The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway..
Pros Better style New sporty XSE look Still practical… ...and fuel efficient Great standard safety
Cons Infotainment is still a headache Exterior is a little busy Pricey top models Small-ish third row
The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
Pros Attractive design, optional hybrid powertrain, generous standard features.
Cons Few driving thrills, skimpy third-row room, fussy interior styling.
The sporty XSE trim debuts in the Hybrid lineup.More advanced safety features are standard.LED headlights are now standard.
Pros High fuel economy for a three-row SUV Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander Comfortable ride quality Plenty of standard and available safety features
Cons Third-row seats are cramped Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third-row seat Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a rugged wagon that is very good off road but comfortable – and easy to drive – on the road. There are five-seat and seven-seat versions, both offering excellent fuel economy from a modern diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Pros Excellent value for money, auto braking as standard
Cons Relatively cosy cabin, poor third-row head room
Mitsubishi has given its Pajero Sport large 4WD an update for the 2020 model year, adding further ammunition with which to battle the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, and Holden Trailblazer. Like the MY19 Triton ute upgrade (the Pajero Sport shares much of the pickup's running gear), the revised SUV looks tougher thanks to its 'dynamic shield' grille and headlight combination, higher bonnet, and new running lights and bumpers.The polarising old vertically-arrayed tail lights have been reduced in size and the bumper made larger. The alloy wheel design is new, and side steps are apparently slightly higher-mounted to bolster ground clearance.
