Toyota Highlander Refreshed for 2017
Toyota will show a significantly refreshed Highlander mid-size SUV for the 2017 model year at the New York International Auto Show later this month.

Photo of 2017 Highlander courtesy of Toyota.

Photo of 2017 Highlander courtesy of Toyota.
Toyota will show a significantly refreshed Highlander mid-size SUV for the 2017 model year at the New York International Auto Show later this month, Toyota has announced.
For 2017, Toyota is adding a direct-injected 3.5L V-6 that boosts horsepower and fuel economy, a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission, and an available automatic stop-start system. The Toyota Safety Sense package will now be included as standard equipment.
Toyota will offer its three-row Highlander in six gasoline models, including the LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited, and Limited Platinum. The front-wheel-drive SUV is also available in an all-wheel-drive variant.
The new available V-6 will paired with stop-start on five trim levels, excluding the LE model. The base Highlander remains the front-wheel LE with the 2.7L four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Highlander Hybrid models will continue to receive a continuously variable transmission. The new 8AT transmission will now be standed with all V-6 engine models.
For 2017, the Highlander adds the sportier SE grade that includes 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a tuned suspension, and dark paint treatment to the front grille.
All trim grades include the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS) as standard. The package includes a pre-collision system (with forward collision warning and automatic emergency brake), lane departure alert, automatic high beams, a pedestrian pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control.
In 2013, fleets added 1,996 Highlander SUVs, which was No. 7 in the category.
More Operations

Turn Fleet Data Into Smarter Decisions
Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.
Read More →
Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →
How NOV Uses Telematics to Improve Fleet Safety Across 160 Locations
James Victory of NOV discusses how the company manages fleet safety, maintenance, and telematics across more than 150 locations supporting oilfield operations throughout the U.S.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Steven Santostasi
This edition of the Fleet Meets series features Steven Santostasi, the current TSP channel manager for Ford Pro.
Read More →
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →Soap Box Derby Challenge: Assembling the Crew
Meet Gabriel, Matthew, and Angel — the team helping bring this soap box derby build to life.
Read More →
BBL Fleet Acquires Velcor Leasing Corporation
BBL Fleet expanded its footprint in the fleet management industry with the acquisition of Velcor Leasing Corporation of Madison through a stock purchase agreement finalized Feb. 27, 2026.
Read More →
Lytx Introduces New AI Fleet Technologies at Protect 2026
The company introduced new AI-driven fleet safety and operations technologies during its annual user conference.
Read More →
Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
Read More →From Waffle House to AI: Fleet Trends You Need to Know
In this AF news recap, host Faith Howell covers how Waffle House stepped up during disaster response and new AI tech on the market.
Read More →