In the domestic car market, even though new energy vehicles are thriving and domestic brands are rising, it must be acknowledged that joint venture brands are still important. Especially when people are buying fuel vehicles, and higher-level models, the variety of joint venture brand models is indeed attractive. For example, in the joint venture large SUV market, there are strong contenders such as the American Ford Explorer, Buick Enclave, German Volkswagen Touareg, Japanese Highlander, and the recently launched popular model Dongfeng Nissan Terra.
For example, the 2024 Dongfeng Nissan Pathfinder, as an important product in the joint venture mid-size SUV market, has attracted many potential buyers. Should users consider the Pathfinder when purchasing a mid-size SUV from a joint venture? Let’s compare it to the classic model in this market, the Highlander, to find the answer.
Design Aspect The users who are now buying joint venture mid-to-large SUVs are mostly the heads of families with certain economic strength and children, they have rational and mature cognition when buying cars, such as the pursuit of the ideal design of the car, they want it to be both “domineering” and stylish. Let’s start with the Land Explorer, its design style is different from other Nissan SUVs, in details, the large grille with multiple chrome bars gives a strong visual impact. In addition, the Land Explorer’s through-type headlight design also has a sense of novelty and fashion. Personally, I think the Land Explorer’s design is quite impressive.
Looking at the Highlander again, it is a classic model that meets the public’s aesthetic needs. The trapezoidal grille and distinctive headlights stand out. Both the Highlander and the Explorer have impressive designs, don’t they?
On the spatial level, people’s quality of life is improving. A car must not only bear the daily commute, but also the tasks of family outings and vacations. Consumers who choose joint venture large SUVs have such travel needs. At this time, the comfort brought by spatial performance is crucial. The length, width, and height of the Land Rover are 5130/1981/1767mm, with a wheelbase of 2900mm, providing spacious spatial performance. This ensures that every position is comfortable, even for family outings, without feeling cramped or stifled inside the car. In addition, the generous body size also ensures ample storage space, accommodating luggage and equipment. Furthermore, the Land Rover comes in 6-seater and 7-seater models, allowing us to choose the seating layout based on our family’s actual needs.
In terms of space, the Highlander is practical. Its body size is 4965/1930/1750mm, with a wheelbase of 2850mm, ensuring enough space inside. The Highlander is available in 5 or 7 seats. The storage capacity of the trunk is strong for 5 seats, but for 7 seats, the third row takes up some space, reducing storage capacity.
Configuration Aspect I think technology and safety configurations are increasingly important for every user and family. After all, this concerns our convenience and safety on the road. In terms of technology configuration, the Land Discovery is equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel and a 12.3-inch central control screen. Not only does it look high-tech visually, but with an advanced intelligent human-machine interaction system, it also provides a smooth user experience. In terms of safety configuration, the Land Discovery series comes standard with 9 safety airbags, covering the front, second row, and third row, ensuring the safety of passengers in every seat. It also has an intelligent driving assistance system, reaching L2+ intelligent driving level, which can achieve functions such as lane centering, deviation warning, and active braking, enhancing safety and convenience during travel. In addition, the Land Discovery uses an enhanced air purifier with high dust collection and anti-allergy functions, which is quite friendly to the elderly and children with weaker resistance.
The Highlander’s technology features are sufficient for daily use. The mid to low-end models come with an 8-inch touchscreen, but the system and UI design are average. Some models lack smartphone connectivity. In terms of safety, the Highlander is equipped with 7 airbags and high-end models also have features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
On the power side, for large SUVs in joint ventures, strong power output is necessary when fully loaded in the wild. The TSL is equipped with a 2.0T engine with a maximum power of 185kW and peak torque of 376Nm, matched with a 9AT gearbox. This power combination ensures smooth power output for the TSL. It also comes with a full-terrain six-mode four-wheel drive control system, which can ensure smooth passage through various road conditions while ensuring fuel economy.
The powertrain of the Highlander is rich, with a 2.0T engine paired with an 8AT transmission and a 2.5L hybrid matched with an E-CVT transmission. Both powertrain combinations perform well in fuel efficiency.
In conclusion, both the Highlander and the Highlander have their own characteristics in terms of product performance. If you want to buy a trendy, spacious, comfortable, safe, and powerful joint venture midsize SUV, then the Highlander is suitable for you; if you want a steady and reliable joint venture midsize SUV, then choosing the Highlander is also not wrong. Additionally, the starting price of the Highlander is 239,800 yuan (33150$), with car purchase policies such as a down payment of 6,000 yuan (830$) to a maximum discount of 30,000 yuan (4150$). The starting price of the Highlander is 268,800 yuan (37160$), the price difference is obvious, it is recommended that friends also consider when to make a purchase, and act when necessary!