2014 Toyota Highlander – Happy Hauler

2014 Toyota Highlander – Happy Hauler

Restyled Highlander Seats Eight And Has Plenty Of New Tech

The Toyota Highlander is back for 2014, beginning a third generation of the family-size SUV. The people hauler gets a restyled exterior, more technology inside and out, and a few quirky features that could make family travel more manageable.

Starting under the hood, there are three engine configurations: a 185-hp 2.7-liter inline four, only offered on the LE trim; a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6; and a hybrid V6 mak­ing 280 hp. Hybrid mileage is impressive at 28 mpg combined. Three electric motors support the hybrid's 3.5-liter V6.

The Highlander, Toyota's popular midsize SUV, is all new for 2014.

The new Highlander seats eight passen­gers with a standard second-row bench seat. Passenger volume is the same, but cargo space is up. With the third and/or second row folded, the Highlander will swallow a ton of stuff.

Thrust is more than adequate from the six, but unlike other semi-powerful SUVs, its suspension is tight enough to quell much of the pitch and roll. The throttle tip-in is also well modulated for smooth takeoffs. There is some torque steer on hard launches, but it's easily kept in check.

Four-cylinder, six-cylinder and hybrid powertrains are available.

Steering feels relatively direct for a big­ger SUV. The hybrid offers about the same feel, even with a few extra pounds to carry around. The brakes are also impressive – we had to ask if they help in battery regen­eration and were surprised to discover they did because we barely felt a difference.

Even though the third row in the High­lander is small, we still would put the truck near the top of the family-hauler list. Clever features include a parcel shelf in front with a pass-through hole for power cords, a secondary rearview mirror to check on the kids and Driver Easy Speak, which allows the driver to talk through an amplifying microphone to the passengers in the last row. We had plenty of fun yelling at our imaginary kids: "Shut up back there or we'll turn this thing around!"

Controls are well laid out, attractive and easy to use

We think the sheetmetal takes a big step forward, though the final verdict is up to you. The entire front fascia is restyled, now sporting huge headlights wrapping around the sides. The rear is revamped as well, adding a more contemporary look.

If your family has five or six, or is look­ing to add some kids, the Highlander will do just fine. And the hybrid's 28 mpg com­bined is nothing to sneeze at.