Exterior Features

Key 2014 Highlander design highlights include a large trapezoidal
grille, new wraparound headlights and taillights, and what
Toyota
calls "deeply sculptured" fenders. A set of 18-inch aluminum wheels is
standard for the LE and XLE trim levels, while the new Highlander
Limited is equipped with 19-inch aluminum wheels.
Interior Features

To accommodate eight people, the redesigned 2014 Highlander's cabin is
equipped with a third-row seat that is 4.3 inches wider than the
previous model and a second-row seat designed to make entering and
exiting the third-row easier. Toyota also says it has improved cargo
space behind the third-row seat, adding 34% of volume, which translates
to 13.8 cubic feet of space when cargo is stacked to the roof. A power
tailgate with adjustable height settings is also new for the redesigned
Highlander.
Toyota says the new Highlander's interior "will raise the bar" for
midsize crossover SUVs. Soft-touch materials, improved headliner
fabric, premium cloth seats, large roll-top center storage console,
leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a blend of simulated wood,
metallic, and chrome accents are designed to make good on the
automaker's assertion. Toyota also says it has taken steps to reduce
noise, vibration, and harshness in its redesigned family crossover SUV.
Optional Features

Depending on the trim level selected, the 2014 Toyota Highlander can be
optioned with numerous extras. Leather seats, heated and ventilated in
front, are available, along with second-row captain's chairs,
second-row window shades, and a heated steering wheel.
The new Highlander can also be equipped with ambient cabin lighting and
a panoramic glass sunroof, as well as a Smart Key passive entry system
with push-button starting and an automatic cruise control system.
Infotainment upgrades include a larger 8-inch color touch screen with
Entune App Suite technology, JBL premium sound system, and a rear-seat
entertainment system with input jacks for game consoles.
Under the Hood

Toyota did not divulge the 2014 Highlander's horsepower and torque
figures when the new crossover debuted. But the automaker did confirm
that the standard engine is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, the upgrade engine
choice is a 3.5-liter V-6, and that both engines will drive the SUV's
front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Highlander
Hybrid returns for 2014, equipped with a gas-electric hybrid
powertrain that can power the SUV at low speeds using nothing but the
electricity stored in its battery pack, according to Toyota. Toyota did
not announce whether it will replace the Hybrid Synergy Drive
powertrain's current nickel-metal hydride battery pack for a more
compact and contemporary Lithium-ion battery. The Highlander Hybrid is
likely to continue with its continuously variable transmission (CVT)
and dual electric assist motors, which effectively provide all-wheel
drive.
A Dynamic Torque Control AWD system is optional, though Toyota does not
say whether or not it will be paired exclusively with the 3.5-liter
V-6. The system continuously monitors vehicle speed, steering angle,
throttle position, and yaw rate to vary engine torque distribution from
a 100:0 front-to-rear split to a 50:50 front-to-rear split. At low
speeds, the system can be locked into a 50:50 split for maximum
traction.
Safety

The new Toyota Highlander is equipped with eight standard air bags,
reversing camera system, and Smart Stop technology that is designed to
make it impossible for the driver to accidentally accelerate if the
brake pedal is pressed. Safety-related options include rear park-assist
sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure alert system,
blind-spot monitoring system, and a pre-collision system.
Technology
Toyota includes a 6.1-inch Display Audio touch-screen radio in every
2014 Highlander, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, voice-recognition
capability, and the automaker's Entune smartphone pairing and
multi-media services technology. An Entune App Suite package is
optional, as well as automatic high-beam headlights that dim when
oncoming traffic approaches or when the Highlander is approaching
traffic ahead.