2014 Toyota Highlander Review
Three Rows, No Waiting
It has always been a solid crossover. Now, Toyota touts its eight-seat Highlander is not “boring.” Did they achieve such lack of boredom this time around? CarSoup.com drove one to find out.
Exterior
The new Highlander is big. Even though it is as long as a mid-sized sedan, there is an illusion of size that the Highlander exudes. However, a lot of the specs have not changed that much for its predecessor. Perhaps it is the bold new front end that is doing it? Maybe it is the large doors and big rear quarter glass?
Nonetheless, the Highlander has a lot to offer on the outside. You can open up the rear glass to access the rear cargo area, as well as using the power-operated liftgate. Both are great conveniences for parents or others with limited time on their hands. The XLE model CarSoup.com tested had 18-inch alloy wheels with good-sized sidewalls from its Michelin tires.
Interior
The illusion of size is also comforting once you step inside the Highlander. Four big doors open up to row rows of massive space. Front seat occupants get big seats with loads of room to adjust behind the wheel. The XLE model adds power adjustments for lumbar Rear seat occupants get adjustments for legroom and recline, along with cupholders in the armrest. The third row is easily accessible and would benefit from the second row moved towards the front with extra legroom. Otherwise, it is best for children, with anchors for child seats, when needed.
Cargo is flexible depending on how many rows of seats you have up. With three rows up, there is only 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space – which is well proportioned. However, if you fold the third row down, there is 42.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which looks like it would swallow a week’s vacation for four people rather easily. The cargo floor does go flat through all rows down with easy access through the liftgate or the rear glass.
The driver gets a huge instrument panel. Instrumentation is huge with readable dials and a good TFT screen in the middle for trip and vehicle readouts. It is also cleaner with most switches and controls clustered logically within the cabin. Some buttons are actually hidden underneath the center stack on the console, but others should be familiar to Toyota owners. Perhaps the best feature is a shelf that runs from underneath the Entune screen towards the passenger side. You could put your smartphone and other goodies within reach on shelf.
Toyota’s Entune infotainment system is driven by a large eight-inch touch screen in the middle of the dashboard. The screens are clear to understand and offer plenty of options for connecting through Bluetooth or a USB cable. You also get SiriusXM and HD Radio for your listening options through six strategically positioned speakers. This tester had a rear seat BluRay player with a single drop-down screen and a pair of wireless headphones when you have children to entertain along the way.
Performance/Drive
The corporate 3.5liter V6 is the best choice for powering the Highlander. With 270 horsepower on tap, there is plenty of punch to get the Highlander going on the highway or across town. It is well suited to run 4,310 pounds of mid-sized crossover anywhere you point it. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic sends power down to all four wheels. In the XLE model, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The Highlander is a big ol’ softy. It rides smooth and absorbs the bumps and cracks on the road. You do get some roll and lean in the corners, but enough to make things uncomfortable for everyone. The Highlander’s ride is also on the quiet side and the all-wheel drive senses loss of traction rather quickly and smoothly.
Steering is rather easy, made possible by an electric system that steers rather decently. The turning radius is fine and the feel is soft and light. Brakes are decent with good stopping power. Pedal action is good for normal and panic stops.
Toyota claims the V6 AWD Highlander will average 20MPG. CarSoup.com achieved an average of 20.6MPG.
Pricing
The Highlander lineup starts with a four-cylinder powered, front-drive LE model with a sticker price of $30,470. Our XLE V6 all-wheel drive tester came out to $40,170. If you want a Highlander with the works, a fully-loaded Hybrid model – the V6 plus Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive – in the Limited Platinum Package will set you back $51,045.
The Highlander is far from boring. It is quite an entertaining mid-sized crossover that feels big and acts its size. If you are looking for a right-sized vehicle for your family, the Toyota Highlander may be the right choice for your dime.
**If you are interested in a Toyota Highlander, log onto CarSoup.com to find out what is available on sale. **
*Photos © Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. *
