The all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander was finally revealed today at the 2013 New York Auto Show.In his presentation speech, Toyota Group USA Vice President Bill Fay pointed out that the brand heard current owners of the mid-size crossover and made the appropriate changes for its replacement, which is slightly bigger and roomier, both for passengers and their luggage, features improved handling and a more premium interior.
At 191.1 inches long and 75.8 inches wide, the Highlander Mk3 is 2.7 inches longer and 0.6 inches wider than the outgoing model, while retaining the same height at 68.1 inches tall and wheelbase length at 109.8 inches.
The exterior styling of the new Highlander features tauter surfaces and a bolder front end with a large grille piece, which kind of reminds us of Toyota's trucks.
The design of the interior is also new and follows in the lines of Toyota's latest models, with the Japanese carmaker stating that it has used more "premium materials to offer an upscale experience". Contrast stitching will be offered on most models, as will soft-touch surfaces and better looking trim accents.
There's also more space inside with the new Highlander offering the option of a 7- or an assumingly, very tight for the last row passengers, 8-seat configuration. According to Toyota, there's a width increase of 4.3 inches in the third-row of seats that also gain a standard recline function.
All Highlanders will come equipped with Toyota’s Entune multimedia system featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen as standard, while there's also an optional rear seat entertainment system.
New available safety and convenience features for the 2014 model include rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Pre-collision System.
Engine choices remain the same with the previous model, and include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6, both paired to a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, and a Hybrid model teaming the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine to an electric drive motor-generator.
The new Highlander will be built at Toyota's Indiana plant in the U.S., with sales to start early next year.
2014 HIGHLANDER PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i
Transmission: Six-speed ECT-i
Drive System: Front-Wheel-Drive
3.5-liter V6 engine with VVT-i
Transmission: Six-speed ECT-i
Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive
Hybrid Synergy Drive with 3.5-liter V6 Engine and Electric Motor
Transmission: Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Drive System: All-Wheel-Drive
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 191.1
Overall Width: 75.8
Overall Height: 68.1
Wheelbase: 109.8
Ground clearance: 8.0-inches
Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
19-inch alloy wheels (Limited)
Tire Size: 18-inch: 245/60R18 (LE and XLE)
19-inch: 245/55R19 (Limited)
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs. (V6 only)
Seating Capacity: 7 or 8
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