2017 Highlander, flexibility is truly maximized.
Of course, the Highlander’s interior provides more than just excellent cargo space. The five USB ports found throughout the interior means occupants can constantly keep their gadgets juiced, and there will never be an argument over who gets access to the chargers. The quiet interior means you won’t be distracted by the howling wind or roaring engine during a commute, while the panoramic moonroof will allow fresh air to flood into your interior. Alternatively, if there’s a dispute over the interior temperature, a driver can turn to the Highlander’s three-zone automatic climate control system. This unit allows occupants to cater their “zone’s” temperature to their liking, preventing any disagreements over the hear or air conditioner.
There’s even a rear-seat entertainment system, which will prove invaluable when you’re looking for a way to distract those younger occupants. Whether you want to connect a DVD/Blu-Ray player or a gaming system, you’ll find that your rear occupants aren’t complaining about being bored during a long journey. Older occupants will appreciate the Entune Multimedia Bundle, which provides drivers with an assortment of applications via an eight-inch high-resolution touchscreen system. Whether you’re seeking radio or navigation, you’ll surely find an application that fits your needs.
When all is said and done, a driver will ultimately be spending the majority of their time inside their SUV. Toyota’s engineers clearly recognized this, so they designed their cabin to be as accommodating as possible.
Reason #3: Safety
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is full of safety amenities that are intended to keep drivers out of harm’s way. The majority of these functions revolve around the brand’s Toyota Safety Sense P system, which will play a major role in helping drivers avoid accidents. This unit includes a number of technologies that will be useful in any type of driving conditions, including the Lane Departure Alert (with Steering Assist), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Automatic High Beams.
Meanwhile, the 2017 Highlander also offers the brand’s Star Safety System, which includes functions like Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, an Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology. Each of these inclusions will provide the driver with the utmost control and handling, which predictably influences their overall safety.
In the event of an accident, occupants can still rely on the SUV’s Advanced Airbag System, which includes clever inclusions like a Driver Knee Airbag and Roll-Sensing Side Curtain Airbags. Meanwhile, your younger occupants can remain completely secured thanks to the inclusion of the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. There’s even a Bird’s Eye View Camera, which will allow drivers to explore the area surrounding the vehicle. This will be especially useful in parking lots, as it could help a driver avoid a minor fender bender.
