The Toyota Highlander, known as the Toyota Kluger in some regions, is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating that has been in production since 2000. It was first announced at the New York International Auto Show in April 2000 and made its way to Japan later that year and in North America in January 2001. The Highlander was among the pioneering car-based mid-size SUVs or crossovers and served as the more refined counterpart to the 4Runner. Initially, it was Toyota’s top-selling SUV until it was overtaken by the RAV4 in 2006. In Japan, the first-generation model was marketed as the Kluger and offered through the Toyota Netz dealership network as a larger alternative to the RAV4. In Australia, the vehicle is also known as the Kluger due to trademark constraints, as the “Highlander” name is owned by Hyundai.

Key points:
1. The Toyota Highlander, or Kluger, is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating.
2. It was introduced in 2000 and was one of the first car-based mid-size SUVs.
3. The Highlander served as Toyota’s best-selling SUV until it was surpassed by the RAV4 in 2006.
4. In Japan, the first generation was sold as the Kluger through Toyota Netz dealerships.
5. In Australia, the vehicle is known as the Kluger due to trademark limitations with the name “Highlander.”

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