Toyota Rolls Five 2021 Special Editions Into Chicago Auto Show

Toyota

Five new 2021 Toyota SUV and pickup truck variants debuted at the Chicago Auto Show and all will be available later this year. The first-ever Highlander XSE, brings bolder styling and sporty handling to this three-row family SUV. The outdoorsy Trail Special Editions of the Tacoma and Tundra pickups and 4Runner SUV come prepped for adventure. And over on the dark side is the new Nightshade Special Edition on the Tacoma.

Highlander XSE: More Fun for the Parents 

In the Toyota world, the XSE badge signals a drive on the sporty side with specially tuned handling suspension, unique exterior styling, and exclusive interior trim. For 2021, and for the first time in its 20-year history, the Highlander family SUV gets the XSE treatment. The fourth-generation Highlander, just introduced for 2020 and built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, offers the ideal platform for an athletic transformation. 

Designed for people who need SUV practicality but really miss driving sport sedans, the Highlander XSE combines bold exterior design with more agile driving reflexes. Positioned between the XLE and Limited grades, the 2021 Highlander XSE is briskly motivated by a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that’s teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive.

In addition to being able to send up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels, this advanced AWD system can control the left/right torque distribution to the rear wheels for a more engaging driving experience. 

The Highlander XSE handles curves as well as its design takes compliments. In addition to exclusive machine-faced 20-inch wheels with black accents, the XSE model is equipped with higher-rate springs and rear stabilizer bar, and the shock absorbers have been retuned for lower friction. These carefully calibrated new parts boost handling agility for the XSE while preserving Highlander’s renowned ride comfort.

To make the XSE grade, Highlander received a bumper-to-bumper style makeover. The front fascia, grille, and lower spoiler are exclusive to this model and impart a more aggressive stance. The restyled upper grille joins a much larger lower air intake integrated into the new bumper, with a spoiler below that. Unique headlamps feature black accents and light-strip DRLs.

In profile, unique rocker panels add an edgy accent to the Highlander XSE’s sculpted lines. Around back, there’s a shocker: the first-ever exposed dual-tip exhaust on a Highlander – and chromed, no less. Black roof rails, mirror caps, and window moldings dial up the subtle cool factor. 

Inside, the Highlander XSE rocks black Softex-trimmed seats with fabric inserts, while ambient lighting and carbon-fiber finish on the instrument panel sets the mood. A striking two-tone red and black leather-trimmed interior with red-stitched instrument panel is available and is sure to incite a bit of carpool envy.

The 2021 Highlander XSE lets you stay connected with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ compatibility, and four USB ports. The Highlander XSE will also offer an available Premium Audio 1200-Watt, 11-speaker JBL sound system, breathing new life into old hair bands. 

The 2021 Highlander XSE is slated for launch this fall.

2021 Trail Special Editions: Carry In, Carry Out In Style

Toyota truck buyers love the great outdoors, and in fact, Toyota trucks sit at the top of their segments for owners who participate in outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. To celebrate and support all that fresh-air fun, Toyota is introducing the 2021 Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner Trail Special Editions this summer. All put emphasis on extra storage and convenience, with unique styling and exclusive content added for good measure.

All three 2021 Toyota Trails are based on the SR5 grade models to deliver high value. The Tacoma Trail is built on the SR5 Double Cab, and the Tundra Trail is built off the SR5 (larger fuel tank, front bucket seats with driver’s power lumbar support, front center console, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, three front cupholders, and anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer). 

Available Trail color choices include Army Green and Cement. While these are not strictly considered limited editions, volume will be low. 

All Trails feature black exterior badging, plus black seating with tan stitching. In all versions, standard all-weather floor liners help catch the outdoor elements that come in on occupants’ feet. From there, each Trail model has its own unique set of upgrades:

  • The 2021 Tacoma Trail features a set of Dark Gray 18-inch TRD Off-Road wheels with Kevlar All-Terrain tires. The grille from the Tacoma Limited adds a custom touch and a 115-volt power outlet in the bed adds versatility. 
  • The Tundra Trail wears the bold chrome grille from the top-of-line Tundra 1794 Edition with color-keyed surround, plus special-edition wheels. 
  • The 4Runner Trail comes ready to carry campers into the woods with dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels, and a Yakima LoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket for added utility and gear-hauling capability. Inside, 4Runner boasts a custom 40-quart cooler and sliding cargo tray.

Custom-made for Toyota in North America, the 4Runner Trail’s cooler is quite a versatile piece of equipment, featuring: 

  • Lockable lid
  • Freezer-grade gasket to provide an air-tight seal and keep ice frozen for up to seven days
  • Tie-down straps and special brackets on the sliding rear cargo tray to safely secure the cooler while driving 
  • Two heavy-duty latches with integrated bottle openers
  • Two durable, ergonomic carry handles
  • Large built-in drain plug with lanyard
  • A flat top to allow the cooler to act as a table surface or an outdoor seat

The cooler comes color-keyed with Cement or Army Green exterior 4Runner colors.

Nightshade Special Editions: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

With the close of summer comes shorter days and earlier sunsets – the perfect time for a new 2021 Toyota Nightshade Edition to make their arrival. Toyota Canada already offers Nightshade Editions of the Corolla Sedan, Corolla Hatchback, Camry, 4Runner, and Sienna minivan. 

While most Toyota Nightshade models are based on SE grade versions, the 2021 Tacoma Nightshade is built on the more luxurious Limited grade model. It features all black leather seating and slightly sinister looking black exterior trim, including a darkened chrome grille, black mirror caps and black door handles.  

The Tacoma Nightshade is also distinguished by Dark Smoke 18-inch alloy wheels, black exhaust tip and fog light bezels, and a new grille insert design. 

The Tacoma Nightshade Edition looks particularly wicked in Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Windchill Pearl.  

Originally published here.