Toyota of the United States surprised a local businessman, Mark Miller, by gifting him a brand new Highlander after his old vehicle, which had logged more than 1 million miles, was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in late 2022. The announcement came through the automaker’s press service, highlighting the strong bond between a loyal customer and the brand.
Miller runs an asphalt paving business and relied on his 2006 Highlander as both a trailer and a mobile office. Floodwaters from the hurricane damaged the vehicle beyond repair, ending its long service life a decade after it first hit the road.
“This vehicle proved incredibly dependable. There were moments when I underestimated it, and only a catastrophic flood could take it out after 17 years of faithful service,” Miller remarked through the company’s update.
As a token of appreciation for that loyalty, Toyota stepped in to replace the Highlander destroyed in the storm with a new 2023 model, ensuring Miller could continue his work with a dependable ride.
Earlier reports noted Consumer Reports assessments that place the Toyota Highlander among the more reliable crossovers in its three year category, alongside the Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Santa Fe. This service to a valued client underscores the brand’s emphasis on durability, service, and customer relationships in North America. The gesture mirrors the broader narrative of Toyota’s reliability reputation and its commitment to supporting small business owners who rely on dependable, versatile vehicles for daily operations and growth. It also aligns with a wider market trend toward durable, family-friendly crossover SUVs that can stand up to demanding American and Canadian work environments and weather conditions, from city streets to rural routes. Reports and opinions from automotive testing and consumer guides reinforce the Highlander’s standing as a practical choice for professionals who need space, resilience, and long-term value in a single vehicle. (Source attribution: Toyota press release)