REFRESHING OR REVOLTING: 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Will the midsize three-row crossover continue to be a favorite?

The refreshed 2017 Toyota Highlander introduced at the 2016 New York auto show features updated exterior and interior styling, revised powertrains, and more available active safety tech. Here is a look at the changes to the popular midsize three-row crossover.

Toyota gave the 2017 Highlander a new face with more distinct styling. Where theprevious model’s upper grille and lower air intake were designed independently of each other, the new model’s grille and intake share the same trapezoidal-shaped sides. The upper grille is now shallower, while the lower intake is now taller. The two openings are separated by a thinner body-colored strip. Look for a silver grille finish on LE, LE Plus, and XLE trims, while Limited and Limited Platinum models feature chrome grille trim. A new sporty SE trim features dark paint on the grilles.

The Toyota emblem now floats in the center of the upper grille, while the bottom edge of the headlight housings are smoother for a cleaner appearance. Headlight housings sport silver, chrome, or dark paint depending on trim. Round fog lights sit on the far outboard edge of the fascia at the bottom of vertical lower side air intakes.

Updates to the side profile are few, but include revised wheels including unique 19-inch alloy wheels on the SE model and chrome or black trim. Around back, the 2017 Toyota Highlander gets revised taillight graphics. Highlander Limited and Limited Platinum models have a chrome strip on the bumper. New exterior colors are also available.

Inside, changes are limited and include a new brown leather interior option for the Limited Platinum, while the SE model gets an exclusive black leather-trimmed seats with silver stitching and seat inserts, matching sash and door inserts, and a black front tray. A second-row bench for eight-passenger seating is standard, while second-row captain’s chairs and seven-passenger seating is optional on Limited and Limited Platinum trims. Toyota has also added four more USB charge ports for a total of five for more mobile device charging convenience.

Check out the images and then tell us what you think of the styling changes to the refreshed 2017 Toyota Highlander.

Last week, we looked at the styling updates to the refreshed 2017 Nissan GT-R supercar.

Many people thought the subtle styling changes improved the beast: deephouse said, “definitely refreshing.  not that i can afford….” SVTruong loved it saying, “Now the GTR was never a looker, but it had road presence. The one thing that people complained about was the interior and now that it’s been improved,” while curiosity called it “A definite improvement, much easier on the eyes.”

Although the Japanese supercar got lots of positive comments, not everyone was impressed with the updates to Godzilla. e smart said, “It’s still ugly. Always has been. Always will be.” dsonder wasn’t impressed saying, “The exterior design is bland at best. It isn’t aggressive, it isn’t sexy, it just uninspired and utilitarian.” And finally,the_roadrunner thought that the “Styling so ugly only Godzilla could love it”