The 2014 Toyota Highlander was unveiled at the New York Auto Show with seating for eight people and three different powertrains. It’s also bigger than the previous generation of the car, coming in at 3″ longer and 1.5″ wider.
Three different powertrain options will be available on the 2014 Toyota Higlander starting with a base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive. You’ll get more power if you opt for the 3.5-liter V6 which is available in front-or all-wheel-drive variations.
The final option is the all-wheel drive Highlander Hybrid which features the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It teams up a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency. No word yet on exact mpg ratings.
The exterior of the 2014 Toyota Highlander has been given a few tweaks with a lower roof designed to improve aerodynamics, sculpted doors and a new grille. There’s also a new one-touch rear lift-gate to go along with a bolder rear bumper.
Inside you’ll find more upscale look throughout with soft-touch surfaces, chrome plated accents and wood-grain pattern trim. You’ll also be able to choose the configuration of the middle row seats with bench seating for three or captain’s chairs for two.
Getting into that third row won’t require a contortionist’s skill thanks to the second row sliding seat that moves forward for easy access with three additional inches of entry space. Once you’re seated, you’ll have an extra 4.3″ of width space and the ability to recline your seat.
The 2014 Toyota Highlander comes with an array of safety features including eight airbags, Traction Control, Braking Assist and Smart Stop Technology. A backup camera will also come as a standard feature.
Toyota’s Entune multimedia system with a 6.1″ touchscreen display will come standard with options for an 8″ screen. There will also be an available rear Rear Seat Entertainment system to allow external devices to plug into the center console.
The 2014 Toyota Highlander will be appearing in dealer showrooms in early 2014 with pricing to be announced.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. When not drooling over cars, Nicole writes for Wired’s GeekMom.
