The Toyota Highlander Is All New for 2014

The 2014 Toyota Highlander is back and along with its return, a number of changes can be seen. On its third generation, the Highlander was released with more standard features and technologies that make a statement on why this mid-size SUV is what it claims itself to be. Equipped with nothing but the latest in style, comfort, handling, safety, and technology, the new Highlander sets itself on a whole new level. And with a newly redesigned exterior, there’s no telling how far the 2014 Toyota Highlander will achieve when it starts selling in January 2014.

Below is a short summary on what new features are available on the new 2014 Toyota Highlander:

Trim Levels and Engine

The new Highlander will become available in four different trim levels, namely LE, LE Plus, XLE, and Limited. The standard feature for each of these trims include an All Wheel Drive (AWD) and a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) option. A new Dynamic Torque Control feature will also be standard among all AWD models.

The new Highlander comes with three engine choices available for each trim level. The lowest is a rare 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine available on the LE trim level. Another engine is the 3.5-liter V6 engine that is available for the hybrid drive. Meanwhile, a majority of these vehicles will be arriving with a 3.6-liter V6 engine capable of producing 270 horsepower while using a 6-speed transmission. Even though there will be a number of AWD models, the car manufacturer will be producing some 2WD versions for select markets.

2014 Toyota Highlander LE

Considered as a mono-spec vehicle, the Highlander LE trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, turn signal indicators, windshield wiper de-icer, smart storage compartments, Entune Audio with Bluetooth for streaming music and phone compatibility, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The trim also comes with a second and third row seating capacity complete with 60/40 split fold-flat seats.

2014 Toyota Highlander LE Plus

As a notch higher than the LE trim level, the LE Plus comes standard with fog lights, Entune Audio Plus with XM & HD radio, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, adjustable-height power rear liftgate, flip up rear hatch window, and a three zone automatic climate control. The LE Plus is also mono-spec like the LE trim version.

2014 Toyota Highlander XLE

Compared to the two lower trim levels, the XLE trim comes with a standard Chromtec roof rails, second-row integrated sun shades, leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation, Homelink, smart key with push button start, and App Suite with 8-inch touchscreen display with an anti-theft system. The XLE also comes with a 5,000 lb towing capacity and an option to include captain’s chairs on the second row seating.

2014 Toyota Highlander Limited

The last trim level, 2014 Highlander Limited, is packed with features that set a new standard for the entire Highlander series. Complete with 19-inch Chromtec alloy tires, rear parking sonar, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, seven seating capacity with captain’s chairs on the second row, four-way passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, perforated leather trimmed seats, memory settings for driver seat, and a rear parking sonar, there’s really nothing else you can ask for from the Limited. Options for the trim include adding a panoramic moonroof, heated perforated leather second row captain’s chairs, and a heated steering wheel. Plus, there is an option to add a Platinum package called the Driver Technology Package which provides top level features for easy handling. 

Exterior Changes

Over the past seven years, the fuel economy rating of the Highlander has barely changed. But because the new Highlander has been super-sized from the original, the rating has been affected. Apart from the newly changed size, the 2014 Highlander comes with a new front grille and flattened hood. The headlights have also thinned down compared to earlier models. While there is an option to upgrade to a panoramic moonroof on the Limited, the other trim levels are available for a standard moonroof.

Safety

As far as safety is concerned, the new Toyota Highlander is equipped with 8 standard airbags. Just like the other Toyota models, the Star Safety System will also be a standard. Among the safety features that are part of this system include traction control, enhanced vehicle stability control, brake assist, brake-force distribution, Smart Stop technology, and an anti-lock braking system.

With the arrival of the 2014 Toyota Highlander, it is only a matter of time before interested parties will be calling to test drive the new unit. Stay tuned as we update our blog with further news as we anticipate the arrival of this new mid-sized SUV. Visit us at Miller Toyota to see our latest inventory of brand new Toyota Highlanders.