The new, 2014 Toyota Highlander SUV offers practically every motorist help technology, also adaptive cruise control. Incorporate that with a brand-new infotainment system and the third-generation Highlander may be the very best mainstream midsize SUV you could purchase … if you might manage it. Toyota placed a backup electronic camera on the entrance design, then compelled virtually every optional vehicle driver help and safety modern technology onto the most costly trim line.
Just what’s New for 2014
The 2014 Highlander is totally revamped. Features feature boosted interior high quality, readily available eight-passenger seating, a height-adjustable energy liftgate and a six-speed automatic transmission for V6 models.
Style – Interior and Exterior
The Highlander’s been reimagined previously, from its spartan wagon origins into the current, girthy, second version. For its third take, the large utility motor vehicle takes on a new look that owes a few of its cues to a slew of affordable vehicles that occupy the gray area in between crossovers and SUVs.
We see some Durango and X5 in the side view– and strangely good enough, lots of Mitsubishi in the maw of its deep new grille and in the overestimations around its tire wells and at the sills. It’s a shift toward a 4Runner-ish, SUV-ish style that runs exactly contrary to the fad in a lot of various other large crossovers– Santa Fe, Flex, Traverse. That switchup functions better in comparison to it did on the Honda Pilot, and the Highlander’s broader shoulders properly stay clear of the more cartoonish elements that the 4Runner rolls around in.
The cabin avoids that ambiguity– it’s all automobile, and it’s straight encouraged by the cockpit in the present RAV4. There’s some Teutonic-themed dashboard activity, and a pleasing assortment of lines and textures. The lines might sweep away from driver to passenger, however the emphasis is clearly on the left side traveler– big determines and huge climate-control knobs are a welcome view. A huge touchscreen consider on navigation-equipped versions, but doesn’t upset the cockpit’s visual clearness, considering that most climate and auxiliary features still have challenging buttons, not online on-screen ones.
The Engine and Security
The base 2014 Toyota Highlander is powered by a four-cylinder engine that reviewers believe performs effectively. A V6 engine is readily available, and automobile reporters agree that it is a far better selection because it is a lot more polished and much more highly effective. A six-speed automatic transmission is common on all models. The base 2014 Highlander obtains an EPA-estimated 20/25 mpg city/highway and the V6-powered Highlander obtains up to 19/25 mpg city/highway, which are excellent ratings for the class. Examination drivers agree that the Toyota Highlander has a smooth flight, safe and secure handling and a nicely weighted, communicative steering system.
Security
The 2014 Toyota Highlander comes criterion with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, a motorist knee airbag, a front passenger seat-cushion airbag and uncut side curtain airbags. A rearview cam is additionally standard.
The Limited trim gets a blind-spot tracking device with back cross-traffic warning, and its optional Driver Technology bundle adds a frontal crash warning and minimization device (with automatic stopping), lane-departure caution and Toyota’s Safety Connect telematics (emergency assistance, swiped automobile area and automated accident notice). Sadly, these things are not available on minimal Highlander trims.
In collision testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Highlander got the highest feasible rating of “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. In the small-overlap frontal-offset examination, the Highlander got the second-highest rating of “Acceptable.” Its seat/head restraint layout was ranked “Good” for whiplash defense in rear effects.
Energy economy/mpg and Features
The Highlander establishes no fuel-economy records, but it’s normally in line with various other seven-passenger crossover SUVs.
The most frugal model of the Highlander, the four-cylinder version with front-wheel drive, does not fare much far better compared to a Ford Flex with a V-6, however. The base Highlander’s ranked at 20 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg freeway, and 22 mpg combined.
Highlander V-6s possess either front- or four-wheel drive. The front-drive version’s secured at 19/25 mpg, or 21 mpg, by the EPA. The all-wheel-drive version is ranked at 18/24 mpg, or 20 mpg integrated.
The most planet-conscious Highlander Hybrid fares a lot a lot better, a minimum of according to its EPA scores of 27/28 mpg or 28 mpg integrated. They’re almost identical to the previous Hybrid, though, and we’ve had trouble noting those figures in real-world driving.
Absolute favorite Features
IN-DASH SHELF WITH EASY CABLE MANAGEMENT
A shelf deep enough to hold also the largest mobile phone stretches from the front guest’s door to the vehicle driver’s appropriate knee. As advertised, the “easy wire administration” remains your mobile phone’s asking for and audio wires organized and out of the way.
FLIP-UP REAR HATCH WINDOW AND ADJUSTABLE POWER LIFTGATE
New for 2014, the optional rear hatch window could now open up while leaving the lesser gate door shut. The optional energy liftgate can adjust to different heights, also.
2014 Toyota Highlander Price
The 2014 Toyota Highlander SUV begins at merely under $30,000 and that will bring you the LE trim degree with a 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The Highlander LE with a V6 engine will certainly set you back a great $31,380. The top-trim Limited beginnings at $40,500 for front-wheel drive and $41,960 for four-wheel drive. The Hybrid Limited regulates a $48,160 price.
