The first 2017 Toyota Highlander arrives in Vietnam before Tet (Lunar New Year).

The upgraded SUV model has appeared at a private car dealership in Hanoi, featuring a new engine and added safety equipment.

The most noticeable changes on the 2017 Highlander are the redesigned grille and headlights. The Japanese automaker has added a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old 6-speed, and a new 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated gasoline engine. Toyota has retained the original 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The first 2017 Toyota Highlander arrives in Hanoi. Photo: Luong Dung

The first 2017 Highlander to arrive in Vietnam is the US import version. The interior has undergone minor changes, featuring a new brown leather color option, available on the Limited Platinum trim. According to information released in the US in March at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the updated Highlander offers additional second-row seating options: a three-person bench seat or individual seats on the Limited trim.

Additional safety features for the 2017 Highlander include automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2017 Toyota Highlander, manufactured at the Indiana plant (USA), competes with rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Ford Explorer.

In the US, the 2017 Toyota Highlander starts at $31,600.

The new SUV model features a redesigned grille. Photo: Luong Dung

The 2017 Highlander features upgraded safety features. Photo: Luong Dung

According to VNE