2014 Toyota Highlander – third-gen SUV debuts in NYC

2014 Toyota Highlander-02

The third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander makes its debut at the 2013 New York show with an all-new exterior design, seating for up to eight, new features and technologies, and increased cargo capacity. Plus a new trapezoidal grille dominated face that we’ve not seen on a Toyota before.

Categorised as a mid-size SUV in America, the Highlander has grown in length by approximately 8 cm while width is increased by 4 cm, although the roof is lower.

NVH improvement measures include a 30% expansion of insulation materials in the floor areas. Acoustic-type glass is used for the windshield, and even the panoramic moonroof design works to help reduce wind noise, even when open.

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Vibration is minimised 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.

The second row offers bench-seating for three passengers or two captain’s seats featuring a collapsible tray with cup holders. Getting into the third-row is made easier with the addition of a one-step second-row sliding seat function that provides nearly 8 cm more space for “the hole”.

An overall interior width increase of 10 cm in the third-row and a standard recline function creates added comfort for up to three passengers. Like the second-row bench, it can split 40/60. Rear cargo space behind the third-row has also increased by up to 34%.

2014 Toyota Highlander-18

The 2014 Highlander will be available with three powertrains. A 2.7L four-cylinder, 3.5 V6 (both with dual VVT-i, variable intake manifold and six-speed auto) and the Highlander Hybrid’s 3.5 V6-electric motor combo.

The new Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive automatically shifts from FWD to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage. Governed by an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential, front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50.

Assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana, the 2014 Toyota Highlander will reach American dealer showrooms in early 2014.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Babemoon on Mar 29, 2013 at 11:34 am

    I smell something like Mitsubishi Outlander. Hehe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • Toyota should make the small version of this like what they are doing with Rush, smaller version of Fortuner.

    But please, make the engine 1.8 instead of 1.5 in Rush. With suv body, this must be a ‘tough’ vehicle to decline.

    I hope PR win and remove the duty excise 20% per year until it remove completely 100% in five years for the sake of people.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 32 Thumb down 5
    • Feel happy when my comment approved by Danny Tan. Malaysian people should be wise to kick out BN this year. We must have a better car with a cheaper price. National income from taxes before, can be replace with auction of AP.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 2
    • sincere to remove then 100% in a round is the only way

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 8
  • Timmy on Mar 29, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    A black dude wearing black sit in this car and driving at night will be freaking spooky.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Jimmy on Mar 29, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    Double standard.
    Thank you very much.
    I will vote for you, in the next century.
    Fortuner to Malaysian is like Preve for Malaysian(4 airbags vs 6 in Australia).
    You know le, it is a company of whom.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • kereta lembu on Mar 29, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    Sam Loo will have an orgasm looking at this! This will have a super RV and everyone will envy him. Chicks will dig him and it’ll put other car makes to shame.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • glaze on Mar 29, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    erm i saw a santa fe…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
    • redflank on Mar 29, 2013 at 4:16 pm

      i completely agree… the front design is just soo similar to santa fe…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Amir Sufyan on Mar 29, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    Man…if only its available here…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Fahmi on Mar 29, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Santa Fe competitor… Better for urban use than that boxy ladder-frame Toyota Fortuner…. Though offroad Fortuner is better…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
 

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