2014 Toyota Highlander thread

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Jan 26, 2014 | 07:26 PM

#286

I8ABMR

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From: Waiting for next track day

I saw one in a parking lot the other day and was very impressed at how much nicer it looks. The exterior design is fresh, modern, and masculine. Great job

Jan 26, 2014 | 09:13 PM

#287

Motor

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From: CA™

Jan 27, 2014 | 08:38 PM

#288

bitkahuna

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cino

More like they force you to pay 1200 for third row. 3rd row in Highlander comes standard.

nice spin.

i think options are good - not everyone wants a third row.

loaded sorrento $40k - with third row, $41.5k
loaded highlander $43.5k

not knocking the highlander - seems like a really nice vehicle. and reputation and likely resale worth the 2k extra.

Jan 27, 2014 | 08:49 PM

#289

bitkahuna

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SW13GS

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?

Quote:

If you didn't need a third row I'm not sure why one would purchase a Highlander,

that's just it, it would be MORE appealing to me if the third row were optional. why carry around the mass and space hog of the third row for the 1% of the time i'd need it? but i'd like the space of the highlander (without it).

Quote:

you could get something shorter and more nimble...thats why Hyundai has a two vehicle solution in the Santa Fe.

good point. i guess the rav 4 is the option here, but the rav 4 is a lot more 'basic' than the highlander. i think toyota is just reducing the build configuration complexity wherever possible. the rav4 is now pretty much any flavor you like as long as it's vanilla too.

Quote:

Ford has a standard third row in the Explorer in all but the base fleet car.

the new explorer is HUGE, basically as big as the last gen of the expedition! too big and bulky for me, but fine for some (plenty apparently) i guess.

Quote:

So, its actually atypical for the third row to be an option, not atypical for it to be standard in this class.

maybe so. again, not really faulting toyota for simplifying their line-up, just a 'would be nice' kind of thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW13GS

I always find myself with the odd "one more person" to carry when we travel and get out and about while we're away. Me, my wife, and two couples...we need two cars with only one row. I've at times had someone in the cargo area for short trips, but we're all getting too old for that.

maybe you should really consider a minivan?

Jan 27, 2014 | 09:01 PM

#290

bitkahuna

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Motor - thanks for the video - interesting, but they didn't really talk about driving it much, but still useful info.

Jan 27, 2014 | 09:22 PM

#291

bitkahuna

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another video review (21mins!) jam packed with info and comparisons to competing vehicles and long drive down the beautiful pacific coast highway.

Jan 27, 2014 | 10:42 PM

#292

bitkahuna

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thorough review of highlander entune/infotainment... he says voice recognition greatly improved over prior versions

Jan 28, 2014 | 12:17 AM

#293

spwolf

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

nice spin.

funny part is that loaded highlander has driver tech package for 1.8k that sorento doesnt... so radar cruise control, precrash and similar...

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Jan 28, 2014 | 06:55 AM

#294

SW17LS

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

because an suv is not a minivan. traditionally suv owners tend to value cargo space as much if not more than people space. sure once in a while it might be nice to cart more than 5 (or squeeze 6) people in my suv, but 99% of the time i don't need to.
i'd need it? but i'd like the space of the highlander (without it).

maybe you should really consider a minivan?

I probably should consider a minivan, but I don't want a minivan. I'm precisely the market Toyota is going after with the highlander. When you see it in person...it really is a minivan that looks like an SUV and that's the point. That's why there is a standard third row.

Sorrento is smaller, and feels more SUVish. Different IMHO.

I'm sure plenty of people will buy the Highlander whether you do or not.

Last edited by SW17LS; Jan 28, 2014 at 07:04 AM.

Jan 28, 2014 | 08:40 AM

#295

bitkahuna

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Quote:

Originally Posted by spwolf

funny part is that loaded highlander has driver tech package for 1.8k that sorento doesnt... so radar cruise control, precrash and similar...

good point! the 'build' site for the SE U.S. is so bad / slow, can't confirm without taking all day, but anyway, highlander looks like a great combo of features and pricing

after watching those in-depth videos, i'm impressed in particular with highlander's interior.

Jan 28, 2014 | 09:03 AM

#296

PhilipMSPT

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From: In rehab...

And the "official" commercial is out:

Jan 28, 2014 | 09:05 AM

#297

Motor

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

Motor - thanks for the video - interesting, but they didn't really talk about driving it much, but still useful info.

No problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

another video review (21mins!) jam packed with info and comparisons to competing vehicles and long drive down the beautiful pacific coast highway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

thorough review of highlander entune/infotainment... he says voice recognition greatly improved over prior versions

I actually posted those two videos together on page 2, post #58 of this thread.

Jan 28, 2014 | 07:17 PM

#298

jsanders

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From: Texas

New 2014 Highlander vs. used RX350 with 25k miles

New 2014 Highlander vs. used RX350 with 25k miles

Curious as to what you all would take. A brand new 2014 Highlander or a 2011 Lexus Rx350 (assuming options are the same). These vehicles are currently at about the same price.

Jan 28, 2014 | 08:11 PM

#299

pbm317

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From: Virginia

A 2011 Lexus RX350 should be significantly under the price of a new Loaded 2014 Highlander.

That said, do you need 3 rows? Highlander Only
Do you need HID's? RX only
Are you okay with a non touchscreen navigation system in the RX?
Do you want a Lexus dealer service experience (and prices)?
Do you love a fully panoramic moonroof? Highlander Only

This list can go on and on.

Jan 28, 2014 | 08:56 PM

#300

bitkahuna

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jsanders

highlander no question. improved packaging, nicer interior (to me), better value, newer infotainment, 3rd row if of value to you.

the rx is just kinda old now, dated, and to me, i never got past the cheap interior (vs. what it should be).