Toyota's 2014 Highlander is the centerpiece of the maker's New York Auto Show stand.
Like an army on the march, Toyota is moving ahead with one of its largest product offensives ever, rolling into New York with the new iteration of the its most popular utility vehicle, the 2014 Highlander.
The new version of the midsize Highlander is designed to continue Toyota’s new focus on “passionate” design, something the maker admits has been a critical weakness that it hopes to address with all of its brands. The new look for the Toyota Highlander is mean to convey a sense of refinement and strength, which complements a new interior with seating for up to eight as well as an array of standard features.
In line with the family buyers midsize crossover-utes like Highlander appeal to, the 2014 update will add a number of new safety features, including optional Blind Spot Monitor and Cross-Traffic Alert.
The 2014 Toyota Highlander will come with three powertrain choices: a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, a new 3.5-liter V-6 mated to an equally new six-speed automatic, and a V-6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain for enhanced mileage and lower emissions.
The 2014 Highlander offers three powertrain choices, an I-4, new V-6 and a higher-mileage hybrid.
The exterior of new Highlander — which is three-inches longer and one-half-inch wider than the model it is replacing — features what Toyota describes as “a progressive silhouette,” a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics, with a redesigned trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps and more sculpted side-door panels than the relatively slab-sided outgoing ute.
The interior picks up new contrast seat stitching, a soft-touch instrument panel; and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents and wood-grain pattern trim on dash and door trim for a premium
A new roll-top center console box with a dampened sliding door provides a comfortable armrest, or when fully opened is large enough to hold a large handbag.
Additional convenience features include an automatic high beam system, auto cruise control, smart key, driver’s seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The new Highlander adds a number of new safety features, including optional Cross-Traffic Alert.
The Highlander will offer a more dynamic driving experience, Toyota claims, thanks to enhancements in its suspension, and with tweaks to its electric power steering. The spring rates and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help enhance the vehicles handling characteristics. A high-speed digital controller will help coordinate various body and brake management systems, such as Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel-drive and electronic stability control.
All new versions of the 2014 Highlander will come equipped with Toyota’s Entune multimedia infotainment system. There’s an updated 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, and voice recognition is standard, while an eight-inch touchscreen system and Toyota’s Entune app suite with 12 JBL speakers is also available.
To keep rear seat passengers entertained, the new Highlander will also offer a rear-seat entertainment system with an input terminal to allow external devices, such as gaming systems, to be connected.
All 2014 Highlander’s will have eight standard airbags. And other safety systems include Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology. All Highlander’s will also come equipped with a standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control.
The 2014 Toyota Highlander will be offered in both 7- and 8-seat configurations.