The latest version of Toyota's Highlander mid-size crossover SUV lineup is a vehicle that comes designed with a completely new powertrain, a more juiced-up engine as well as increased room for up to eight passengers.
This particular crossover SUV comes powered by a brand new 3.5 liter V6 direct injection engine that is available in three different powertrain options. The gas models will be available in both front-wheel and all-drive options, while the hybrid versions come in all-wheel drive configurations only.
These vehicles feature boosted safety features thanks to the inclusion of the high-tech Toyota Safety Sense technology, which includes lane alerts and collision warnings that work in conjunction with an automatic emergency brake.
As far as mid-sized crossover SUV offerings go, you will be hard-pressed to find a vehicle that offers a better balance between safety, spaciousness and sheer power than the 2016 Toyota Highlander.
What's Driving This Trend
- Increased Room for Passengers
- Developing spacious crossover SUVs with room for more passengers presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for automakers.
- Advanced Safety Technology
- Integrating high-tech safety features like lane alerts and collision warnings with automatic emergency brake empowers automakers to disrupt the automotive industry.
- Improved Powertrain Options
- Exploring new powertrain options, such as a brand new 3.5 liter V6 direct injection engine, creates disruptive innovation opportunities for automakers to enhance performance in crossover SUVs.
Who This Affects Most
- Automotive
- The automotive industry can leverage the increased demand for spacious crossover SUVs by investing in research and development to create disruptive innovations.
- Technology
- The technology industry has the potential to disrupt the automotive industry by developing and implementing advanced safety technologies for crossover SUVs.
- Green Energy
- The green energy industry can seize the opportunity to develop powertrain options, such as hybrid models, that improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact in crossover SUVs.
