The world first laid eyes on the Toyota Highlander->ke238 back in 2000 at the New York Auto Show->ke226 and, being built on the Toyota Camry->ke246 platform, it was one of the first car-based crossover->ke288/SUV->ke145s. The first generation model ran until 2007, and the second generation ran until 2013 when Toyota->ke88 finally ushered in the third-generation model that was longer, wider, and more crossoverish than ever before. Highlights included a larger grille, and lower-mounted fog lights, and much more rounded body. Inside, it offered three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, a host of safety equipment, and Toyota’s Entune multimedia system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display. Under the hood, one could find a 2.7-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic and front wheel drive, or a 3.5-liter with a six-speed automatic and the option for all-wheel drive.

With a more upscale interior, decent power delivery, and a refined exterior, the third-generation Highlander was able to increase sales for 2014 and 2015, with more than 300,000 examples sold over the two-year span. Of course, all of the changes to the Highlander did look pretty familiar as a similar redesign of the Toyota Rav4->ke370 had already received similar design cues. Either way, the new Highlander can be chalked off as a success as of the time of this writing, so take a look at our full review below to see all of the fine details.

Hit the jump to read more on the 2014 Toyota Highlander.

2014 Toyota Highlander

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Toyota Highlander
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 268
  • Torque: 248
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new-generation Highlander offers the same design language we saw in the fourth generation RAV4. The model grew in length by about 3 inches and in width by 1/2-inch.

Up front, the new Highlander gets a redesigned trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders. When viewed from the side, you will notice sculptured wheel wells at the corners. The rear receives a newly designed rear lift-gate with one-touch power open and close, and driver-selectable memory height settings.

Dimensions

Overall Length

191.1

Overall Width

75.8

Overall Height

68.1

Wheelbase

109.8


Interior

On the inside, the new Highlander is offers enough room for up to eight people, plus an impressive array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.

Each model will be offered with a soft-touch instrument panel and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents. Wood insertions can be found on the front dash and door trim, while available perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob offer the Highlander a more luxurious feeling.

Available convenience features:

-Automatic High Beam System

-Auto Cruise Control

-Smart Key

-Driver’s seat memory

-Heated and ventilated front seats

-Heated second-row captain’s seats

-Heated steering wheel

Drivetrain

At launch, the new-generation Highlander will be offered with a choice of three engines: two gasoline units and one hybrid powerplant. Base models will be powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, while top versions will get a 3.5-liter V-6. Hybrid models will combine a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency.

Final specifications for all three models will be announced at a later date.

Suspension and Brakes

The 2014 Highlander will be offered with standard 18-inch alloy wheels standard and optional 19-inch alloy wheels.

Each unit will be offered with a MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension. Also available is a new Dynamic Torque Control AWD system that automatically shifts from front-wheel drive (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage.

Prices

The all-new Highlander will reach dealer showrooms in December 2013, with the hybrid version to be added to the lineup in February 2014. Prices will be as follow:

Model

Grade

Engine

Drivetrain

13MY MSRP

14MY MSRP

MSRP Difference

MSRP Change (%)

6942

LE

L4

FWD

$29,020

$29,215

$195

0.7%

6946

LE

V6

FWD

$30,395

$30,520

$125

0.4%

6948

LE

V6

AWD

$31,845

$31,980

$135

0.4%

6947

LE Plus

V6

FWD

$31,850

$32,740

$890

2.8%

6949

LE Plus

V6

AWD

$33,300

$34,200

$900

2.7%

6951

XLE

V6

FWD

$34,560

$36,040

$1,480

4.3%

6953

XLE

V6

AWD

$36,010

$37,500

$1,490

4.1%

6954

LTD

V6

FWD

$37,950

$39,640

$1,690

4.5%

6956

LTD

V6

AWD

$39,400

$41,100

$1,700

4.3%

6955

LTD Plat.

V6

FWD

N/A

$42,130

N/A

N/A

6957

LTD Plat.

V6

AWD

N/A

$43,590

N/A

N/A

6966

Hybrid LTD

V6

AWD-i

$46,370

$47,300

$930

2.0%

6967

Hybrid LTD. Plat.

V6

AWD-i

N/A

$49,790

N/A

N/A


Competition

The new generation Toyota Highlander received tons of updates, but we're just wondering if they will be enough to catch all the attention on the market.

Nissan Pathfinder

Even though it’s not completely new, the 2013 Pathfinder offers a series of updates that transform it into a great SUV. The Pathfinder is offered with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers a total of 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 240 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. As you can see, the Pathfinder has the disadvantage of offering just one engine option, but a hybrid version was just announced in New York.

Ford Explorer

All the three SUVs deliver pretty similar fuel mileage and interior luxury level, so we guess is just a matter of output that counts. The Explorer is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that pumps out 290 horsepower - a few more than the Pathfinder, but we have yet to find out if the Highlander can beat it.

Conclusion

With its new look and the three engine choices, the Highlander is an SUV that will likely draw in its fair share of customers. The only problem is that we still have a long wait before it finally arrives on the market.