2014 Toyota Highlander

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PRICE : For 2014 Toyota Highlander $31,680

With all the family-friendly crossovers on the marketplace these days, it's a full-time chore simply keeping them straight. So let us to brand your chore a picayune easier. The 2014 Toyota Highlander is the granddaddy of this segment, in addition to it's dorsum this twelvemonth amongst a whole novel purse of tricks. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 decade in addition to a one-half ago, the master copy Camry-based Highlander became the get-go vehicle to blend the versatility of a midsize SUV amongst the ride in addition to treatment of a sedan. Now, facing a legion of tough rivals, the all-new, third-generation 2014 Highlander is out to regain its edge.

Truth live told, the second-generation Highlander was all the same a stud when Toyota spot it out to pasture final year. We fifty-fifty called it an "ideal choice" inward some respects, which is high praise indeed for a menage unit of measurement hauler on its good daytime tour. But that doesn't hateful at that spot wasn't room for improvement. In particular, the difficult plastic dashboard failed to print at this toll point, equally did the unremarkable technology scientific discipline features it housed. Also, the Highlander's parent accommodations had begun to experience a fleck cramped past times midsize crossover standards, especially inward the 3rd row. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 reinvention wasn't strictly necessary, but signs of aging were increasingly apparent.

Take a facial expression at the 2014 Highlander in addition to it's apparent that the residuum of the segment may at ane time live playing catch-up. The novel dashboard is a welcome addition, equally Toyota has ditched the generic difficult panels inward favor of supple surfaces amongst artful curves. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 larger 8-inch touchscreen is available, spell desirable add-ons similar adaptive cruise command assist withdraw the options listing upward to date. Thanks to an extra 3.7 inches of width inward the 3rd row, at that spot are at ane time iii seats dorsum at that spot instead of two, making the Highlander ane of the few crossovers inward this degree amongst room for eight. The driving experience has been refined, too, amongst reduced cabin racket in addition to a responsive novel six-speed automatic transmission for the faultless V6 engine.

As well-rounded equally the redesigned Highlander is, it's non the best at everything. If yous want a genuinely adult-friendly 3rd row, for example, the 2014 Ford Flex would live a ameliorate bet. Another perennial favorite of ours is the 2014 Mazda CX-9, which is to a greater extent than fun to motion in addition to offers to a greater extent than cargo infinite equally well. There's also the handsome-looking in addition to sportier 2014 Dodge Durango or the three-row 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, which stacks upward nicely against the Highlander across the board.

But the Highlander has history in addition to the Toyota nameplate on its side, in addition to it's ameliorate than always for 2014. Here's how yous think the all-new Highlander: It's the ane that got this whole political party started, in addition to at ane time it's the latest three-row crossover to lift the bar.

EXTERIOR

The exterior has actually grown upward for the 3rd generation amongst a to a greater extent than mature stance. The large forepart grille leads the bolder pattern past times looking somewhat similar to the Tundra’s grille. Around the side, nicely sculpted fender arches in addition to dark bike good trim proceed the rugged look. Out back, the parent taillights jut outward of the trunk in addition to deed equally an aerodynamic characteristic to improve high-speed stability in addition to to maintain the CUV’s broad-shoulder appearance.

Those taillights aren’t the alone aerodynamic characteristic built into the bodywork, equally an air diffuser resides below the parent bumper, spell a spoiler is perched higher upward the parent window. Wheel spats deflect air around all 4 wheels, in addition to little fins integrated into the side mirrors displace air around for stability in addition to reduced current of air noise.

Available on the range-topping Limited trim, a huge panoramic moonroof actually opens upward the cabin. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 mightiness Sun shade slides from dorsum to forepart to offering a intermission from the hot sun. I didn’t induce got that occupation during my fourth dimension amongst the Highlander, equally the exterior temps hovered simply higher upward freezing. Even amongst the shade retracted, the drinking glass felt surprisingly insulated in addition to didn’t brand the cabin experience mutual depression temperature or drafty.

INTERIOR

► Premium Interior Design amongst Advanced Functionality

Toyota engineers raised the bar on interior pattern for the mid-size SUV segment past times adding fifty-fifty to a greater extent than refinement in addition to functionality to the novel Highlander. The 2014 model volition offering a premium interior highlighted past times increased spaciousness for upward to 8 people, in addition to an array of measure comfort, convenience in addition to technology scientific discipline features.

The novel Toyota Highlander's interior utilizes premium materials to offering an upscale experience, amongst most models featuring measure contrast spot stitching. All Highlanders volition come upward equipped amongst a soft-touch musical instrument panel; in addition to silver-painted, satin, in addition to chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior. Wood-grain pattern trim tin live constitute on the forepart dash in addition to door trim for an added touching of elegance. Premium fabrics, available shine in addition to perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering bike in addition to shift knob add together to Highlander's redesigned upscale interior. The adoption of a high character knit roof lining in addition to available second-row sunshades add together to Highlander's refinement in addition to comfort.

A novel roll-top centre console box amongst a dampened sliding door provides a comfortable armrest, or when fully opened is large plenty to agree a large handbag. All Highlanders volition characteristic a newly designed in-meter-cluster Multi-Information Display. Available ambient lighting around the forepart dash in addition to doors add together to the refined environment.

The minute row offers bench-seating for iii passengers or ii captain's seats featuring a collapsible tray amongst loving cup holders for added convenience. Getting into the third-row is made easier amongst the improver of a one-step second-row sliding spot business office that provides nearly iii to a greater extent than inches of infinite for easier entry in addition to larn out to the third-row. An overall interior width increment of 4.3 inches inward the third-row in addition to a measure recline business office creates added comfort for upward to iii passengers. Like the second-row bench, the third-row volition live 40/60 split for added rider in addition to storage flexibility in addition to convenience. Rear cargo infinite behind the third-row has also increased past times upward to 34 percentage for added storage.

Additional available convenience features include an Automatic High Beam System, Auto Cruise Control, Smart Key, driver's spot memory, heated in addition to ventilated forepart seats, heated second-row captain's seats, in addition to a heated steering wheel.

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2014
► Make:Toyota
► Model:Highlander
► Price:$29215
► Engine:V6
► Transmission:6-Speed Auto
► Horsepower @ RPM:270
► MPG(Cty):19
► MPG(Hwy):25
► Torque @ RPM:248
► Displacement:3.5 L
► 0-60 time:7.8 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed:105 mph (Est.)

PERFORMANCE

As was the instance amongst the RAV4, the Highlander's powertrains are carried over from the previous generation. One's an overlap: the 2.7-liter four-cylinder inward base of operations models is the alone engine constitute inward the smaller RAV4. Coupled to a six-speed automatic in addition to offered alone amongst front-wheel drive, the engine turns inward 185 horsepower in addition to 184 pound-feet of torque.

Toyota says alone nigh 5 percentage of yous volition live interested inward this base of operations version. It's a toll leader, mostly. While the four-cylinder Highlander accelerates reasonably in addition to smoothly, it's configured without many of the features in addition to options constitute on the V-6 models--features similar all-wheel drive. Gas mileage is barely ameliorate than the V-6, too.

Of those, the far to a greater extent than mutual version volition live the measure 3.5-liter six, amongst 270 hp in addition to 248 lb-ft of torque, also teamed upward amongst a six-speed automatic in addition to inward this case, a alternative of front- or all-wheel drive. It's non the quickest alternative inward the class--a turbocharged Ford Flex volition blow all 4 doors off--but the Highlander's V-6 a smooth, fairly tranquillity commodity, uncontroversial inward every dimension, amongst gas mileage that's no penalization versus the four-cylinder.

The Highlander we'd select to the lowest degree oft is the Hybrid. Compiled from a 231-hp version of the 3.5-liter V-6 in addition to a duet of motors inward forepart in addition to ane inward back, the Hybrid nets 280 hp in addition to pairs amongst an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). All versions induce got through-the-road all-wheel drive, which agency the gas mightiness goes to the forepart wheels, spell electrical mightiness passes alone to the parent wheels. Adding 350 pounds of mechanical gear drags on the Hybrid's acceleration, putting it inward four-cylinder territory--while we've struggled to hitting whatsoever of its estimated fuel-economy figures inward previous-generation Highlanders.

The Highlander's driving dynamics were long overdue for attention. The final edition had copious trunk roll in addition to uncommunicative steering. Toyota has reworked the front-strut in addition to independent-rear suspension for ameliorate handling, in addition to much of the Highlander's substantial trunk lean has been tuned out. Ride character is no longer cushy, but it's on the right side of theater for a vehicle inward this size class, though we'd avoid the optional 19-inch wheels to proceed route ruts inward check.

The Highlander's firmer-feeling electrical mightiness steering tin fifty-fifty live called pleasant. It's equally if all the invisible treatment screws induce got been tightened a few consummate turns, without ruining its family-wagon fundamentals.

The Highlander also tin live rated to tow upward to 5,000 pounds, thus long equally the non-Hybrid V-6 engine is installed; four-cylinder versions are rated at a puny 1,500 pounds.

DYNAMICS

► Improved Dynamic Performance, Handling, Efficiency

The novel Toyota Highlander volition live available inward iii powertrains. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped amongst a variable intake manifold in addition to dual Variable-Valve Timing amongst intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake in addition to exhaust camshafts to optimize torque in addition to fuel efficiency. The 2.7-liter engine is teamed amongst a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

A 3.5-liter V6 is also equipped amongst dual VVT-i in addition to a variable intake manifold. Acceleration in addition to fuel efficiency are improved thank yous to a novel six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.

The Highlander Hybrid model's Hybrid Synergy Drive arrangement pairs the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine amongst a high-torque electrical motion motor-generator for additional mightiness in addition to fuel efficiency.The novel Toyota Highlander volition supply a to a greater extent than dynamic driving experience, amongst novel technologies that include Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD), enhancements inward suspension performance, in addition to optimized electrical mightiness steering. The fountain rates in addition to the daze absorbers induce got been optimally tuned to assist heighten the vehicles treatment characteristics.

Highlander volition induce got a MacPherson strut forepart suspension, double-wishbone parent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels in addition to available 19-inch alloys.

Highlander's Dynamic Torque Control AWD arrangement automatically shifts from front-wheel motion (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors notice bike slippage. The driver is able to persuasion the torque-distribution settings on the meter display.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD arrangement continuously monitors in addition to controls the torque transfer betwixt the forepart in addition to parent wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned inward the parent differential.Front to parent torque distribution tin vary from 100:0 to 50:50, amongst front-wheel motion (100:0) automatically engaged nether normal driving weather condition to assist improve fuel consumption.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD arrangement uses data sent from diverse sensors (speed, steering angle in addition to speed, throttle angle in addition to yaw rate) to automatically principle the transmission of torque to the parent wheels, equally required.

A sophisticated, high-speed interactive administration arrangement coordinates command of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) in addition to Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to heighten Toyota Highlander's performance, treatment in addition to safety.

ON ROAD & OFFROAD

Highlander comes amongst a alternative of iii powertrains: a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder (185 hp/184 lb-ft of torque) measure inward the LE only; a 3.5-liter V6 (270 hp/248 lb-ft of torque) available inward the LE in addition to measure inward other models; in addition to a gasoline-electric hybrid amongst a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 in addition to ii electrical motion motors that hit 280 hp together equally a system. The gas-only versions come upward amongst a six-speed automatic transmission, spell the Hybrid gets a continuously variable automatic (CVT). The four-cylinder engine is hooked upward to the forepart wheels only. The V6 tin live ordered amongst front-wheel motion or all-wheel drive, in addition to the Hybrid is all-wheel motion only.

I’ll follow upward amongst a to a greater extent than extensive examine motion of the dissimilar models inward the close future. On this examine drive, I got a adventure to pass a few hours behind the bike of a Hybrid Limited model, in addition to a few to a greater extent than hours thrashing a gas-only V6 Limited. As inward the past, Toyota has chosen to configure the Highlander Hybrid equally a top-of-the-line model only, bundling the premium powertrain amongst a host of other premium features. That’s all good, except it makes the toll of entry for a Hybrid really steep, starting at over $47,000.

Driving the Hybrid is a seamless experience. The CVT is well-matched to the powertrain, delivering crisp performance in addition to shine operation. The gas-only V6, thank yous to its traditional stepped automatic transmission, is a picayune to a greater extent than satisfying to drive, in addition to tin live ordered amongst a proficient mix of features for a much to a greater extent than reasonable price. Both Highlanders practise goodness greatly from the novel suspension, amongst a shine ride, controlled treatment in addition to cornering that is surprisingly agile. Toyota has made substantial improvements inward NVH (noise/vibration/harshness), in addition to equally a outcome Highlander achieves near-luxury levels of driving refinement.

COMFORT & QUALITY

At 191.1 inches long, on a 109.8-inch wheelbase, the Highlander's stretched past times iii inches over the prior version, but none of it comes betwixt the wheels. There's a half-inch to a greater extent than width, inward what was already a fairly large vehicle--though ane that's all the same noticeably smaller than competitors similar the novel Nissan Pathfinder.

The Highlander tin spot upward to 8 passengers. In front, the chairs are similar many we've sat inward recently: ameliorate inward softer, plusher cloth than inward their leather-wrapped cousins, especially when ventilation is factored in. As much equally nosotros honey the cooling effect, the characteristic takes the house of some valuable padding. To larn mightiness adjustment on both forepart chairs, past times the way, you'll induce got to pass for the priciest Limited edition.

Behind the forepart buckets, separated past times a tambour-covered console almost large plenty for a gym bag, the Highlander totes 5 or six. The minute row's either a three-person split-bench spot amongst a recline feature, or a duet of captain's chairs. The recline function's a proficient affair for tall passengers--we had to laid the seatback at a slight angle to create headroom nether ane Highlander's measure mightiness sunroof.

We acknowledge we'll fille the "Center Stow" spot Toyota has offered inward the past times Highlander. It had a department inward the middle bench spot that tucked away into the console, creating a pass-through to the 3rd row. There's a flip-up cupholder tray to create total the infinite left behind, betwixt captain's chairs. The novel seat's less functional inward that way, but it does slide on a runway for proficient adjustability.

It tin either nibble away its ain leg room or increment it, taking upward infinite from the reclining third-row seat, which has 4.3 inches to a greater extent than width for ameliorate comfort but hardly whatsoever to a greater extent than headroom, rendering it a house for tweens in addition to kids, in addition to non many other people.

It's to a greater extent than critical that Toyota has carved out to a greater extent than infinite behind the third-row bench for cargo. The 3rd row folds flat, in addition to out of the way thus the crossover tin live loaded up: there's upward to 13.8 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, 42.3 behind the minute row, in addition to 83.7 behind the forepart ii seats--enough for a laid of bunk beds or a circular of extreme couponing.

The want to spot a Highlander through those paces is diminished, though. With each generation it's expire nicer, quieter, calmer, in addition to the limit inward this generation's to a greater extent than marked than the last. Thicker acoustic drinking glass damps powertrain noise, in addition to insulation inward the flooring blots out vibrations, suspension chatter, in addition to tire squawk. The soft-touch materials on the dash are rich, the woodgrain convincing, the tray formed into the dash a genuinely useful spot for all kinds of little electronics. It's come upward a long way from the boxy, utility-drawer 2001 Highlander...SEE ALL PHOTOS

DRIVETRAIN

Three dissimilar drivetrains are available. The base of operations LE gets a 2.7-liter 4 cylinder amongst 185 horsepower in addition to 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s alone available inward FWD, but does a decent chore of moving the Highlander around town. The range-topping hybrid model comes alone inward Limited trim in addition to is powered past times a 3.5-liter, V-6 producing 280 horsepower when combined amongst the connected iii electrical Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors. Two reside upward forepart in addition to ane out dorsum to mightiness the parent wheels. The book engine volition live the measure 3.5-liter, V-6 available inward all trim levels higher upward the base of operations LE. It kicks out 270 horsepower in addition to 248 pound-feet of torque. All iii engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

In my fourth dimension amongst the 3.5-liter Limited AWD model, I was impressed amongst its acceleration in addition to handling. The AWD arrangement amongst 50:50 torque split plant good at eliminating torque steer that’s way to a greater extent than apparent on the FWD model. To the Highlander’s credit, the FWD’s torque steer wasn’t apparent until the throttle was buried.

Likewise, It’s alone in addition to thus when whatsoever harsh engine racket is noticeable. When accelerating upward a steep on ramp, the engine was audible, but cruising around town or sitting at a ruby-red light, the engine is almost silent.

Fuel economic scheme is also improved for the Highlander’s 3rd generation. The base of operations 2.7-liter I-4 amongst FWD is rated at xx mpg city, 25 mpg highway in addition to 22 mpg combined. The volume-leading 3.5-liter amongst FWD comes inward at nineteen mpg city, 25 mpg highway in addition to 21 mpg combined, spell opting upward for AWD drops each category past times ane mpg to 18/24/20. The hybrid is alone available inward AWD in addition to makes a respectable 27/28/28

BRAKE & SUSPENSION

Toyota has worked difficult to shine out the Highlander’s ride. Up front, the MacPherson struts larn returned curl springs in addition to low-friction stuff within the shocks provides ameliorate dampening when cornering or braking. Out back, an all-new double wishbone suspension features forepart in addition to parent stabilizer bars to proceed things on the direct in addition to narrow. The primary added practise goodness of the novel setup beingness a reduced interior intrusion from tall daze towers – giving the 3rd row an added chair. (The 2013 Highlander had a two-person 3rd row)

Vented 12.9-inch rotors upward forepart in addition to 12.2-inch rotors out dorsum withdraw the 4,134- to 4,861-pound CUV to a stop. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 drum-style parking brake resides within the parent brake rotors.

FEATURES

The 2014 Toyota Highlander offers upward a rich listing of features, fifty-fifty inward base of operations four-cylinder models priced at nigh $30,000. All versions induce got premium cloth interiors, an Entune connectivity kit, in addition to Bluetooth to expire amongst the common mightiness features in addition to conveniences. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 rearview camera's also standard, equally are a USB port, 18-inch wheels, in addition to split-folding second- in addition to third-row seats.

Add the Plus bundle in addition to you'll larn a mightiness driver seat; satellite radio; three-zone automatic climate control; in addition to a mightiness tailgate amongst a flip-up drinking glass window.

Highlander XLE crossovers come upward amongst pushbutton start; leather; heated forepart seats; a sunroof; navigation; Homelink garage door opener; in addition to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity thank yous to the measure V-6 engine. The second-row bench spot tin live changed out for captain's chairs. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Blu-Ray DVD amusement arrangement is an option. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 characteristic called Driver Easy Speak pipes inward front-seat voices to back-seat voices inward Highlander XLE in addition to higher trims--making a hollo at third-row kids a picayune less strained, if no less necessary.

Limited Highlanders larn 19-inch wheels; parent parking sensors in addition to blind-spot monitors; second-row captain's chairs; heating in addition to ventilation for the forepart seats; a mightiness forepart rider seat; in addition to premium audio. At this equipment level, gas-only Highlanders are priced right around $45,000--and Hybrids, $50,000.

ENGINE

Toyota has iii engine options for the 2014 Highlander, though it already knows which is probable to live most popular. Cheapest is the 2.4-liter, 185HP four-cylinder, amongst front-wheel drive, though Toyota expects most to expire for the 3.5-liter, 270HP V6. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 novel hybrid is on offering for 2014, pairing the V6 amongst a trio of electrical motors for a total of 280HP.

That's a little increment over the regular V6, true, but Toyota claims it comes amongst a neat bump inward economy. The four-cylinder is rated for 22mpg combined in addition to is alone available amongst front-wheel motion (FWD), spell the Hybrid-V6 is expected to larn around 28mpg combined, in addition to comes alone inward all-wheel motion (AWD). In-between slots the regular V6, rated for 21mpg inward FWD shape in addition to 20mpg inward AWD form.

Toyota has tried to duet the aggressive styling amongst a to a greater extent than sporty experience on-road, amongst mixed results. We spent the bulk of our fourth dimension inward the V6, which has tauter suspension than the outgoing version, in addition to promises to deliver to a greater extent than road-feel through the wheel. On a shine route that pays dividends, but charge the auto upward in addition to yous start to experience to a greater extent than tarmac imperfections than we'd prefer. It tin also larn a picayune uncomfortable for those at the back, swinging the Highlander around leaving its overall size clear.

In fact, the 2014 Highlander plant much ameliorate if yous process it equally a capable cruiser. Power delivered through the six-speed automatic - gaining a ratio over final year's model - is shine in addition to consistent, rather than punchy, easily capable of overtaking at highway speeds without a confused flurry of gear-changes.

Most of the fourth dimension the AWD model feeds its torque to the forepart wheels, for ameliorate on-road dynamics, alone bringing the parent wheels into play if Toyota's computers figure you're losing traction. The brakes are peculiarly impressive, hauling the SUV to a halt amongst no problems.

Toyota has been pushing the tech on its recent cars, in addition to the Highlander benefits from that focus on gadgetry. That includes blind-spot warnings, sensors that flag upward cross-traffic, in addition to lane-departure sensors, spell at that spot are a total of 8 airbags spread around the interior. Exactly which of the sensors yous larn is theme on which trim even out yous splash out on - LE, LE Plus, XLE, in addition to Limited - though all versions larn a near-essential reversing camera...SEE ALL PHOTOS

SAFETY

The 2014 Toyota Highlander comes measure amongst traction in addition to stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, a driver articulatio genus airbag, a forepart rider seat-cushion airbag in addition to full-length side drape airbags. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 rearview photographic television camera is also standard.

The Limited trim gets a blind-spot monitoring arrangement amongst parent cross-traffic alert, in addition to its optional Driver Technology bundle adds a frontal collision warning in addition to mitigation arrangement (with automatic braking), lane-departure warning in addition to Toyota's Safety Connect telematics (emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location in addition to automatic collision notification). Unfortunately, these items are unavailable on lesser Highlander trims.

In crash testing past times the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Highlander received the highest possible rating of "Good" inward the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact in addition to roof-strength tests. In the small-overlap frontal-offset test, the Highlander received the second-highest rating of "Acceptable." Its seat/head restraint pattern was rated "Good" for whiplash protection inward parent impacts.

FUEL ECONOMY

The Highlander sets no fuel-economy records, but it's to a greater extent than oft than non inward occupation amongst other seven-passenger crossover SUVs.

The most frugal version of the Highlander, the four-cylinder model amongst front-wheel drive, doesn't fare much ameliorate than a Ford Flex amongst a V-6, though. The base of operations Highlander's rated at xx miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway, in addition to 22 mpg combined.

Highlander V-6s come upward amongst either front- or all-wheel drive. The front-drive model's pegged at 19/25 mpg, or 21 mpg, past times the EPA. The all-wheel-drive version is rated at 18/24 mpg, or xx mpg combined.

The most planet-conscious Highlander Hybrid fares much better, at to the lowest degree according to its EPA ratings of 27/28 mpg or 28 mpg combined. They're nearly identical to the prior Hybrid, though, in addition to we've had problem observing those figures inward real-world driving.

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