2014 Toyota Highlander thread
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
Almost every crossover on the road does this from the Mazda CX-5 to the BMW X6. Helps protect from chipping from things getting thrown from the blockier tires and also supposedly lends itself to a more rugged look.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,225
Likes: 266
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,992
Likes: 246
From: California
Modern and decent redesign, although slanted in pug nose reminds me of the smashed in Durango.
Some demerits: Dash vents dominate the dashboard face. These are mechanical devices you want to hide, not accentuate. Giant, exposed front storage bin encourages the storing of bulky or expensive items in plain view of thieves. I can see the problems now with people leaving purses and phones in the slot while they shop. All interior storage should be hidden or covered. So they still aren't going to give us a chrome tailpipe tip? Cost-cutting going on here. That goes for the RX too.
Kudos for offering manumatic shifting (down low where it belongs), a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, nice choice of rims, and a clean greenhouse design. This unit will sell and age well.
Some demerits: Dash vents dominate the dashboard face. These are mechanical devices you want to hide, not accentuate. Giant, exposed front storage bin encourages the storing of bulky or expensive items in plain view of thieves. I can see the problems now with people leaving purses and phones in the slot while they shop. All interior storage should be hidden or covered. So they still aren't going to give us a chrome tailpipe tip? Cost-cutting going on here. That goes for the RX too.
Kudos for offering manumatic shifting (down low where it belongs), a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, nice choice of rims, and a clean greenhouse design. This unit will sell and age well.
Last edited by Fizzboy7; Mar 28, 2013 at 01:18 AM.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
Some thoughts...
I noticed the sharkfin antenna. Does that mean that the whip antenna on the right-front fender is finally gone, even on lower trim levels?
It seems that getting rid of the strut towers for the rear axle, by switching to a double-wishbone rear suspension from a MacPherson Strut, has opened up the width for the 3rd-row seat.
I noticed the sharkfin antenna. Does that mean that the whip antenna on the right-front fender is finally gone, even on lower trim levels?
It seems that getting rid of the strut towers for the rear axle, by switching to a double-wishbone rear suspension from a MacPherson Strut, has opened up the width for the 3rd-row seat.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
Yes, the Highlander switched to a double-wishbone rear suspension from a Mac Strut, which is what Toyota specifically stated BUT did they say that getting rid of the struts (and towers) is exactly what allowed them to open up the width (up to 4")?