The “new normal” is likely to include greater efficiency when it comes to everyday transportation needs as well as cross-country traveling. Top-level safety and handling while addressing issues related to a strained economy present significant challenges for car buyers. Few used SUVs combine some impressive family features along with being budget-friendly like the 2017 Toyota Highlander, making it a viable solution for the next decade.

Design features of a great family-friendly used SUV

The design of the 2017 Toyota Highlander targets family conscious buyers by providing features best suited to meeting specific needs. The Highlander took on a new exterior look in 2017, giving it a sleeker, sportier look with changes to headlights, taillights, grille, and 19-inch wheels.

This classier look is an added bonus, but additional length to that chassis constituted a significant upgrade with additional interior space for a roomier third row.

The 2017 model maintained previous efforts to accommodate the electronic devices of all family members while meeting infotainment needs with the Entune App suite, but lacked the more advanced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology.

Handling and safety features of the 2017 Toyota Highlander

The most important features for family safety are all available on the Highlander, even as the industry pushes into another decade. Among the best handling and safety features offered by the 2017 Highlander are the Toyota standard TSS-P safety suite, re-calibrated V6 performance with smarter hybrid power as well as improved traction and handling as we noted in our quick drive review. 

Among the features included in the TSS-P safety package are lane-keeping assist to prevent drifting, dynamic radar cruise control to maintain safe driving distances, and forward-collision warning. These features have become must-haves for safety-conscious drivers with families in 2020.

2017 Toyota Highlander Among Consumer Reports 10 Best of 2017

Along with safety and handling improvements, improved power, and innovations in the transmission, the 2017 Toyota Highlander caught the attention of Consumer Reports among the crowded list of midsize SUVs. What did the review site find so appealing about this SUV?

The budget-friendly 2017 Highlander

The recalibrated V6 in the 2017 Highlander made this midsize SUV more cost-efficient to operate in comparison to previous models and a top-performer in its class of SUVs. However, the Highlander’s budget-friendliness does not end there.

Consumer Reports views the 2017 Toyota Highlander as one of the best used cars for the money, topping the midsize to large SUV class. Its range of standard safety and handling features as well as its capacity to maintain its value over time established this vehicle’s budget-friendly reputation.

Minor drawbacks of the 2017 Toyota Highlander

A balance of benefits and drawbacks are common when evaluating any auto, but the 2017 Highlander defies the odds by coming in with only 13 minor issues reported by owners, who reported wind noise at higher speeds and some issues with the seats. This absence of significant drawbacks only adds to the family-friendly value of this SUV.

A great family-friendly used SUV

The 2017 Toyota Highlander meets the expectations of most family conscious drivers by providing a spacious, comfortable ride, allowing for electronic device connectivity and maintaining the cool factor with a sleek, sporty look.

This model exceeds expectations with enhanced performance, handling, and safety features to reduce worries about the safety of the driver and passengers. Adding to an already valuable vehicle, the 2017 Highlander is cost-efficient to drive, is a great buy considering its advanced features and how it maintains its value over the long-term.

Drivers looking to invest in a used vehicle with the capacity to meet the challenges of the next decade must consider the 2017 Toyota Highlander.