The Must Have Accessories for Your Toyota Highlander

Owning a Toyota Highlander is an exciting journey, boasting style, comfort, and reliability. To make the most of this versatile vehicle, a range of accessories can enhance the overall driving experience. This article will share the must-have items that any Highlander enthusiast should consider investing in to personalize and optimize their ride.

From functional add-ons to personalized touches, these accessories not only boost the Highlander's aesthetics but also promote efficiency, safety, and convenience. Be it organizing the cargo area, protecting the exterior, or upgrading the interior, these top choices cater to everyone's personal preferences and practical needs.

As drivers continue to navigate the road in their Toyota Highlander, the recommended accessories can truly maximize the vehicle's potential and deliver an exceptional driving experience. With careful consideration to detail and practicality, every Highlander owner can enhance their ride according to their specific requirements and desires.

Essential Safety and Security Accessories

All-Weather Floor Mats

All-Weather Floor Mats are a must-have for your Toyota Highlander. These durable mats provide protection against dirt, mud, and spills. Genuine Toyota all-weather floor mats are designed specifically for your vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum coverage. Available in various styles and colors, these mats not only protect but also enhance the interior appearance. Consider investing in a high-quality set to keep your vehicle clean and maintain its value.

Cargo Liners

Protect your cargo area from spills, dirt, and damage with a cargo liner. Made from sturdy materials, these liners perfectly fit the cargo area and provide a non-slip surface, ensuring your items stay in place. Cargo liners are easy to clean, and some even feature a raised lip to contain spills. Choose one that matches your vehicle's interior for a seamless aesthetic:

• Standard Cargo Liner: A cost-effective option providing basic protection
• Heavy Duty Cargo Liner: Ideal for owners who frequently carry large or heavy items
• Custom Cargo Liner: Tailored to your vehicle's specific dimensions for the perfect fit

Dash Cams

In an age of increasing road accidents and insurance fraud, dash cams are becoming crucial for driver safety and legal protection. Capture high-quality video footage with a good-quality dash cam that records continuously and automatically deletes outdated footage. Some models offer additional features like GPS logging, smartphone integration, and parking mode recording. A few popular options include:

1. Entry-level Dash Cam: A budget-friendly option with basic features
2. Advanced Dash Cam: Offers higher resolution video and additional features
3. Premium Dash Cam: Provides the most comprehensive features and highest quality footage

Blind Spot Mirrors

Enhance your safety on the road with blind spot mirrors. These small, affordable accessories provide a wider rear view, helping you detect vehicles or obstacles in your blind spot. Easy to install and adjust, blind spot mirrors can significantly reduce the risk of accidents while changing lanes or merging. Consider the following types of blind spot mirrors:

• Convex Mirrors: Provide a wider field of view, but may slightly distort the image
• Flat Mirrors: Offer a more accurate reflection, but a limited field of view
• Adjustable Mirrors: Allow you to adjust the angle as needed for optimal coverage

By equipping your Toyota Highlander with these essential safety and security accessories, you'll ensure a safer and more enjoyable driving experience, while protecting your vehicle's interior and resale value.

Performance Enhancements

Upgrading your performance enhancement with Toyota Highlander accessories is an excellent way to unlock its full potential. In this section, we will explore three essential upgrades aimed to make your vehicle even better: performance air filters, brake pads, and tires.

Performance Air Filters

Upgrading to performance air filters allows your engine to breathe better, leading to improved power and fuel economy. These air filters are designed with more efficient and long-lasting materials, allowing for:

• Increased air flow
• Enhanced filtration
• Reduced maintenance

Brake Pads

Upgrading your brake pads is essential for better stopping power and responsiveness. There are various types of brake pads on the market, tailored to different driving conditions, here are some examples:

1. Ceramic - Provides optimum performance and longevity, with low levels of dust and noise.
2. Semi-Metallic - A popular choice for everyday driving, offering an affordable mix of durability and good brake feel.
3. Low-Metallic - Well suited for heavy-duty use, providing excellent heat dissipation and braking power at the cost of increased wear and noise.

Tires

Choosing the right tires for your Highlander is crucial for improved handling, acceleration, and overall performance. When selecting new tires, consider the following factors:

• Tread Type: Choose between all-season, performance, or winter tires depending on your driving conditions and climate.
• Size: Consult your vehicle's user manual to find the correct tire size and specifications.
• Tire Construction: Radial tires are the industry standard, offering a smooth ride, better traction, and longer lifespan.

Top tire brands to consider for your Toyota Highlander include: Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Continental. By investing in performance-enhancing accessories such as performance air filters, brake pads, and tires, your Toyota Highlander will not only stand out on the road but also provide a more enjoyable driving experience.

Comfort and Convenience Upgrades

Seat Covers

Custom-fit seat covers are a must-have accessory for your Toyota Highlander. They not only protect the original upholstery from wear and tear but also provide an opportunity to personalize the vehicle's interior. Some popular materials for seat covers include:

• Neoprene: Waterproof and easy to clean, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or families with children
• Leatherette: A synthetic leather material, giving the luxurious feel of leather while being more affordable
• Velour: Soft, plush fabric that adds a touch of elegance and comfort

Sun Shades

Sun shades provide multiple benefits for your Toyota Highlander, including:

1. Protecting the interior: Sun shades block harmful UV rays, which helps prevent fading and cracking of the dashboard and upholstery.
2. Reducing cabin temperature: By reflecting sunlight, sun shades can keep the interior of your vehicle cooler during the hot summer months.
3. Enhancing privacy: They also offer added privacy, obscuring the view inside of your vehicle.

Roof Racks

A roof rack is an essential accessory for Toyota Highlander owners who need extra storage space or want to transport large items, such as bicycles, kayaks, or cargo carriers. There are various types of roof racks available, but the two most common are:

• Side Rail: These racks attach to the existing side rails on your Highlander and consist of crossbars for securing items on top of your vehicle.
• Tower and Crossbar: This system involves installing towers at the corners of your vehicle and connecting them with crossbars, creating a sturdy base for all types of cargo.

When selecting a roof rack, consider factors like weight capacity, ease of installation, and accessory compatibility to ensure you choose the best option for your needs.

Technology and Connectivity

When considering must-have accessories for your Toyota Highlander, technology and connectivity play a crucial role in enhancing your driving experience. In this section, we will explore two essential areas: Smartphone Integration Systems and GPS Navigation Systems.

Smartphone Integration Systems

Modern drivers rely heavily on smartphone capabilities, and being able to integrate them into your vehicle is a game changer. For your Toyota Highlander, consider adding one of the two most popular smartphone integration systems:

1. Apple CarPlay: Designed for iPhone users, Apple CarPlay lets drivers access their favorite apps, messages, contacts, and Siri by mirroring their phone's screen onto the vehicle's in-dash display.
2. Android Auto: Android users aren't left behind, as Android Auto offers a similar experience, granting access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, messaging, and a range of other apps.

Both systems provide a seamless and safer alternative to using your phone while driving, keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

GPS Navigation Systems

Reliable GPS navigation systems are essential when driving your Toyota Highlander, especially in unfamiliar areas. A factory-installed integrated system is available, but you may also consider adding an aftermarket system with additional features. A couple of options include:

• Garmin DriveSmart Series: Known for its reliable GPS systems, Garmin offers devices with advanced features like voice-activated navigation, driver alerts, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and live traffic updates. Plus, Garmin devices are also compatible with smartphone integration systems.
• TomTom GO Series: TomTom's GPS devices offer real-time traffic updates, smart routing, lane guidance, and voice controls. In addition, TomTom devices also integrate with some smartphones for hands-free calling and messaging.

Choose a GPS system that best fits your needs and preferences, ensuring you're always connected and on the right track during your journeys with your Toyota Highlander.