Thanks for the link -- wasn't aware this existed on Toyota's website!
I've said it before in other forums, but just realized I've never said it here, the most important place to say it:
Indeed, according to edmunds.com Future Vehicles the new HL will be "borrowing plenty of cues from the FT-SX concept vehicle." edmunds says it'll be released in 2007.
motortrend.com Future Vehicle Forecast, in contrast, says it'll be released in 2008. "Redesigned on the Avalon platform, growing larger in size to make room for the RAV4."
My prediction is it'll be released in 2008:
1. There have been no spy pics, no press releases, no rumors about the redesigned HL yet, as there have been for the Camry.
2. They recently released the HL hybrid as a 2006 model; seems they would want to get more mileage out of the current design instead of doing a complete redesign the very next model year.
3. They just introduced the Highlander Sport, essentially a stripped-down Limited, probably to extend the life of the current design.
Personally, I don't care for the new design. I like the present style. Style - to each his own. More importantly, I like the quality and value it represents. I just purchased my 3rd one a few weels ago. The 07/08 model may introduce significant advancement. It may also move significantly up the price ladder. My guess is that it will come out in early- to mid- 2007 as a 2008 model.
I agree that there will be a change, probably 08 to distance itself from the new RAV4. I'm thinking more along the lines of a Lexus RX330 updated body style. What do you think? Also, think they'll drop the FWD for 4WD-i? Anyone out there have a photo program to give us your ideas?
The HL is on its 6th year. Although sales haven't suffered too much, a redesign should not be far away. Seven or eight years with the same exterior (not including minor changes) is unusual these days. So far, Toyota doesn't seem to be hurting too much. Although it appears the new RAV will take some of the sales away from the HL. Time for a change.
assuming the body style stays current for 2007, will they drop the 3.5 in there like Lexus has done with the RX 350? It's an embarrassment that the RAV4 has more power AND gets MUCH better gas mileage compared to the HL.
This doc (I saw listed on a siennaclub.org 2007 Sienna thread) shows that the Highlander is a carryover for 2007. However, it does show the 2007 Sienna getting the 3.5L engine as "available".
Here is the link to Toyota's website with some information and pictures of the new Highlander concept! I know that some of you have been waiting for more information on this. Here it is:
no offense, but I highly doubt that is the highlander concept, it doesn't look anything like it. Not to mention why would they call it the ftsx and not the 2008 highlander or something close to it? that thing looks more like a sedan wagon than a SUV.
Actually, when you click on New Cars, then Toyota, you'll see that the future Highlander looks like that too on the edmunds site. The name FTSX can be for another country, or other purposes not relating to the U.S. Highlander.
If that is the new Highlander then the Highlander will be a Lowlander
The MD-X (dash was intentional since the MD-X concept was what was shown so far) at least seems to have an SUV's higher ride height. In my opinion this FT-SX is too low.
I wish (and hope) to see Toyota/Lexus/Acura match the style of vehcle that GM is coming out with in the 2007 Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave. I am not a GM fan but I believe a full-size unibody SUV with plenty of room and 3 rows with improved gas milage will be a win. http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.efcecf4/61
Things have been awfully quiet from Toyota for a new model HL launch this fall. They are either very good at keeping secrets, or the new model won't come out until sometime next year. With the new RAV4, they are obviously poised to redo the HL. They are also facing some stiff competition from the new 2007 Santa Fe, just now starting to show up in dealerships. My money is on a carryover for this fall with an early rollout of the New 2008 HL in the spring or summer next year. All this prognosticating won't make a bit of difference, but the anticipation sure is fun though
I was at the Motortrend website and found the follow under the heading of future vehicles:
2008 Toyota Highlander: Redesigned on the Avalon platform, growing larger in size to make room for the RAV4.
I'm curious DYS if you can direct me to the area where it states that the redesign will be based on the FT-SX? I'd love to read up about it because we have two Highlanders (2001 & 2002) and would love to trade up to the new redesign model.
It's clear everywhere you look, the 2007 Highlander WILL change, full makeover. See link prev. posted and there are other references .. ie right here on Edmunds in the future vehicles section re: 2007 Highlander (have to look a little for it). It will not be your Dads Highlander (its about time!.. tired old design).
Yo Mevande, I NEVER said anything about the Highlander not being redesigned. I ask dys for reference to the claim the Highlander will be Toyota's "FT-SX", somehow you think that because I ask questions about the redesign this is some form of "denial". Man you're reading way to much into my request for more information.
As shared, the facts point to a re-design of the Highlander is overdue and the facts also point to the fall of this year. Toyota is trying to hold any data for it would stall (might) sales of existing Highlanders. The links shared on this site (overall sites here on Edmunds from people in the forum to Edmunds 'future' vehicles point to a new design that will be 'lower' (makes sense, styling and fuel economy). It will be fun to see what happens!
Hello, I just spoke w/ an old friend who turns out to be a Toyota zone manager (have not talked for years.. he moved ect). He shared Toyota is not done w/ the redesign and will bring it (complete new SUV, still named Highlander) out in the spring/early summer of 2007 as a 2008 model. Just and FYI.
I'm looking forward to the resign. I've owned several Toyotas and currently own a 2001 & 2002 Highlander (both are great vehicles) and the timing of the new Highlanders will work well with swapping out both H/L's for a couple of new ones.
i am looking for a Highlander 4Cyc, but deals are not showing no upcoming inventory for the 2006 model. what does that mean? 2007 will be coming out soon? Any news on the 2007 Highlander???
No news on the 2007, except it's not expected to be a redesign; redesign is expected for the '08 model year, possibly to be released early, in mid '07.
Typically new model year HLs show up on dealer lots in September (or very late August at the earliest), so given we're in July it's not surprising Toyota isn't apparently shipping any more '06s.
Does your dealer not have the ability to search inventory of other dealers for 4 cyls?
I am hoping that Toyota will fit the 3.5 V6 and Gen 5 Nav into Highlander. It will be a great bargin if they do it given all the discount available now. However, if they are going to redesign it in 08 with early spring release date. We may be stuck with the same SUV with no change unitl then. Would love to hear more about the 07...
The new Highlander is the step sister to the Lexus Rx just as the ES takes 2nd place to the Camry. The Rx is Lexus' primary vehicle so it is always first to market ( right now ).
The Rx300 was on the market for 2 yrs before the Highlander. The Rx400h was out before the Hybrid Highlander. The Rx350 is out now and the new Highlander ( with the 3.5L ) will not be out until the 2008 MY.
I am nearly certain that there will be no 4c Highlander in the future... but the new Hybrid Highlander might be the 'base' model ( the least expensive ). The new RAV covers the spot held previously by the base model 4c Highlander, which was a dog so to speak.
The timing of the launch of the new Highlander is problematic in that it is due at the same time as the new Tundra and Sequoia. For that reason I see it possibly as being launched about this time next year.
Hello, does anyone know if the new Highlander (FT-SX) will be offered with third row seats? The concept doesn't show it? If it isn't I'm be waiting for the wrong vehicle. Thanks.
Highlander: The redesigned 2008 Highlander will move to the new Avalon platform, which means it will move up in size closer to the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer.
FT-SX: This large crossover, arriving in summer 2008, is intended to be more stylish than the Chrysler Pacifica. Toyota thinks this is the segment where boomer SUV buyers are headed. And since their kids are grown up, the vehicle will be offered only with five-passenger seating.
The 2009 FT-SX will be slightly taller than a Volvo XC70 and an Audi Allroad. It likely will be assembled at the Princeton, Ind., plant alongside the Sienna. The FT-SX will have the Avalon's 3.5-liter V-6 and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Where do you all think this concept car will fall in regard to cost? Is it expected to be the top of the line sedan for Toyota, exceeding the cost of the Avalon? Based on the sketchy autoweek info it appears that it may be out of reach of my pay grade/pension. Ralph
I thought it was the code name for the new Highlander ( same time frame ). I too was intrigued by the article because it seems to imply that the FT-SX will be a different crossover vehicle. How many of these can there be?
"Upon further review" as stated by NFL refs, the concept car is listed as a "crossover" vehicle which is not a wagon, minivan or suv. The Autoweek writer believes that it's designed to replace the Camry wagon which went bye-bye many years ago. here on the Edmunds site they list the vehicle as a 2008 Highlander, yet I've seen forecasts for the 2008 Highlander which are similar to the current one with the 2007 model year being skipped over. Toyota might consider calling the new vehicle the "Platypus" since it seems to be a confused concept. I live in Colorodo and I was disappointed when Toyota stopped making the AWD Camry. It was the perfect vehicle for us and I never went the Subaru route. The concept car looks like the Chrysler Pacifica.
Toyota.com has been updated for the '07 Highlander, the '07 Highlander brochure is available, and '07 Highlanders are starting to arrive in dealer showrooms!
As expected no major design change -- the biggest difference nearest I can see via a brief perusal of the exterior and interior is the chrome "Limited" badge that's on the front fender has been moved to the rear door, and the Hybrid now sports a chrome "Hybrid" badge on the front fender.
I think it'll be a full year from now - for two reasons..
The Tundra will be the center of everything Toyota for the next 9 months. I heard that this launch will be the biggest ever in Toyota's history - bigger even than the Lexus launch.
Also it allows the Rx350 to take center stage for an entire year without it's less expensive sibling taking away attention.
Also it allows the Rx350 to take center stage for an entire year without it's less expensive sibling taking away attention.
The Rx350 is Lexus' prime moneymaker and No 1 vehicle. The Highlander is the Toyota buyer's version. Both are essentially the same save the niceties, the Lexus experience and the panache. Toyota/Lexus have to allow the RX to have the spotlight to itself for a while... say a year ... then the Highlander comes on stage.
Comments
I've said it before in other forums, but just realized I've never said it here, the most important place to say it:
Indeed, according to edmunds.com Future Vehicles the new HL will be "borrowing plenty of cues from the FT-SX concept vehicle." edmunds says it'll be released in 2007.
motortrend.com Future Vehicle Forecast, in contrast, says it'll be released in 2008. "Redesigned on the Avalon platform, growing larger in size to make room for the RAV4."
My prediction is it'll be released in 2008:
1. There have been no spy pics, no press releases, no rumors about the redesigned HL yet, as there have been for the Camry.
2. They recently released the HL hybrid as a 2006 model; seems they would want to get more mileage out of the current design instead of doing a complete redesign the very next model year.
3. They just introduced the Highlander Sport, essentially a stripped-down Limited, probably to extend the life of the current design.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
So the HL Hybrid will get a two year run, go on hiatus for 2008, and be reintroduced for 2009 in the new rig.
DrFill
http://www.arifleet.com/pnews/2006/pn608.pdf
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/ftsx.html
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/FVDP/Preview/styleId=100531781
but still, i dont think it has to look somewhat different from the picture, that thing does not look like an SUV at all
NISSAN MURANO
NEW ACURA MDX
The lower body and clearance improvesn gas mileage. Better gas mileage = more profit $$.
That WILL be the new Highlander.
The MD-X (dash was intentional since the MD-X concept was what was shown so far) at least seems to have an SUV's higher ride height. In my opinion this FT-SX is too low.
Anyway, I wonder if the FT-SX Toyota concept in question is based off the same platform as the Lexus LF-X concept:
http://www.lexus.com/about/concept/lf-x_gallery_exterior_photos.html
(which I believe is the same as the Lexus HPX concept on some sites:
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198663 )
I wish (and hope) to see Toyota/Lexus/Acura match the style of vehcle that GM is coming out with in the 2007 Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave. I am not a GM fan but I believe a full-size unibody SUV with plenty of room and 3 rows with improved gas milage will be a win.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.efcecf4/61
2008 Toyota Highlander: Redesigned on the Avalon platform, growing larger in size to make room for the RAV4.
I'm curious DYS if you can direct me to the area where it states that the redesign will be based on the FT-SX? I'd love to read up about it because we have two Highlanders (2001 & 2002) and would love to trade up to the new redesign model.
Thanks for you help.
I'm looking forward to the resign. I've owned several Toyotas and currently own a 2001 & 2002 Highlander (both are great vehicles) and the timing of the new Highlanders will work well with swapping out both H/L's for a couple of new ones.
Thanks for looking, I've been looking too and hoping to find something. I'm looking forward to the redesign.
i am looking for a Highlander 4Cyc, but deals are not showing no upcoming inventory for the 2006 model. what does that mean? 2007 will be coming out soon? Any news on the 2007 Highlander???
Thanks in advance.
Typically new model year HLs show up on dealer lots in September (or very late August at the earliest), so given we're in July it's not surprising Toyota isn't apparently shipping any more '06s.
Does your dealer not have the ability to search inventory of other dealers for 4 cyls?
The new Highlander is the step sister to the Lexus Rx just as the ES takes 2nd place to the Camry. The Rx is Lexus' primary vehicle so it is always first to market ( right now ).
The Rx300 was on the market for 2 yrs before the Highlander.
The Rx400h was out before the Hybrid Highlander.
The Rx350 is out now and the new Highlander ( with the 3.5L ) will not be out until the 2008 MY.
I am nearly certain that there will be no 4c Highlander in the future... but the new Hybrid Highlander might be the 'base' model ( the least expensive ). The new RAV covers the spot held previously by the base model 4c Highlander, which was a dog so to speak.
The timing of the launch of the new Highlander is problematic in that it is due at the same time as the new Tundra and Sequoia. For that reason I see it possibly as being launched about this time next year.
Highlander: The redesigned 2008 Highlander will move to the new Avalon platform, which means it will move up in size closer to the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer.
FT-SX: This large crossover, arriving in summer 2008, is intended to be more stylish than the Chrysler Pacifica. Toyota thinks this is the segment where boomer SUV buyers are headed. And since their kids are grown up, the vehicle will be offered only with five-passenger seating.
The 2009 FT-SX will be slightly taller than a Volvo XC70 and an Audi Allroad. It likely will be assembled at the Princeton, Ind., plant alongside the Sienna. The FT-SX will have the Avalon's 3.5-liter V-6 and a six-speed automatic transmission.
As expected no major design change -- the biggest difference nearest I can see via a brief perusal of the exterior and interior is the chrome "Limited" badge that's on the front fender has been moved to the rear door, and the Hybrid now sports a chrome "Hybrid" badge on the front fender.
Also regular unleaded is recommended iso premium.
Well, my 05 HL Limited V6 2WD has side curtain air bags. Bought new in AZ. Perhaps not to much need for 4WD here.
The Tundra will be the center of everything Toyota for the next 9 months. I heard that this launch will be the biggest ever in Toyota's history - bigger even than the Lexus launch.
Also it allows the Rx350 to take center stage for an entire year without it's less expensive sibling taking away attention.
Also it allows the Rx350 to take center stage for an entire year without it's less expensive sibling taking away attention.
The Rx350 is Lexus' prime moneymaker and No 1 vehicle. The Highlander is the Toyota buyer's version. Both are essentially the same save the niceties, the Lexus experience and the panache. Toyota/Lexus have to allow the RX to have the spotlight to itself for a while... say a year ... then the Highlander comes on stage.