2014 Toyota Highlander thread
Lead Lap
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From: CA
It's not a matter of "using them" so much as it is the way it works. Toyota used to have distributors all over the country that were independent. They bought out most of them except these two.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: CA™
The third-generation Toyota Highlander is has been totally redesigned for the 2014 model year. There are 11 different trims ranging in price from $29,215 - $43,590. Completely redesigned the Highlander is head and shoulders above the out-going model. The new styling fits in with other Toyota products.
One of the most significant updates to the new Highlander is the quality of the interior. The materials are Lexus quality and the features are numerous. The front seats are comfortable and the leather feels great. The 3.5 liter V-6 engine makes 270 horsepower which is all the power you are going to need. Fuel economy is 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
One of the most significant updates to the new Highlander is the quality of the interior. The materials are Lexus quality and the features are numerous. The front seats are comfortable and the leather feels great. The 3.5 liter V-6 engine makes 270 horsepower which is all the power you are going to need. Fuel economy is 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
autobytel video is neat.
about the highlander... very annoying the limited can only be had with second row captain's chairs as it means it's only a 4 seater without using the third row.
about the highlander... very annoying the limited can only be had with second row captain's chairs as it means it's only a 4 seater without using the third row.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: CA™
Toyota has its authentic SUVs--the 4Runner and the Land Cruiser. But let's face it, not everyone's going rock-crawling or going on safari. For families that need the SUV space but not the SUV gear, Toyota has the Highlander.
It's new this year, and it's changed a lot. So how does this latest Highlander stack up against crossovers like the Dodge Durango and Nissan Pathfinder?
It's new this year, and it's changed a lot. So how does this latest Highlander stack up against crossovers like the Dodge Durango and Nissan Pathfinder?
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The pursuit of F
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From: Toronto, Canada
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2014 Highlander XLE fwd or 2014 MDX base fwd
looking for a new family hauler to replace our Pilot. it has to be a 7 seater, no AWD needed. a new Highlander fwd XLE which comes with leather seating, navigation comes out to $35k before tax and fees, a stripped base model (without navigation) Acura MDX fwd was quoted for $41k before tax and fees. navigation is nice, but not a must have since we all got smart phones. Acura is roughly $6k more than the Highlander, is sort of a premium brand than Toyota, which comes with better service, longer warranty and better resale value, and i like its new ED powertrain more than the Highlander's. but Highlander comes with navigation, uses regular gas and cheaper to maintain. tough call, which would you get?
Since AWD is a non factor, the Highlander would be my choice, for the extra tech. The regular gas is benefit, and resale won't be bad either honestly. Plus the materials are much improved over last gen.
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
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From: Toronto, Canada
For me, brand is a factor which is why I would probably lean towards the MDX, at least initially. But knowing that I have a stripper model would bug me down the road. This is a tough call since the new Highlander has Lexus-like fit and finish and of course more features than the MDX while the Highlander looks more macho than the more minivan-like styling of the MDX. It would come down to the test drive where I value a smooth quiet drive, and if both are similar (which would not surprise me), I'd go for the Highlander overall and use the $6K for a nice family road trip! 
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,521
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From: San Francisco, CA
If it was my own choice, I too would choose the MDX since brand is also a big factor for me. That being said, I do like the new look of the highlander, and if the brand is a non issue for you, then it is obviously the more logical choice. Tech features are important.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,992
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From: California
Both are nice choices and both will stand the test of time. I'd personally do the MDX, which in my opinion has a little more pizzazz and panache than the Highlander.
Btw, are you leasing? Acura has some good programs with the MDX.
Btw, are you leasing? Acura has some good programs with the MDX.