The current generation of the Toyota Highlander is seven years old; the Highlander was very much in need of an update. So, we were not surprised when Toyota took the covers off the 2014 Highlander redesign at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The vehicle boasts of a more aggressive exterior design and a spacious interior.
This latest generation is perhaps the least offensive SUV ever produced. It has a new front fascia with LED daytime running lights, a higher belt line and chiseled fenders, and comes with some impressive features.
Unlike the current model which seats seven passengers, when you equip the 2014 Toyota Highlander correctly, it can seat eight passengers. There is more storage in the rear; it has 34 percent more cargo space behind its third row. Despite the increased interior volume, the exterior dimensions remain almost the same. The new Toyota Highlander is just 3 inches longer than the previous model and width only increases by a fraction of an inch.
Competition
The 2014 Highlander will compete against Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-9 and numerous other mid-sized SUVs.
Features
For 2014 model year, Toyota has upped the ante on technology and safety by introducing a host of innovative features in the Highlander. Toyota says the new Highlander comes with a long list of entertainment and convenience features, among which is Toyota’s Entune multimedia system with 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth and voice recognition.
To make connecting your smartphone in the vehicle a bit easier, Toyota positioned a shelf just below the touch screen for holding smartphones. The shelf runs from the center console to the passenger door and features a small hole through which users can thread cables to connect to the power ports below.
The 2014 Highlander will also feature leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, heated steering wheel, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, a backup camera, an upgraded JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The standard safety features in the vehicle include blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, lane departure detection, front pre-collision monitoring system and automatic high-beam headlights.
Engines
Just like last time, three powertrain options are available on the 2014 Toyota Highlander: like the current model, buyers can opt for a four-cylinder or a six-cylinder engine. There is also the Highlander Hybrid. Reviewers say the base Highlander will be powered by a 187-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The more powerful 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine is offered in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. The two models use dual VVT-i, variable intake manifold and six-speed automatic transmission (the previous generation model had a five-speed auto), which improves its fuel economy. In the Hybrid powertrain, an electric motor-generator is attached to a 3.5-liter V6, which is paired with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive to deliver 280 hp. Official fuel economy figures of the vehicle have not been released.
Release Date and Price
The 2014 Highlander redesign will get to dealerships in early 2014. Pricing and full specifications have yet to be announced
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