Latest news with #midsizeSUV
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Toyota Highlander Generations Overview: The RAV4's Big Brother
A RAV4 for bigger families Just as the Toyota RAV4 was a trailblazer in the compact crossover segment, the larger Highlander did the same in the midsize segment, long before almost every major brand had a model competing in this space. The Highlander has now been around for 25 years in the USA and is in its fourth generation. For larger families who need more seating and cargo space, it's a logical step above the RAV4. Here's how the various Toyota Highlander generations have changed through the years, and how they've contributed to the insane number of Toyota cars on the road. 0:08 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More First-Generation (XU20) Toyota Highlander Source: Toyota Produced for the 2001 to 2007 model years, the Highlander was introduced as a more comfortable alternative to the 4Runner; the latter is a body-on-frame SUV more suited for off-roading. Initially, buyers could choose from either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder, with power sent to the front or all four wheels. A 3.3L V6 was later available. A manual Highlander wasn't available, so transmission choices were limited to four- or five-speed automatics. A hybrid was also launched later; it used a 3.3L V6 and electric motor, and could hit 27 mpg combined. While the base 2.4L made just 155 hp, the 3.3L model had 215 hp. With just 30.2 inches of third-row legroom, the first Highlander's rearmost row wasn't ideal for adults, but the extra versatility was welcomed by buyers in the United States, as the model easily surpassed 100,000 annual sales figures for every year it was on sale besides the abbreviated first year. Second-Generation (XU40) Toyota Highlander Source: Toyota Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. This Toyota Highlander's model years were from 2008 to 2013, after the XU40 was revealed in 2007. Third-row legroom remained tight at 29.9 inches, which was actually slightly less than in the first-gen model. The XU40 looked neater, though, and the modernized dashboard gained a 6.1-inch center touchscreen. Engine options included a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid, and a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid. The hybrids used a CVT, while the rest got either five- or six-speed automatics. The base 2.7L now made up to 187 hp, while the 3.5L hybrid was up to 280 hp. The second-gen Toyota Highlander's mild redesign came for the 2011 model year, with the usual updates to the headlights and grille, along with a new 50/50 folding third-row seat. Sales of this generation dropped slightly, but Toyota still managed to sell over 100,000 Highlanders in 2011 and 2012. Third-Generation (XU50) Toyota Highlander Source: Toyota This Toyota Highlander generation's model years ran from 2014 to 2019, with the 2017-2019 models being facelifted. Not only larger, the XU50 had a bolder appearance than the conservative first two generations, as competition in the segment intensified. The XU50 was available with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and a 3.5L V6 hybrid. A six-speed automatic was equipped to 2.7L and early 3.5L models, but the V6 later gained an eight-speed automatic. As before, FWD and AWD versions of the Highlander were sold. The 2.7L remained rather sluggish with its 185 hp, but the hybrid produced up to 306 hp and much more easily coped with a full house of people and luggage. Inside, the XU50 exhibited nicer materials than before and seating for up to eight people. Bizarrely, third-row legroom decreased again, this time measuring only 27.7 inches. Overall, the XU50's improvements were well-received; in 2017, the Highlander logged over 200,000 sales for the first time in a single year. Fourth-Generation (XU70) Toyota Highlander Source: Toyota Going into production in 2019, the fourth and current Highlander has been on sale since the 2020 model year, and is recognized as the most reliable mid-size SUV. Sharper styling, better safety and infotainment, and better cargo space behind the third row were some of the improvements. Third-row space remains an issue, with just 27.7 inches of legroom, but Toyota finally addressed this by introducing the larger Grand Highlander in 2023. A major improvement came at the bottom end of the XU70 lineup, where the sluggish four-cylinder units used previously were replaced by a standard V6 producing 295 hp. This model was complemented by a 243-hp hybrid. As of the 2023 model year, a 2.4-liter turbo-four replaced the V6; with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, this engine provided a more balanced combination of power and performance. All non-hybrid Toyota Highlander models use an eight-speed automatic. As long as you don't need generous third-row space, the latest Highlander is a solid and competent mid-size SUV. It's not exciting to drive, but that's never been the model's main selling point. Upper trims can be specified with more luxurious finishes and second-row captain's chairs, and dual 12.3-inch screens are available. Sales peaked in 2021, with over 264,000 Highlanders sold. Since then, it appears the more practical Grand Highlander has eaten into sales of the normal Highlander. Nevertheless, this remains an important Toyota model and is one of the top-selling three-row SUVs in America. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Nissan Thought Way More People Wanted an SUV That Doesn't Look Tough
The latest car news, reviews, and features. The Nissan Murano is redesigned for 2025, and y'know, it's pretty good. The issue is, it competes with lots of midsize crossovers, almost all with an off-road bent. Market research will show you that's what's popular these days, but Nissan went another direction with the Murano and made it a snazzy urban runabout. It's a bold move, and one that seems to be working out in some respects, but Nissan made so many that it's reportedly offering dealers $1,000 to $2,000 apiece to take on new inventory. Word of the increasing Murano overflow comes from an Automotive News report. It cites Cox Automotive data showing a five-month supply of Muranos at dealers across the United States, a 15% increase over the 133-day supply measured in March. This reportedly has Nissan dialing back the total number of Muranos it expects to build this year, cutting 21% from its May projections down to 47,410. With Nissan betting more on the refined and elegant ethos of the current-gen car, it was difficult to know how it would fare against the adventure-vibe competition. Nissan Vice President of Model Line Marketing Operations Jeff Pope explained to Automotive News, 'Trying to understand what kind of segment share you can get … and the volume that equates to is a little bit more difficult than looking at a traditional segment like Pathfinder. So we got aggressive [and] front-loaded a lot of [Murano] production.' Ah, yes, the Pathfinder: Nissan's other midsize crossover that's doing quite well, actually. Its lane is a little bit clearer, as it targets core buyers in the segment who like the idea of going off-road, whether or not they ever do. We've seen that trend spread to essentially every category—heck, even supercars. But not the Murano. Those HVAC controls are still some of the strangest I've encountered on a test car. They're touch-capacitive, so you press on the wood-grain-esque trim to toggle them. Very urban indeed. Caleb Jacobs This city-centered Murano redesign may have helped it stand out so far in 2025. Deliveries rose to 8,702 in Q1, an 84% increase over the same period last year. That means it's digging itself out of the massive hole left by the old Murano, which outsold only the Mazda CX-70 and Toyota Crown Signia in its category in 2024, because those models only first hit the market in 2024. Leaving the Murano alone for so long is why some Nissan dealers believe they're in this position. It went a decade without any serious updates before this new model dropped late last year. One retailer who spoke with Automotive News and asked to remain anonymous said, 'Nissan let the model age so much that loyal Murano customers left the brand.' If they ever get those customers back in the showroom, they might like what they find. I enjoyed the Murano for its decisive character when I reviewed it late last year, and with styling like that, it certainly stands out. We'll just have to see if it's enough to pluck people away from the four-wheeling five-seaters that everybody is clamoring for. Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@
Motor Trend
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Kia Sorento Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
For drivers who need something bigger than the Sportage but smaller than the Telluride, Kia builds the 2026 Sorento. This three-row midsize SUV attempts to find a sweet spot between Kia's compact crossover and larger three-row. The current Sorento went on sale for 2021 and received a refresh for 2024. In addition to the gas-only model covered here, the 2026 Sorento is also offered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Rivals include the Subaru Outback, Honda Passport, and Hyundai Santa Fe. What's New The 2026 Kia Sorento isn't expected to see many changes after a busy couple of years. For 2024, the Sorento was updated with new exterior and interior design details, a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the introduction of the off-road-inspired X-Pro trim level. Those changes were then applied to the Sorento Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid for 2025. What We Think A Kia Sorento spent a year in MotorTrend's long-term review fleet, and for the most part it received consistent praise. The Sorento's in-betweener size doesn't make it as effective for three-row duty as a larger SUV, but otherwise the Sorento is plenty versatile. The cabin feels spacious, with easy-folding seats to reconfigure the arrangement, and offers many areas to stash smaller items. The Sorento is more stylish than a vehicle like this needs to be—but we're not complaining. Interior materials and design are relatively upscale, with attractive colors and finishes on offer. Tech features are sufficient for a modern vehicle, although physical buttons for basic functions would lead to a better user experience than the Sorento's touch-sensitive controls. Choose the turbocharged engine; it's much more powerful than the standard I-4. That engine is paired to a dual-clutch automatic transmission that delivers clunky responses when pulling away from a stop. Otherwise the Sorento is pleasant to drive, with composed handling, ample acceleration, and a tight turning radius. The 2026 Sorento carries over mostly the same as the 2025 model, but not much needed to change—it's still a solid all-around SUV. Top-Ranked Competitors MotorTrend Tested As standard, the Sorento is equipped with a 2.5-liter I-4 engine that produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. That engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic , which routes output to standard FWD or available AWD. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph should take approximately 8.0 seconds. An optional turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4 increases output to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It's also connected to an eight-speed automatic , but the dual-clutch type. We wish the transmission were better tuned, as it sometimes hesitates at low speeds. Again, FWD is standard, and AWD is optional. In MotorTrend testing, a Sorento with this engine and AWD posted a 0–60-mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. MPGs and Range Expect fuel economy for the 2026 Sorento's base engine to be rated at about 23/28-31 mpg city/highway depending on configuration. Driving range is a respectable 442–460 miles. Fuel economy on the 2.5 Turbo models should rate at 20/27-29 mpg, with a 407-mile driving range. Sorento Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid For better fuel economy and about 200 miles of extra driving range, Kia also offers the Sorento with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Both 2026 Sorento hybrids use a 1.6-liter turbo-four, amplified by electricity to different degrees. In the Sorento Hybrid, fuel economy is rated at approximately 34-36/34-36 mpg city/highway. Driving range is an impressive 602–637 miles. Meanwhile, the Sorento PHEV gets 76 mpg-e combined and has about 30 miles of all-electric driving range. Compared trim to trim, the Sorento Hybrid is only a few hundred dollars more expensive than the non-hybrid equivalent, a difference that could be negated by fuel expense savings over time. However, the Sorento PHEV is considerably more costly—worth it? Decide by reading about the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. Sorento X-Pro: Off-Road Family SUV? Kia offers the Sorento in X-Line trim, which is essentially an appearance package that gives the SUV a more rugged aesthetic. Above that, the X-Pro trim is essentially a half step up in terms of capability and looks. The Sorento X-Pro at least comes with proper all-terrain tires wrapped around smaller 17-inch wheels, which helps with traction on loose surfaces and also provides a bit more cushion from road impacts. A lockable AWD function could also help the Sorento X-Pro get through tricky terrain. Thanks to additional cooling hardware, towing capacity rises to 4,000 pounds. Otherwise, the Sorento X-Pro is just about looking tough. It has molded plastic skidplate accents and is offered with earthy exterior paint and interior upholstery color options. Safety Ratings and Features In crash safety testing for 2025, the Sorento earned the highest five-star overall score from NHTSA. Every new Sorento comes equipped with Kia's Drive Wise suite of driver-assist and active safety features. Among these are: Front and rear automatic emergency braking Intersection collision avoidance Side cross-traffic alert Lane keep assist Adaptive cruise control Higher-end models gain blind-spot monitoring cameras, emergency evasive steering assist, low-speed collision mitigation, and enhanced adaptive cruise control with lane change assistance. Cargo Space and Interior Room All Sorento models have three rows of seats. The 2026 Sorento has captain's chairs in its six-passenger configuration, but a seven-passenger layout is also available on lower-trim non-hybrid models. The Sorento's interior capacity for passengers and cargo is generally aligned with similarly sized three-row SUVs. Technology Every new Kia Sorento is equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as multi-device Bluetooth connectivity. Over-the-air update capability keeps the software fresh. Entry level models have a 4.0-inch gauge cluster display, and higher-end trims gain a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display. All versions have USB ports in the first two rows of seats, and above the base trim a wireless charging pad and third-row USB ports are added, along with Wi-Fi hot spot functionality. A six-speaker audio system is standard, and a Bose 12-speaker premium setup is available. Other optional tech features include a digital rearview mirror, 360-degree camera, and phone-as-key functionality. Kia Sorento Trim Levels The 2026 Sorento is expected to be offered in a wide range of trim levels: Sorento LX Sorento S Sorento EX Sorento SX Sorento X-Line EX AWD Sorento X-Line SX AWD Sorento X-Line SX Prestige AWD Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige AWD Value Assuming pricing doesn't increase much for 2026, our pick in the lineup is with the Sorento S, as it seems like the most compelling value. Standard features on the Sorento S include seven-passenger seating capacity, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. Unlike the lower LX trim, AWD is available with the S trim.
