2014 Toyota Highlander thread
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,987
Likes: 81
From: Southeastern PA
I went in for a 10k service today and my dealer had two new Highlanders - LE AWD and an XLE AWD. I sat in both and have to say that this is one of Toyota's nicest interiors to date. Everything feels incredibly high quality - materials are on par or nicer than the current RX, and the design is easy to use, pleasant to look at, and will age very nicely. The XLE AWD was black on black leather with brown stitching...pretty rich looking for a $38k Toyota CUV. Perfect size interior, too.
I'd say that the exterior seems like a love child between a Lexus RX and Jeep Grand Cherokee - and I love it
. The front grille isn't as prominent in person as it looks in pics, but I really dig the side profile and rear end.
Overall, I'd give it a solid 8.5/10 having not driven it. Nice job Toyota
I'd say that the exterior seems like a love child between a Lexus RX and Jeep Grand Cherokee - and I love it
. The front grille isn't as prominent in person as it looks in pics, but I really dig the side profile and rear end.Overall, I'd give it a solid 8.5/10 having not driven it. Nice job Toyota
Ok--so it's not ground breaking. But, really, what in this segment is? The Pilot, CX-9, Santa Fe, Explorer--are any of those groundbreaking? I looked at a '12, which already had better gas mileage than a Pilot or the CX-9 I ended up getting. Toyota has upgraded to a 6 speed tranny, which ups the gas mileage even more. They added vented seats, blind spot monitor, lane departure (at least on up models). They increased max passenger capacity to 8. I'm not sure what more the auto press would have expected. I love my CX-9 (except for the 16.5 mpg), but I'd definitely get this.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 5
From: Florida
Midsize SUV doesn't get any better than this. Although I still prefer the look of CX9, but this thing is a complete package. Very nice for those need an everyday big SUV.
My only concern is still big of a spread in price between gasoline and hybrid. Its been ten years now and the margin still haven't gone down, that's concerning.
Other concern is why people buy BMW X1 for the same money as this
My only concern is still big of a spread in price between gasoline and hybrid. Its been ten years now and the margin still haven't gone down, that's concerning.
Other concern is why people buy BMW X1 for the same money as this
nice evolution, especially that the limited now has dynamic cruise, something key competitors like ford are offering, but kia, with the sorrento doesn't offer (yet).
i do wish the third row was optional though.
i do wish the third row was optional though.
certainly not a game changer. i'm waiting on the '15 Pilot comes out, supposedly it'll have MDX's Earth Dream direct injected V6 and 6 speed auto, plus the same light weight chassis from the new MDX.
Last edited by stlgrym3; Dec 26, 2013 at 05:27 PM.
^Personally, I'd rather have a new Highlander Limited AWD than MDX, and Honda hasn't exactly been putting out a string of home runs in terms of design. I guess we'll see what they come up with.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 9
From: Michigan
'14 Highlander fwd XLE or '14 4Runner 2wd SR5?
both of these are in same price range (35k-37k), which one would you pick as a family (1 child) hauler? i know majority will say Highlander, bigger interior, better fuel economy, car based so more comfortable. but the uniqueness of the 4Runner is also a selling point. who knows how long Toyota is going to bring them over here, the nameplate is special, it's RWD and made in Japan. what would you pick between the two?
The only way I'd pick the 4runner would be if you were going to get the 4x4 version and do a bit of off roading. For all other purposes, the highlander is better all purpose vehicle.
Like other have said, unless you need off road capabilities (which you're buying a FWD or RWD version anyway) get the Highlander. Better daily and nicer inside and out. Not a fan of the cheap plastics or the aging 4.0L V6 in the 4Runner
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 9
From: Michigan
The 4Runner is one of my favorite Toyota's and even the current generation. I love my 2013 4Runner Limited, and have had extensive seat time in the 2014 Highlander, but if I were to choose between the two, I would only get the 4Runner if it was a Limited. For all other purposes I would probably stick with the Highlander.