Highlight: The third-generation Highlander is built-off the same platform as America’s best-selling car, the Camry.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $41,900 (Base Model starts at $30,075)
Seating Capacity: 7 or 8, depending upon seating configuration
Standard Safety Features: 8 airbags (driver, front passenger, knee, side-curtain); hill start assist, ABS, stability control; traction control; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels, a 3.5-inch infotainment screen; cloth with third row seats; front and rear a/c vents; and a manually operated tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Suspension System:
Front- an independent MacPherson strut w/L-shaped lower arm w/stabilizer bar
Rear- trailering arm with double wishbone
Standard Audio: a 6-speaker AM/FM/ CD player
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder/185-horsepower
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage: 20-city/25-hwy
Towing: 1,500 lbs with 4-cylinder/ 5,000 lbs with 6-cylinder engine
Other Trim Levels:
Base
Plus
XLE
Limited
Limited Platinum
Hybrid
What’s New: With the availability of an all-new 6-speed transmission, depending upon the transmission configuration, the third-generation Highlander, which wears a brand-new exterior design, is larger, roomier and more fuel-efficient than the model it replaced. And, for the 2014 model year, the people mover adds a number of high-tech safety driving aids and luxury touches, too.
Pros: We are smitten with the new
exterior design of the 2014 Highlander. The new design moves beyond just
appealing to women, but to men too, with its stylish bold design. In fact, the athletic side profile of the Highlander looks similar to Infiniti’s top of the line
three-row passenger crossover, the JX 60, which is now known as the QX 60. In
fact, the more upscale front grille being worn by the Highlander reminds us of
the recently redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe. Yes, the mainstream Highlander is
truly in a different league.
For the 2014 model year, the
three-row crossover continues to offer three engine choices: a 4-cylinder, a
6-cylinder and a hybrid system. The Highlander is also available with either a
front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.
Inside the 2014 Highlander, one
will easily notice that comfort and convenience were truly at the top of the
interior designers’ wish list. For the front seating area, a gigantic roll-top
center console, which is situated between the front buckets, serves not only as
a comfortable armrest, but as a place which can absorb magazines, an iPad or a
large handbag.
And, to enhance its luxury
offering, Toyota now offers leather captain chairs for the second-row, with a
collapsible side tray with cup holders, making it easier to enter into the
third-row seating area, which offers 3.7 inches in width. Even without the
captain chairs, occupants will also have easier access to the rear seating area
by merely sliding the second-row (captain or split bench seats) forward, which
allows for travel room.
Seeing that the third-generation
Highlander is a lot larger, this equates to additional cargo room, too.
Moreover, if consumers have an
opportunity to opt for the upscale Limited like the one we reviewed, they can
expect such features as leather seats, a power memory heated driver’s seat, a heated
power passenger seat, side-window manually operated sunshades, blind-spot lane
changing system, an 8-inch infotainment screen, which houses a nav system,
back-up camera with cross-traffic alert, a rear parking alarm and a 12-speaker
premium JBL audio system. The crystal clear JBL system included HD radio, XM
radio and APP Suite.
Besides the noted luxury
features, our Limited was outfitted with Toyota’s Driver Technology Package,
which consisted of a radar-activated cruise control system, a lane departure
warning system, a high beam headlight system and a pre-collision braking
system.
Furthermore, for those who step
up to the top of the line Platinum model, they will have access to an oversized
panoramic moonroof, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row captain
chairs.
Cons: While we haven’t driven the
4-cylinder, based upon the horsepower, it seems as though the Highlander would
not be adequate to power the 8-passenger crossover. Inside the roomier cabin, the third-row seating
area is still relatively cramped, when compared to its competitors. In fact, we found with the middle bench seats the flip-up cupholders seemed relatively flimsy for the $40,000 vehicle we tested. Lastly, the Highland Hybrid system is only
available in premium trim packages. In our opinion, this gas-saving technology
should be within reach of those who aren’t necessarily wanting or able to
afford the premium trims.
The Verdict: The all-new Highlander has
definitely grown-up, offering a stylish people and cargo mover with loads of
safety aids for the driver, if so desired. The Highlander is available in a
variety of configurations and with a host of luxury features too. Ironically,
pricing for the loaded to the max Highlander Limited Platinum along with the
other competitive vehicles in this segment, tips over into the starting price
point for the base model Infiniti QX 60, which offers a longer warranty.
Consumers should take that into consideration as they begin to option out the
redesigned Toyota or for that matter -- any of the competitors.
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