Toyota
Highlander 2014
The all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander
mid-size SUV made its world debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show.An all-new
exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, complementing a new
interior that will raise the bar in the mid-size SUV segment. With three-row
seating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available
in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander will
offer 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 that will produce excellent
all-around capability, and a V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain for
enhanced mileage and fewer emissions.
Sophisticated, Dynamic
Exterior is Sleek and Strong
Sophisticated and
dynamic, the new Toyota Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a lower
roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels. The
exterior has grown in length by approximately three inches while width is
increased one-half inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance.From the
front, Highlander's hood merges with a redesigned trapezoidal grille,
wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders for a more aggressive
appearance.The length of the profile, from the front fenders to the rear
quarter panels, boldly stands out with sculptured wheel wells at the corners,
allowing for prominently protruding wheels. The total package is capped off by
a newly designed rear lift-gate with one-touch power open/close and driver
selectable memory height settings, and taillights and bumper that exude style
and strength. Toyota Highlander's body structure will include high-strength
steel in the front pillars for increased rigidity. Visibility has been improved
through precise repositioning of the front A-pillars, while the size of the
rear quarter glass has been increased to provide a wider view for driver and
occupants.Refinement is enhanced through improved noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH) measures. Interior noise reduction is achieved through a 30
percent expansion of silencing insulation materials in the floor areas.
Acoustic-type glass is used for the windshield to help reduce noise entering
the cabin, and even the panoramic moonroof design works to help reduce wind
noise, even when the moonroof is open.Vibration is minimized through expanded
coverage of the dash silencer, enhancements to body sealing, and the strategic
placement of three hydraulic engine mounts. Improvements in the exhaust layout
have been made for additional noise and vibration reduction.Premium Interior
Design with Advanced FunctionalityToyota engineers raised the bar on interior
design for the mid-size SUV segment by adding even more refinement and
functionality to the new Highlander. The 2014 model will offer a premium
interior highlighted by increased spaciousness for up to eight people, and an
array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.The new Toyota
Highlander's interior utilizes premium materials to offer an upscale
experience, with most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching. All
Highlanders will come equipped with a soft-touch instrument panel; and
silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed
throughout the interior. Wood-grain pattern trim can be found on the front dash
and door trim for an added touch of elegance. Premium fabrics, available smooth
and perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift
knob add to Highlander's redesigned upscale interior. The adoption of a high
quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades add to Highlander's
refinement and comfort.A new roll-top center console box with a dampened
sliding door provides a comfortable armrest, or when fully opened is large
enough to hold a large handbag. All Highlanders will feature a newly designed
in-meter-cluster Multi-Information Display. Available ambient lighting around
the front dash and doors add to the refined environment.The second row offers
bench-seating for three passengers or two captain's seats featuring a
collapsible tray with cup holders for added convenience. Getting into the
third-row is made easier with the addition of a one-step second-row sliding
seat function that provides nearly three more inches of space for easier entry
and exit to the third-row. An overall interior width increase of 4.3 inches in
the third-row and a standard recline function creates added comfort for up to
three passengers. Like the second-row bench, the third-row will be 40/60 split
for added passenger and storage flexibility and convenience. Rear cargo space
behind the third-row has also increased by up to 34 percent for added storage.Additional
available convenience features include an Automatic High Beam System, Auto
Cruise Control, Smart Key, driver's seat memory, heated and ventilated front
seats, heated second-row captain's seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Improved Dynamic
Performance, Handling, Efficiency
The new Toyota
Highlander will be available in three powertrains. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder
engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve
Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and
exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The 2.7-liter engine
is teamed with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.A
3.5-liter V6 is also equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold.
Acceleration and fuel efficiency are improved thanks to a new six-speed,
electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable
manual sequential shifting.The Highlander Hybrid model's Hybrid Synergy Drive
system pairs the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive
motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency.The new Toyota
Highlander will provide a more dynamic driving experience, with new
technologies that include Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD),
enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering.
The spring rates and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help
enhance the vehicles handling characteristics.Highlander will have a MacPherson
strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension, four-wheel disc
brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and available 19-inch alloys.Highlander's Dynamic
Torque Control AWD system automatically shifts from front-wheel drive (FWD) to
AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage. The driver is able
to view the torque-distribution settings on the meter display.The Dynamic
Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque
transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically
controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential.Front to rear torque
distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0)
automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel
consumption.The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system uses information sent from
various sensors (speed, steering angle and speed, throttle angle and yaw rate)
to automatically govern the transmission of torque to the rear wheels, as
required.A sophisticated, high-speed interactive management system coordinates
control of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and
Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance Toyota Highlander's
performance, handling and safety.
Advanced In-Cabin, Multimedia Connectivity
All new Highlanders come equipped with Toyota's
Entune™ multimedia system. The Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen
with Bluetooth® and voice recognition is standard, while an eight-inch
touchscreen system and Toyota's Entune™ app suite with12 JBL speakers is also
available.The new Toyota Highlander will also offer an available Rear Seat
Entertainment system with an RCA coaxial input terminal at the rear of the
center console to allow external devices, such as gaming systems, to be
connected.
Comprehensive Array of Safety & Convenience Features
All 2014 Highlander's will have eight standard
airbags. Like every Toyota, Highlander will feature the standard Star Safety
System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control,
Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System,
and Smart Stop Technology. All Highlander's will also come equipped with a
standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control. All AWD models will have
an AWD LOCK switch.New available safety and convenience features include rear
parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic
Alert, and a Pre-collision System.All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor
Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind. The all-new Toyota Highlander
will reach dealer showrooms in early 2014.
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