2015 toyota Highlander Specs

2015 toyota highlander specs: The 2014 Toyota Highlander's cavalcade of renovations make a formerly bland, middle-of-the-road SUV attract attention with strong styling and enhanced family kindness.

Toyota listened to customers while revamping the seven/eight-seat 2014 Highlander as well as reacted to demands for even more cabin as well as freight area, vibrant designing and also premium amenities. Ask for an extra vibrant driving experience must have been respectfully overlooked, nevertheless, as the 2014's harsher trip is a tradeoff I do not assume numerous midsize SUV buyers need to have to deal with in return for sportier handling.

Still, other enhancements will certainly appeal to consumers that had actually scratched the previous Highlander off their listing or at the very least to those that don't consider a comfortable flight a must-have. The 2014 Highlander's increased cargo space behind the standard third-row seat is a much-needed improvement; plus, it's simpler to get right into the third row, which now seats 3 and bumps standard seatsing ability to 8.


2015 toyota highlander specs


With upgrades that span the lineup of LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited as well as Limited Platinum trim levels, the 2014 Highlander is now in better form to tackle the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2014 Ford Explorer and 2014 Honda Pilot.

I drove four-cylinder, six-cylinder and also Hybrid 2014 Highlanders at a Toyota media event.

Exterior & Designing

Toyota went back to the attracting board to revamp its aging as well as stylistically empty Highlander. Fast-forward to 2014, and you can not call the Highlander boring looking any type of longer. The 2013's dull look transforms into a hulking SUV with a beefier stance, bulging fenders as well as strong front styling. Its existence was big on the 2013 New York City International Auto Show floor where it debuted, as well as it looks equally as excellent rolling down the street.

Just how It Drives

The driving experience isn't the vehicle's most attractive characteristic, despite a selection of encouraging brand-new framework as well as suspension modifications, so it excels the new SUV does so several other things well.

Toyota chose curvy canyon and also coastal roads in California to show the Highlander's brand-new handling chops. Driving a 2013 as well as 2014 back to back, the 2014 does display greater degrees of road grasp and an enhanced guiding feedback. It's more sports when digging right into a corner, though I wouldn't call the Highlander fun to drive. The 270-horsepower V-6 doesn't have a prompt punch of velocity in the hefty Highlander. It's an unlike the lighter, 290-hp Hyundai Santa Fe, which is a "little" ball of enjoyment among other similar three-row SUVs. A six-cylinder Highlander LE with front-wheel drive is 4,244 pounds, while a V-6, front-wheel-drive Santa Fe GLS is 3,933 extra pounds.

An unfavorable impact of the Highlander's newly found dynamics is a choppier flight over harsh roads. After driving 2013 as well as 2014 models, I could tell the 2014 transmits even more road flaws through the framework and right into seats. Hey, Toyota: It's ALRIGHT to have an aggressive layout and also ride like a sofa; see the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

On the advantage, the 2014 Highlander has an extra substantial sensation over harsh roadways, with fewer rattles, squeals and framework flex. It's a matured experience with boosted audio insulation, acoustic glass and a stiffer framework helping keep outside noise marginal.

I quickly hung around in the four-cylinder Highlander with front-wheel drive, which Toyota anticipates to make up 5 to 10 percent of sales, as well as in the all-new Highlander Hybrid. Both the front-wheel-drive-only four-cylinder (20/25/22 mpg city/highway/combined) and all-wheel-drive-only Hybrid V-6 (27/28/28 mpg) are a little harsh around the edges as for engine noise as well as resonances. The Hybrid's gas mileage is reasonably the same for 2014, down 1 mpg in city rankings to 27 mpg but maintains its 28 mpg combined ranking. The transition from electric to when the engine fires up is obvious with raw sounds coming from under the hood, distinct from throughout a parking lot. Resonances from the transition are very little, yet the sounds are audible to take notice.

An extra 353 pounds included in the hybrid from three electric motors-- 2 in the front as well as one in the back-- and also a nickel steel hydride battery is visible in exactly how the Hybrid drives compared to the Minimal V-6 with four-wheel drive. It's a kicked back experience less thrilled concerning increasing and also taking care of even with 280-hp integrated, and also it additionally doesn't ride any type of smoother than the non-hybrid.

The Hybrid's uncommonly loud engine sounds wouldn't be as much of a concern if the Highlander Hybrid just weren't $48,160 with location, $7,130 greater than 2013-- a 2014 Lexus RX 450h is $47,320, however a lot smaller sized on the inside. The Highlander Hybrid's deluxe cars and truck cost doesn't show high-end improvement since the feature-loaded Hybrid Limited is the only Crossbreed offered; the less-expensive version obtained the axe for 2014.

The volume-seller V-6 is one of the most refined of the lot, supplying smooth and also foreseeable acceleration as well as the best handling with all-wheel drive. The V-6-powered Highlander's gas mileage of 19/25/21 mpg with front-wheel drive and also 18/24/20 mpg with all-wheel drive is also extra affordable than the outbound 2013 thanks to a new six-speed transmission replacing a five-speed unit on V-6 versions. The all-wheel-drive system, which is also new, assists include 2 mpg highway over the 2013 version. All-wheel-drive Highlanders send torque to the back wheels when slippage is discovered, versus the previous system that always sent torque to four wheels.

Inside

Part of the 2014's transformation consists of dialing up the interior styling with numerous soft-touch as well as accent-stitched interior panels that improve the classiness. The top quality is Toyota-Avalon wonderful with a stitched control panel, steering wheel and also soft-touch, high-grade products in popular locations. Plastic locations that aren't textured, sewed or covered are still on par for the class. Also the base LE Highlander exhibits the almost luxurylike niceness of the higher-optioned Limited trims.

Seating is comfortable in the first and second rows with soft, vast pole positions as well as a very adjustable 2nd row that glides as well as reclines with two captain's chairs or the standard three-seat bench arrangement-- captain's chairs are offered on the XLE and typical on the Limited. The rest of the Highlander could have been redone with dynamism in mind, yet the seats speak with its comfort-focused origins. Lots of people on our staff will miss out on the 2013's removable second-row facility seat. I won't, as it was unpleasant as well as cumbersome to get rid of and also replace with the facility table that saved under the center console.

In the third row, Toyota raised width and added an added seat for an optimum ability of eight passengers in conventional configuration. A brand-new, extra small rear suspension freed the extra room. The 3rd row still doesn't fit adults with as much comfort as the larger Chevrolet Traverse, however it excels in a pinch. There are additionally brand-new one-touch folding second-row seats on both sides. Previously, just the curbside seat folded as well as glided ahead through the one-touch bar. Third-row cyclists additionally take advantage of the second row's boosted seat traveling, which enables simple entrance and also leave.

Ergonomics & Electronics

Innovation is a massive emphasis in the 2014 Highlander and done quite possibly. Toyota's Entune multimedia system works much better than ever compared with various other Toyota cars in which I've utilized the system. Working the Entune system's voice commands goes over. The models I tested noticed the numerous voice commands I spoke.

Those with bulky phones or who regularly have their phone linked to the SUV will value a gadget storage walk listed below the climate regulates that provides a pass-through for USB cords. There must be no more Medusa-like dangling of cable televisions the gear selector.

The typical Entune on base LE models includes a 6.1-inch touch-screen with backup cam, USB port with iPod connectivity, auxiliary input, voice acknowledgment, Bluetooth phone connectivity and Bluetooth streaming audio. LE Plus trims have Entune Sound Plus with a higher-resolution 6.1-inch display screen, HD Radio as well as 90-day satellite radio registration. The next step up is Entune Costs Sound with Navigating and App Suite on XLE versions with an 8-inch touch-screen and app collection with Pandora, Yelp as well as Facebook combination with a smartphone and going along with Entune downloadable application. A JBL stereo is conventional on Limited trim degrees.

The large facility storage bin between the pole positions can devour anything plus-sized, like a bag, iPad or Blu-ray collection for the readily available rear-seat Blu-ray gamer. And when you forget that Blu-ray in the house, an intriguing new attribute called Easy Speak sends the flourishing voice of a mad mother or dad via the rear stereo speakers through the Bluetooth microphone to keep wild children in check. What does it cost? a lot more family members concentrated can you obtain than offering a feature that allows parents to chew out children?

Freight, Towing & Storage space

Cargo space behind the 3rd row boosts over the previous Highlander's revealing step, which struggled lugging grocery stores, not to mention an infant stroller or golf bag. The cargo volume is currently rated at 13.8 cubic feet, up from 10.3 cubic feet. It's not a big enhancement, but at least it makes the area useful. It's still little compared with others in the sector: The Traveler has 21 cubic feet as well as the Pilot has 18 cubic feet behind the 3rd row. Toyota's hoax to increase freight area included relocating all 3 rows of seats onward, adding length behind the back wheels as well as utilizing an extra portable back suspension.

The power liftgate is a remarkable function to be typical on LE And also trim degrees as well as above, and has a trick up its sleeve: It adapts to numerous elevations, not simply 1 or 2 predetermined height setups. With the liftgate moving, individuals could quit the liftgate as well as program it to open to that established height the next time. The feature will certainly make shorter drivers as well as proprietors of low garages extremely delighted. (If the gate goes too expensive, shorter people could have a hard time to reach the power-close button on its lower edge.) One more unique feature on the back is an oldie yet a goody: On LE And also designs and also above, the back window opens up for very easy gain access to independent of the freight entrance.

A 5,000-pound tow ranking on XLE and Limited trim degrees features a conventional towing bundle that includes engine/transmission coolers as well as upgraded radiator and also generator. Crossbreeds could tow 3,500 pounds, V-6 LE/LE Plus can tow 2,000 extra pounds and a four-cylinder LE is ranked at 1,500 extra pounds.

Security

The 2014 Highlander hadn't been crash-tested at the time of this writing.

The 2014 Highlander offers reduced supports and tethers on outboard second-row seats for child-safety seats, however only a secure support on the center third-row seat.

Advanced safety attributes are readily available, though just on the costly Limited trim degree where a dead spot surveillance system and back auto parking assist are conventional, and pre-collision, flexible cruise ship control as well as lane departure caution are optional. Minimal trim levels are additionally the only designs with a back-up camera that utilizes anticipating guidelines to reveal the vehicle's course-- a back-up cam with set lines is typical on all various other trim levels.

Value in Its Course

Toyota states rates is up about $1,500 typically throughout the 2014 trim levels, that include additional functions over the 2013. Base rates starts at $30,075 for a base four-cylinder LE with destination, while volume-seller XLE models with four-wheel drive are $38,360 and also include natural leather sitting with warmed pole positions, navigating, three-zone climate control, clever keyless entrance, second-row sunshades and also more. Prices for the XLE is really competitive to three-row midsize SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Ford Traveler and even the Hyundai Santa Fe.

The 2013 Highlander was really a midpack three-row SUV, dragging in vital locations like indoor high quality, cargo area as well as modern technology. Feel confident, if you're a Highlander proprietor planning to update-- as long as you're unconcerned about trip top quality-- the 2014 is not only a compelling upgrade, yet also deserving of cross-shopping the segment's best.