The Toyota Highlander competes against pretty strong rivals including the perennial Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder and even the Jeep Grand Cherokee when similarly outfitted. When they set out to redesign and update the Highlander for 2014, it had to be better in many key areas.
It was restyled inside and out, with an all new body shell and an evolution of the previous chassis platform. A more dramatic shape with a faster rear roof line are the first impressions along with what appears to be a bit larger overhangs.
The face is all new with HID headlights and a large trapezoidal grille which ties nicely into them with a sweeping chrome bar. The side profile is much sleeker and flowing than the last generation Highlander, definitely more dramatic.
It comes with black plastic cladding along the lower body at the front and rear to better protect against off-road contacts, though this vehicle really isn’t aimed at heavy adventures off the pavement.
On the XLE you get a flip up rear window as well as a power lift gate. Machined 18” premium wheels are added as well as fog lights. You also get unique chrome roof rails which are integrated into the body structure for better aerodynamics.
The interior of the Highlander also gets a complete makeover with an emphasis on soft touch materials, more versatility, increased seating options and most importantly all-new technology features.
To start with a new swept dash design with soft touch panels really impresses. The design has a unique shelf that spans from the center console to the passenger side to hold gadgets or other road trip goodies. There’s a handy pass-through for USB cables right above the dedicated jacks.
The center console also offers up a unique roll-top opening for the storage area which is positively huge. The doors slide open both forward and rearward, and when closed make a comfortable soft armrest.
As you look around the cabin you notice a distinct raising of the bar in terms of luxury, evident in two-tone trims, french stitching in the seats, and a fashionable selection of color combinations. Familiar to Toyota faithful however will be switches and controls, which are Toyota standards.
Seating options range up to 8 passengers with three across for the third row a feature afforded by a new rear suspension design. Our Highlander was optioned with second row captain’s chairs which had a handy flip up tray between them which can be folded down for center access to third row.
Front seats are of course very comfortable with the driver getting power adjustments, the passenger front remaining a manual seat. The steering wheel has tilt and telescope adjustments and plenty of controls for audio and trip computer functions.
The only area I really found fault with was placement of the infotainment touchscreen. It’s too far away requiring you to lean from the seat to reach it. Its placement also has it in direct sunlight most of the time, making it hard to see.
Aside the placement issues, the touchscreen audio system with navigation and Entune suite of applications is very easy to use and works well compared to many if Highlander’s peers. Menu functions and adjustments on the go are easily grasped.
An option on the Highlander sure to be popular with kids and parents alike is a rear-seat BlueRay and DVD entertainment system which comes with two pairs of wireless headphones.
The rear cargo area with third row seats up is somewhat minimal, but they fold down flat rather easily in a 60/40 split which gives a much more generous space. The 2nd row seats can also fold down, increasing capacity more.
Toyota spent a lot of effort reducing noise and refining the chassis of the new Highlander, given its place as a family cruiser. A thicker windshield, increased chassis stiffness and sound deadening have paid off well.
On the highway and around town the Highlander rides quiet and comfortable. The suspension is tuned for a middle of the road ride, not sporting but not too soft. It’s a perfect blend for a family hauler that may spend hours on road trips.
Under the hood is Totota’s popular 3.5 liter DOHC V6 with 270 horsepower. For 2014 it comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission in both front-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive models.
I really enjoy this engine when testing a vehicle it’s in. This V6 is quiet and powerful, a pair of traits most of its competition only get one of. It revs smooth and sewing machine like with a healthy growl when prodded.
The EPA rates the Highlander all-wheel drive model at 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. In our week of testing we observed 20.5 mpg combined with the air-conditioning on at all times, so a little better than advertised.
