6660만원으로 누릴 수 있는 연비좋은 7인승 SUV 하이랜더 타봤습니다

[email protected] Toyota Korea held a media test drive event for its mid-size 7-seater SUV, the Highlander, in the Paju area on July 27th. The Highlander, which was announced for domestic sale, is the third electrified model to be introduced this year, following the Crown, which was released with two powertrains: the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), Hybrid (HEV), and Toyota's first Dual Boost Hybrid (HEV). This fourth-generation model, facelifted four years ago, is produced in the United States and exported to Canada and Australia. It features efficient fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and versatile space utilization thanks to its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. The domestically certified combined fuel economy is 13.8 km/L, but it has shown even higher figures in everyday driving. This powertrain, when driven efficiently, is expected to easily achieve 20 km/L. Let's take a look at the on-site video. The Highlander's exterior, designed with the concept of "Powerful Suave," achieves dynamic lines and stable body proportions. The front grille, inspired by the Toyota SUV family, the wide front, the voluminous lower body design, and the 20-inch wheels and large-diameter tires convey a stable body proportion. The curved sides and the rear fenders, which create a three-dimensional, stable stance, further emphasize the Highlander's distinctive presence. The interior, with its horizontally focused layout, boasts luxurious materials and a variety of color combinations, offering a premium SUV experience. Offering a comfortable and spacious three-row configuration for seven passengers, the Highlander's seats are arranged in a stepped pattern, providing an open view for all passengers. The independent second-row captain's seat offers a comfortable, independent space, and the flat-folding function allows the second and third rows to fold flat simultaneously, offering versatile use of space for large cargo areas or outdoor leisure activities like car camping. The Highlander achieves a combined system output of 246 horsepower and a high fuel efficiency of 13.8 km/L with its series-parallel hybrid system and 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. This superior fuel efficiency compared to similar models qualifies it for two low-emission vehicle benefits, including tax breaks for eco-friendly vehicles, discounts on public parking, and exemptions from congestion tolls. Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K (TNGA-K) platform, the Highlander boasts a high-rigidity body, vibration reduction measures under the vehicle, and optimized suspension tuning to deliver a comfortable ride. In particular, noise absorption and insulation around the dashboard and center console reduce interior noise. Acoustic glass on the windshield and front doors, side mirror design, and improved hood shape minimize wind noise, resulting in excellent NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) performance. Additionally, Pitch Body Control, which stabilizes the vehicle's body movement during acceleration, provides a comfortable and relaxing ride for all passengers. The hybrid-specific E-Four system precisely controls the front and rear wheel power distribution from 100:0 to 20:80 depending on road conditions, providing the driver with efficient and stable driving performance. The Highlander is available in two grades: Limited and Platinum. The recommended retail price, including VAT and a 5% individual consumption tax, is KRW 66.6 million for the Highlander Limited and KRW 74.7 million for the Highlander Platinum.