Active families will be able to add holiday cheer to their new year when the all-new 2014 Highlander sport utility vehicle (SUV) begins rolling into dealer showrooms later this month. The all-new fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid will arrive at Toyota dealers in mid-February 2014.
With three-rowseating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander offers a nuanced balance of style, comfort and utility. The total package is capped off with three powertrain choices: a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, a powerful V6 with a new six-speed transmission and a V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that delivers fewer emissions and segment-leading miles-per-gallon for a three-row mid-size SUV.
Highlander will be available in four well-equipped grades: LE, LE Plus, XLE and Limited. Each will offer both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). AWD gas models will include standard Dynamic Torque Control.
All Highlander grades feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine and new six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission that offers selectable manual sequential shifting. The LE grade is also available in a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and the Limited grade is available with a hybrid powertrain.
The LE grade comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, Entune Audio featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth® phone and music streaming, an integrated backup camera, seating for eight with second- and third-row 60/40 split fold-flat seats, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, smart storage compartments like the roll-top center console, an in-dash shelf with easy access to power and USB ports, a windshield wiper de-icer, and much more.
The standard equipment parade continues on the LE Plus grade with standard fog lights, an height-adjustable power rear liftgate with flip-up rear hatch window, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support, Entune Audio Plus with XM & HD radio, three-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Like the LE, the LE Plus is mono-spec.
The XLE grade adds standard smart key with push button start, leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, Chromtec roof rails and a tilt-slide moonroof, second-row integrated sun shades, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation, App Suite with an eight-inch touch screen display, anti-theft system, Homelink,and a 5,000 lb. towing capacity. Options include seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, and a rear-seat Blu-ray® DVD entertainment system.
The Limited grade adds the following standard features: 19-inch Chromtec alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sonar, seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors, four-way power passenger seat, and Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite.
Options for both the gas and hybrid Limited grade models include a rear-seat Blu-ray DVE entertainment system, Driver Technology Package, and Platinum Package.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the new Highlander LE will range from $29,215 for the LE four-cylinder FWD to $43,590 for the Limited V6 AWD with Platinum Package. Prices for the all-new 2014 Highlander take effect with the start of production in early December.
The Highlander Hybrid Limited will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $47,300, with the Hybrid Limited with Platinum Package carrying an MSRP of $49,790.
All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind., which will also export Highlanders to 12 countries around the world. TMMI employs over 4,000 American workers.
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.
