2014 Toyota Highlander

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Three different powertrains are offered including a 2.7L 4-cylinder, a 3.5L V6 and a hybrid. 2. Our 2014 Highlander Limited AWD tester is powered by a 270 hp. V6 engine and uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. 3. Base price is just about $30,000 for an entry-level Highlander, including destination and delivery charges. 4. V6 AWD Highlanders are rated at 18 MPG city and 24 mpg highway.

PREVIEW

Family-focused crossovers aren’t the most electrifying vehicles on the road. They’re typically ponderous, overweight and thirstier than they should be. Is this a description of a car or your eccentric uncle?

Injecting some much appreciated visual flair intoToyota showrooms across the country is the completely redesigned 2014 Highlander. One of the first things you’ll probably notice about this all-new three-row people hauler is its expressive new body. This crossover makes quite a statement, with its gaping, almost Lexus-like grille.

And it ought to look nice; the first design company stylists came up with was scrapped because it just wasn’t good enough. The result of that mulligan is dramatically more interesting than today’s model, though from the rear it does look like it’s got a load in its diaper.

Of course the new Highlander is more than just a pretty face. This vehicle offers a lot of family-friendly features in a spacious but not-too-large package.

INTERIOR

The vehicle’s entire cabin has been redesigned. It’s more attractive, more useful and a lot more refined. The look borrows cues from the new Avalon sedan, which isn’t a bad thing.

Squishy plastics abound on the dashboard and door panels. There’s even an integrated storage cubby that runs across the dash. It’s nicely padded and is a perfect place to stash your smartphone for a quick recharge while driving.

When it comes to storage front-seat riders are treated to a massive center console between the seats. It’ll hold 24.5-liters of junk, which is equivalent to at least 58 children’s juice boxes. In adult terms that’s approximately a week’s supply of single-malt Scotch whiskey, though I don’t recommend you test that out, ESPECIALLY while underway…There’s also plenty of technology. The new Highlander is available with the latest driver assistance systems, things like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alter. Additionally a backup camera is standard, which is a handy addition. Bluetooth connectivity and heated side-view mirrors are also included at no extra charge.

UNDER THE HOOD

As for powertrains two are available in non-hybrid models. The base engine is a 2.7-liter four-banger providing 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s only expected to account for between 5 and 10 percent of sales; really it’s the value leader and probably only exists so Toyota can claim the Highlander starts at less than 30 grand.

The overwhelming majority of these vehicles will be powered by a familiar 3.5-liter V6, the efficient and ubiquitous 2GR-FE. It delivers a smooth 270 ponies with 248 lb-ft of twist. Unlike today’s model a six-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines.

Disappointingly the four-cylinder model is barely more efficient than that. They’re expected to stretch a gallon of gasoline 20 miles in urban driving and up to 25 on the interstate; combined they ought to hit 22 MPG.Naturally fuel economy is a subject on everyone’s mind, from consumers and dealers to engineers and designers. Reduced consumption was a key goal with the 2014 Highlander and the vehicle’s scores are up compared to the previous generation. Front-wheel-drive V6 models sticker at 19 miles per gallon city and 25 highway, which results in a combined score of 21 MPG.

When properly equipped the 2014 Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is theoretically enough to drag the Loch Ness Monster from her murky lair.Naturally, all-wheel drive is also on the menu, though it’s only available on six-cylinder models. About 60 percent of buyers are expected to opt for this traction-boosting technology, though it cuts into efficiency by 1 MPG in each category.

Highlanders with the four-banger are only rated to tow 1,500 pounds; mid-range and hybrid versions fall somewhere in between. Bringing a merciful dash of common sense to the automotive industry these figures are SAE certified (J2807). This is a hot topic in the pickup segment.