What makes the Toyota Highlander the best mid size SUV?

SUVs are popular options today. Whether you want a compact and efficient SUV (like the Orlando Toyota RAV4) or a spacious and comfortable people-mover (like the Toyota Sequoia), you’ve got seemingly endless options. However, a lot of people land in the middle and find themselves searching for the best of both worlds – something spacious and comfortable that’s still efficient when it comes to gas. But which – out of all of your options – is the best mid size SUV?

Our vote is the Toyota Highlander. This best-seller has been a popular option for literal decades for drivers who want a reliable ride that offers passenger space and cargo space without breaking the bank when it’s time to fill up the gas tank. It’s definitely got our vote for the best mid size SUV, but don’t take our word for it. Let us walk you through why this Orlando Toyota should be your top option next time you’re shopping for a new ride.

What is a mid size SUV?

Before we get started, let’s talk about exactly what a mid size SUV is. Basically, it’s an SUV that has two or three rows of seats (the Orlando Toyota Highlander offers three) and falls in between a compact SUV and a full size SUV when it comes to size. Mid size SUVs are one of the most popular options in the automotive world, because they usually can meet the needs of pretty much anyone. Here are a few more points to keep in mind about mid size SUVs:

• Mid size SUVs have higher ground clearance than sedans. This means you’ll have a better view of the road AND a bigger sense of safety in the driver’s seat.
• They also have a spacious interior. You can use the third row of seats for passengers (which means you’ll be able to seat 7-8 people) or fold the third row flat for more cargo space in the back. Regardless, you’ll get significantly more cargo space in an SUV than a sedan.

What makes the best mid size SUVs?

In our opinion at Toyota of Orlando, there are certain characteristics that make or break an SUV. Here’s what we think the best mid size SUVs should have in their arsenal.

• Fuel efficiency
• Interior + cargo space
• Top safety features
• Convenience features
• Affordable pricepoint

So let’s talk about what makes the new Toyota Highlander the best mid size SUV on the market right now.

Fuel efficiency: Here’s some good news – the 2024 Toyota Highlander comes in both gas and hybrid models. Both get great fuel efficiency when you take their size into consideration; here’s the MPG breakdown:

• The gas model gets 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.
• The hybrid model gets 35 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined.

Either way, you’ll save when it comes to fuel costs when you choose this Orlando Toyota.

Interior + cargo space: You’ll also have plenty of space in the new Highlander; it definitely fits the bill for this best mid size SUV characteristic. Here’s what to expect:

• It can seat up to 8, depending on the configuration you choose for the interior. This Orlando Toyota offers both captain’s chairs and a bench seat for the second row, giving you options. To be super specific, you’ll have 139.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
• You’ll also have plenty of cargo room. With all three rows of seats occupied you’ll have 16 cubic feet of space. With the third row folded flat you’ll have 48 cubic feet of space, and you fold that second row flat you’ll get an incredible 84 cubic feet of space for gear.

Top safety features: The 2024 Toyota Highlander has all the safety technology you need to feel secure every time you hit the road. Here are some of the highlights we love most at Toyota of Orlando:

• A backup camera and/or panoramic view monitor
• Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking
• Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 and the Star Safety System
• Dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive
• Hill start assist control
• 3-point seatbelts for every seating position and the LATCH system for car seats

Convenience features: Chances are if you’re looking for the best mid size SUV, your life is busier than most people’s. The good news is the Orlando Toyota Highlander has tons of convenience features to make life on the go easier, including:

• Heated and ventilated seats as well as zoned automatic climate control for comfort
• HomeLink Universal garage door and gate opener
• Qi wireless charging for devices
• 14 cupholders
• 10-inch color Head-Up Display
• Two 120-volt power outlets in the cargo area
• Five USB ports and four USB-C ports for charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Toyota Connected Services like Remote Connect, WiFi Connect, Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Drive Connect

Affordable pricepoint: We know you want to know what you’ll have to shell out to get the best mid size SUV… so here goes. The 2024 Toyota Highlander has a starting MSRP of $39,250, while the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $46,020.

See the Toyota Highlander for yourself at Toyota of Orlando

See for yourself – test drive the best mid size SUV out there and take the Toyota Highlander for a spin. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week until 10pm at 3575 Vineland Road!

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