ANDER:
GINEERING
p Previous versions of the Highlander
weren't "heroic" enough. The 2014
version is focused on correcting this
oversight with more exciting styling,
greater perceived luxury, and better
ride and handling.
p The powertrains are carried over for 2014, with the base LE and LE Plus ofering
a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with front-drive, and the rest a 3.5-liter V6 in
standard or hybrid form. Cost is the only reason to ofer the inline four as the new
six-speed automatic gives the V6 fuel economy very close to the smaller engine's.
Hybrid buyers might want to swallow hard as that model starts at $47,300.
second-generation Highlander didn't have the looks or
[perceived] luxury. The third generation needed a prominent,
outstanding presence; luxury NVH levels; more dynamic
handling, and greater ride comfort to be competitive."
Like the current Camry, the latest Highlander is a major re-do
of the existing platform, not a clean-sheet execution. It's also
a vehicle wherein U.S. thinking is taking more of a lead as
engineering and product development control for the model
shifts away from Japan. All 2014 Highlanders will be sourced
from Toyota's Princeton, IN, plant.
Though the new model is 2.8-in. longer and 0.8-in. wider than
the 2013 Highlander, passenger volume is 0.8 ft3 less, and
total cargo volume drops by a surprising 8.2 ft3. A quick look
at the numbers shows a slight increase in the leg room of the
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