2014 Toyota Highlander thread
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Canada
That is what was told to me when I voiced the same wish: Toyota has a progression of crossovers, from small to large. The RAV4 is the small one, available only with 2 rows of seats and only a 4-cylinder engine. The Highlander is the large one, available only with 3 rows of seats and only a 6-cylinder engine. The Venza is the middle one, available only with 2 rows of seats, and either a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines.
But I wish the Venza was a bit closer to the RAV4 in size. It is almost the size of the Highlander, which I find too big -- too wide and too heavy. The RAV4's rear seat is too small for my use; the Venza is too big and heavy.
the venza, while a decent looking vehicle, is basically a heavy station wagon. it's not tall enough to be considered a cuv/suv, and so vertical cargo room is extremely cramped. it's almost like an avalon wagon. 
Lexus Fanatic
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Yeah and the Venza is deceptively large, but not in a useful way. I've driven several of them, completely unappealing vehicle IMHO.
I don't know that Toyota needs another vehicle though to fill a niche between the RAV4 and the Highlander. They do have the 4Runner.
I don't know that Toyota needs another vehicle though to fill a niche between the RAV4 and the Highlander. They do have the 4Runner.
Lexus Champion
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From: Southeastern PA
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Maryland
But theres the question, would you really be in the market for a Highlander?
For me where I am, I'd be hard pressed to buy another vehicle without a third row because when we have a kid we're going to want 3 rows. Thats just the target Toyota is going after, families...so in their rationale it would be like offering the Sienna minivan with an optional third row instead of a standard third row...why would they do that? If you didn't need a third row I'm not sure why one would purchase a Highlander, you could get something shorter and more nimble...thats why Hyundai has a two vehicle solution in the Santa Fe. Nissan has a standard third row in the Pathfinder, Ford has a standard third row in the Explorer in all but the base fleet car. So, its actually atypical for the third row to be an option, not atypical for it to be standard in this class.
For me where I am, I'd be hard pressed to buy another vehicle without a third row because when we have a kid we're going to want 3 rows. Thats just the target Toyota is going after, families...so in their rationale it would be like offering the Sienna minivan with an optional third row instead of a standard third row...why would they do that? If you didn't need a third row I'm not sure why one would purchase a Highlander, you could get something shorter and more nimble...thats why Hyundai has a two vehicle solution in the Santa Fe. Nissan has a standard third row in the Pathfinder, Ford has a standard third row in the Explorer in all but the base fleet car. So, its actually atypical for the third row to be an option, not atypical for it to be standard in this class.
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Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
But theres the question, would you really be in the market for a Highlander?
For me where I am, I'd be hard pressed to buy another vehicle without a third row because when we have a kid we're going to want 3 rows. Thats just the target Toyota is going after, families...so in their rationale it would be like offering the Sienna minivan with an optional third row instead of a standard third row...why would they do that? If you didn't need a third row I'm not sure why one would purchase a Highlander, you could get something shorter and more nimble...thats why Hyundai has a two vehicle solution in the Santa Fe. Nissan has a standard third row in the Pathfinder, Ford has a standard third row in the Explorer in all but the base fleet car. So, its actually atypical for the third row to be an option, not atypical for it to be standard in this class.
For me where I am, I'd be hard pressed to buy another vehicle without a third row because when we have a kid we're going to want 3 rows. Thats just the target Toyota is going after, families...so in their rationale it would be like offering the Sienna minivan with an optional third row instead of a standard third row...why would they do that? If you didn't need a third row I'm not sure why one would purchase a Highlander, you could get something shorter and more nimble...thats why Hyundai has a two vehicle solution in the Santa Fe. Nissan has a standard third row in the Pathfinder, Ford has a standard third row in the Explorer in all but the base fleet car. So, its actually atypical for the third row to be an option, not atypical for it to be standard in this class.
I'm just stating that I don't need a third row.If given the choice as an option,I'd pass.Nice to have the choice,though.As far as the size,some people want a bigger SUV.
I also can understand why Toyota just has a third row and that's it.
However,knocking a manufacturer for giving you a choice doesn't make sense to me.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Virginia
This is why I think the current Grand Cherokee is such a hit. Great size for a 2 row with luxury features available, etc. The new Cherokee is also quite substantial and will do well.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: il
Looks much better. i like the aggressive tundra like front. side is bit generic, but practically every damn SUVs out their have generic side profiles. i would have to go for a ride. i'm looking to get an suv with 3rd row for my wife sometime this year. this could be a strong candidate.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,031
Likes: 97
From: Southeastern PA
But theres the question, would you really be in the market for a Highlander?
For me where I am, I'd be hard pressed to buy another vehicle without a third row because when we have a kid we're going to want 3 rows. Thats just the target Toyota is going after, families...so in their rationale it would be like offering the Sienna minivan with an optional third row instead of a standard third row...why would they do that? If you didn't need a third row I'm not sure why one would purchase a Highlander, you could get something shorter and more nimble...thats why Hyundai has a two vehicle solution in the Santa Fe. Nissan has a standard third row in the Pathfinder, Ford has a standard third row in the Explorer in all but the base fleet car. So, its actually atypical for the third row to be an option, not atypical for it to be standard in this class.
For me where I am, I'd be hard pressed to buy another vehicle without a third row because when we have a kid we're going to want 3 rows. Thats just the target Toyota is going after, families...so in their rationale it would be like offering the Sienna minivan with an optional third row instead of a standard third row...why would they do that? If you didn't need a third row I'm not sure why one would purchase a Highlander, you could get something shorter and more nimble...thats why Hyundai has a two vehicle solution in the Santa Fe. Nissan has a standard third row in the Pathfinder, Ford has a standard third row in the Explorer in all but the base fleet car. So, its actually atypical for the third row to be an option, not atypical for it to be standard in this class.
So for 4-5 years, I rarely used the 3rd row. Then for 3 years, we used it a lot. If I had bought the Pathfinder, I'd have been in a bit of a bind.
And, in the current market, there's just too many good choices out there the have a 3rd row. I understand the better cargo capacity, less weight and cost arguments. But frankly, I think that if you are analyzing the facts that closely, you probably already figured out that a minivan is just a better all around choice anyway...
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From: Maryland
Because for equal dollars, while I may not be "needing" a 3rd row with a one year old, if my parents were in town visiting, or we had someone else with us, I didn't want to be forced to start bring 2 cars wherever we were going. Plus, I knew I'd have the car a few years, once we started getting into the car pool stage.