Toyota's Highlander is the quintessential crossover, blending the virtues of the Camry platform with the versatility of a midsize SUV. The recently redesigned model now offers seating for up to eight in three rows of seating.
What's New for 2014
A more angular exterior, retuned exhaust, an in-dash shelf, Drive Easy Speak and a split tailgate.
Choosing Your Toyota Highlander
Highlander is equipped with two engines: An inline 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 185 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 270 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, but buyers of V6 models can opt for all-wheel drive. The Highlander is also available with a hybrid powertrain.
LE
The base LE is the only Highlander that comes with the four-cylinder engine; the V6 is optional here, and standard on all other trim levels. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, an integrated backup camera, seating for eight with second-and third-row 60/40 split fold-flat seats, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, USB ports and a windshield wiper de-icer. Opt for the LE V6.
LE Plus
In addition to a standard V6, the LE Plus trim includes fog lights, power liftgate, an eight-way power driver's seat, Entune Audio Plus with XM and HD radio, three-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
XLE
The XLE adds standard features including a smart key with push button start, leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, roof rails and a tilt-slide moonroof, second-row integrated sun shades, a premium audio system, navigation, 8-inch touch screen display, anti-theft system, and 5,000-pound towing capacity. Options include a rear-seat entertainment system.
Limited
The Limited includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sonar, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors. Seating capacity drops to seven with second-row captain’s chairs. Options include the rear entertainment system and a Driver Technology Package with stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance and automatic collision notification, a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beam headlights.
Limited Platinum
Amenities in the top-spec Limited Platinum include the Driver Technology Package, along with a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, and heated second row captain's chairs.
Choose Your Toyota Highlander >>
CarsDirect Tip
Unless you need all-wheel drive, it's an unnecessary expense. Our choice is a front-wheel drive XLE—it gives buyers lots of extras at the mid-point in Highlander pricing.
