Toyota Highlander (Kluger): A Popular Mid-Size SUV

The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger in Japan and Australia, is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been in production since 2000. Designed with family use in mind, it offers three-row seating, a spacious cabin, and the reliability Toyota is known for.

Design and Performance

The Highlander is built for comfort and practicality. Thanks to its size, ground clearance, and solid build quality, it can handle bad roads and light off-road conditions with ease. However, it is not designed for heavy off-roading like the Toyota Land Cruiser. Instead, the Highlander is most suitable for smooth terrains and city driving, making it an excellent choice for families and long trips.

Popularity Over the Years

Initially, the Highlander was Toyota’s best-selling SUV, until 2006 when the smaller and more compact RAV4 surpassed it in sales. Despite this, the Highlander remains one of the most trusted and widely used family SUVs in the global market.

Highlander vs. Kluger

In most markets, Toyota uses the name Highlander, but in Japan and Australia, it is sold as the Kluger. The reason behind this difference is that Hyundai already owned a trademark for the “Highlander” name in those regions. Aside from the name, both the Highlander and Kluger are the exact same model with identical features.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and family-friendly SUV, the Toyota Highlander (or Kluger) is a fantastic choice. It may not be a rugged off-roader, but it perfectly balances space, performance, and convenience for everyday use.