2014 Toyota Highlander Review
The 2014 Highlander is King of the Road
Overview
If you are looking for the ultimate family adventure vehicle, then the 2014 Toyota Highlander is likely on your list. Toyota has designed the perfect family multi-tasker that can handle 7-8 passengers comfortably and haul all their cargo without losing too much on fuel economy and it’s called the Highlander. This mid-SUV is a great family vehicle. The designers at Toyota describe their concept for styling the exterior as “sleek on strong” and for the interior as “functional beauty.” The 2014 Toyota Highlander is available in four available trims levels: the LE, LE Plus, XLE and the Limited. The top of the line Limited model also offers the ultra-ritzy platinum package.
Comfort is plentiful with heated and ventilated seats available. The touch-screen features a large 8-inch display and there is also a vehicle information display that is easy to see and easy to read at 4.2-inch. It probably goes without saying that Toyota loaded the Highlander down with all the technology features you would expect from a 2014 model from the plentiful phone charging access points to Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration.
While most Highlanders will spent their entire life on pavement, if you wanted to take yours off-road, it is more than capable. There is a generous 8 inches of ground clearance offered which gives the Highlander an off-road advantage, not to mention the available all-wheel drive system. Snow mode is standard on all the trim levels and gives you the best possible traction when taking off in the slick weather conditions. The 2014 Highlander offers a cargo volume of 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 44.2 cubic feet behind the second row. To fold down both the second and third row and the Highlander offers a generous 78.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
New for 2014
Toyota put in a lot of thought and effort when designing the all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander. The 8-passenger seating is now standard on all models. Additionally, there is now a 6-speed automatic transmission that replaces the 5-speed to help improve gas mileage. Furthermore, the instrument cluster has been moved up a bit to help keep the driver from distractions from the road.
Smart and sporty, the 2014 Highlander features an all-new enlarged grille and redesigned aerodynamic roof racks. Also, Chrometec wheels are now found on the 2014 Highlander coming in at 19-in for the Limited and 18-in for the XLE and LE plus. While the base LE doesn’t receive the Chromtec wheels, it does get redesigned 18-in alloys.
Interior/Exterior Features
Offering a bold and attractive exterior design, the 2014 Toyota Highlander has a much more sophisticated and chiseled look on the outside. The grille has been enlarged and the roof racks redesigned. Definitely standing out in a crowd, the Highlander offer a sporty look that appeals to a wide variety of customers.
The designers at Toyota have every angle covered and geared towards practicality. You will never have any problems finding a place to put your things with the numerous built-in cubbies, storage compartments and enormous cup holders. Nicely tucked into the dash is a shelf that is perfect for charging your phone with convenient pass throughs for your charging cables to easily access the charging ports. The center console provides a generous storage area at 24.5 liters which means it is big enough to hold 38 twelve ounce soda cans. So with that being said, to fit a laptop or a large purse in this storage area is no problem.
Refined and luxurious, Toyota used all high quality and soft touch materials for the interior. The dash features tasteful metallic accents and is available with sophisticated wood trim. The third row seat of the Highlander is rather spacious and if you want to relax during the ride, it actually reclines. Speaking of your road trip, the whole family gets to enjoy a terrific sky view with the massive panoramic sunroof. And if enjoying the scenery is not enough entertainment, the Highlander offers the Entune phone connectivity system that offers App Suite to make sure you have all your favorite music streaming at all times.
Performance/Drivetrain Features
There are two different engine options to choose from either a 2.7-liter I-4 or a 3.5-liter. Rest assured, no matter which engine you choose, the Highlander is sure to offer you plenty of power to handle any adventure with ease.
Toyota has earned accreditation from the Society of Automotive Engineering for its towing capabilities so these vehicle have been tested for its capability to haul 5,000 pounds safely and for the duration of your vehicle.
Safety/Mechanical Features
Being the perfect family vehicle, Toyota made sure to pay special attention to safety by offering 8 standard airbags, car seat anchoring LATCH system and tire pressure monitoring system. The 2014 Highlander also features the integrated Star Safety System, which adds the following features: Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
Have no worries when you’re backing out of that parking space, Toyota offers a backup camera as standard equipment on all Highlander models. When driving a vehicle of this size, I appreciate the fact that Toyota has the backup camera standard on all models.
What’s it like to Drive?
It doesn’t matter who you ask, if the question is, “What’s the Highlander like to drive?” The first thing that will more than likely come to mind is simply… fun. Some of that credit may be due in part to the redesigned double-wishbone rear suspension which helps create a smoother ride.
Rough roads are no match for the 2014 Highlander when equipped with the available Dynamic Torque-Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This is an advanced system that automatically distributes engine power from the front to the rear and the braking system kicks in from side to side. These functions work together to provide the driver with better control
Specifications
The 2014 Highlander is King of the Road
Overview
If you are looking for the ultimate family adventure vehicle, then the 2014 Toyota Highlander is likely on your list. Toyota has designed the perfect family multi-tasker that can handle 7-8 passengers comfortably and haul all their cargo without losing too much on fuel economy and it’s called the Highlander. This mid-SUV is a great family vehicle. The designers at Toyota describe their concept for styling the exterior as “sleek on strong” and for the interior as “functional beauty.” The 2014 Toyota Highlander is available in four available trims levels: the LE, LE Plus, XLE and the Limited. The top of the line Limited model also offers the ultra-ritzy platinum package.
Comfort is plentiful with heated and ventilated seats available. The touch-screen features a large 8-inch display and there is also a vehicle information display that is easy to see and easy to read at 4.2-inch. It probably goes without saying that Toyota loaded the Highlander down with all the technology features you would expect from a 2014 model from the plentiful phone charging access points to Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration.
While most Highlanders will spent their entire life on pavement, if you wanted to take yours off-road, it is more than capable. There is a generous 8 inches of ground clearance offered which gives the Highlander an off-road advantage, not to mention the available all-wheel drive system. Snow mode is standard on all the trim levels and gives you the best possible traction when taking off in the slick weather conditions. The 2014 Highlander offers a cargo volume of 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 44.2 cubic feet behind the second row. To fold down both the second and third row and the Highlander offers a generous 78.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
New for 2014
Toyota put in a lot of thought and effort when designing the all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander. The 8-passenger seating is now standard on all models. Additionally, there is now a 6-speed automatic transmission that replaces the 5-speed to help improve gas mileage. Furthermore, the instrument cluster has been moved up a bit to help keep the driver from distractions from the road.
Smart and sporty, the 2014 Highlander features an all-new enlarged grille and redesigned aerodynamic roof racks. Also, Chrometec wheels are now found on the 2014 Highlander coming in at 19-in for the Limited and 18-in for the XLE and LE plus. While the base LE doesn’t receive the Chromtec wheels, it does get redesigned 18-in alloys.
Interior/Exterior Features
Offering a bold and attractive exterior design, the 2014 Toyota Highlander has a much more sophisticated and chiseled look on the outside. The grille has been enlarged and the roof racks redesigned. Definitely standing out in a crowd, the Highlander offer a sporty look that appeals to a wide variety of customers.
The designers at Toyota have every angle covered and geared towards practicality. You will never have any problems finding a place to put your things with the numerous built-in cubbies, storage compartments and enormous cup holders. Nicely tucked into the dash is a shelf that is perfect for charging your phone with convenient pass throughs for your charging cables to easily access the charging ports. The center console provides a generous storage area at 24.5 liters which means it is big enough to hold 38 twelve ounce soda cans. So with that being said, to fit a laptop or a large purse in this storage area is no problem.
Refined and luxurious, Toyota used all high quality and soft touch materials for the interior. The dash features tasteful metallic accents and is available with sophisticated wood trim. The third row seat of the Highlander is rather spacious and if you want to relax during the ride, it actually reclines. Speaking of your road trip, the whole family gets to enjoy a terrific sky view with the massive panoramic sunroof. And if enjoying the scenery is not enough entertainment, the Highlander offers the Entune phone connectivity system that offers App Suite to make sure you have all your favorite music streaming at all times.
Performance/Drivetrain Features
There are two different engine options to choose from either a 2.7-liter I-4 or a 3.5-liter. Rest assured, no matter which engine you choose, the Highlander is sure to offer you plenty of power to handle any adventure with ease.
Toyota has earned accreditation from the Society of Automotive Engineering for its towing capabilities so these vehicle have been tested for its capability to haul 5,000 pounds safely and for the duration of your vehicle.
Safety/Mechanical Features
Being the perfect family vehicle, Toyota made sure to pay special attention to safety by offering 8 standard airbags, car seat anchoring LATCH system and tire pressure monitoring system. The 2014 Highlander also features the integrated Star Safety System, which adds the following features: Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
Have no worries when you’re backing out of that parking space, Toyota offers a backup camera as standard equipment on all Highlander models. When driving a vehicle of this size, I appreciate the fact that Toyota has the backup camera standard on all models.
What’s it like to Drive?
It doesn’t matter who you ask, if the question is, “What’s the Highlander like to drive?” The first thing that will more than likely come to mind is simply… fun. Some of that credit may be due in part to the redesigned double-wishbone rear suspension which helps create a smoother ride.
Rough roads are no match for the 2014 Highlander when equipped with the available Dynamic Torque-Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This is an advanced system that automatically distributes engine power from the front to the rear and the braking system kicks in from side to side. These functions work together to provide the driver with better control
Specifications
- Starting Price: $29,215
- Engine Options: 2.7-liter I-4 185 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V-6 270 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- Trim Levels: LE, LE Plus, XLE and Limited
- Transmission Options: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Seating: 8 passengers
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles
