2015 toyota Highlander Hybrid
By
pusahma2008
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Sunday, February 25, 2018
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2015 Toyota Highlander
Toyota listened to customers while upgrading the seven/eight-seat 2014 Highlander and also reacted to demands for more cabin and cargo area, vibrant designing and costs services. Ask for a much more dynamic driving experience ought to have been respectfully ignored, nonetheless, as the 2014's harsher trip is a tradeoff I do not think lots of midsize SUV buyers should have to deal with in return for sportier handling.
Still, other renovations will unquestionably attract customers that had actually scraped the previous Highlander off their listing or a minimum of to those that do not take into consideration a comfortable flight a must-have. The 2014 Highlander's raised cargo room behind the basic third-row seat is a much-needed improvement; plus, it's less complicated to obtain into the third row, which currently sittings three as well as bumps standard seating capacity to 8.
2015 toyota highlander hybrid
With upgrades that extend the lineup of LE, LE And Also, XLE, Limited and also Limited Platinum trim degrees, the 2014 Highlander is now in far better form to tackle the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2014 Ford Traveler and also 2014 Honda Pilot.
I drove four-cylinder, six-cylinder and Hybrid 2014 Highlanders at a Toyota media event.
Outside & Styling
Toyota went back to the attracting board to upgrade its aging and stylistically devoid Highlander. Fast-forward to 2014, as well as you can't call the Highlander boring looking any type of longer. The 2013's ho-hum look transforms right into a hulking SUV with a beefier stance, protruding fenders as well as strong front designing. Its visibility was big on the 2013 New York International Auto Show floor where it debuted, as well as it looks just as excellent rolling down the street.
Just how It Drives
The driving experience isn't the cars and truck's most attractive attribute, even with an array of appealing new framework and also suspension modifications, so it's good the new SUV does so several various other things well.
Toyota chose curvy canyon and coastal roads in California to demonstrate the Highlander's new handling chops. Driving a 2013 and 2014 back to back, the 2014 does exhibit greater levels of roadway hold and a boosted steering reaction. It's even more sports when excavating into a corner, though I wouldn't call the Highlander fun to drive. The 270-horsepower V-6 doesn't have a prompt punch of velocity in the hefty Highlander. It's a far cry from the lighter, 290-hp Hyundai Santa Fe, which is a "little" round of excitement to name a few similar three-row SUVs. A six-cylinder Highlander LE with front-wheel drive is 4,244 pounds, while a V-6, front-wheel-drive Santa Fe GLS is 3,933 pounds.
An adverse result of the Highlander's newly found characteristics is a choppier flight over harsh roads. After driving 2013 as well as 2014 models, I could tell the 2014 transmits more road flaws with the framework and into seats. Hey, Toyota: It's OKAY to have a hostile style and flight like a sofa; see the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
On the advantage, the 2014 Highlander has a much more significant sensation over harsh roads, with less rattles, squeaks and also framework flex. It's a matured experience with raised audio insulation, acoustic glass and a stiffer chassis aiding keep outside noise minimal.
I quickly hung around in the four-cylinder Highlander with front-wheel drive, which Toyota expects to account for 5 to 10 percent of sales, as well as in the all-new Highlander Crossbreed. Both the front-wheel-drive-only four-cylinder (20/25/22 mpg city/highway/combined) as well as all-wheel-drive-only Hybrid V-6 (27/28/28 mpg) are a little harsh around the edges as for engine sound and vibrations. The Crossbreed's gas mileage is reasonably the same for 2014, down 1 mpg in city scores to 27 mpg however preserves its 28 mpg integrated ranking. The shift from electric to when the engine fires up is visible with raw sounds originating from under the hood, audible from throughout a parking lot. Resonances from the shift are marginal, yet the noises are audible to take notice.
An added 353 extra pounds added to the hybrid from 3 electric motors-- two in the front as well as one in the back-- and a nickel steel hydride battery is visible in exactly how the Crossbreed drives compared to the Minimal V-6 with four-wheel drive. It's an unwinded experience much less thrilled about speeding up and handling despite having 280-hp incorporated, and also it likewise does not ride any smoother compared to the non-hybrid.
The Hybrid's abnormally loud engine noises wouldn't be as much of a problem if the Highlander Hybrid weren't $48,160 with destination, $7,130 greater than 2013-- a 2014 Lexus RX 450h is $47,320, however much smaller on the within. The Highlander Hybrid's luxury cars and truck price doesn't show high-end refinement now that the feature-loaded Crossbreed Limited is the only Hybrid offered; the less-expensive version obtained the axe for 2014.
The volume-seller V-6 is the most improved of the number, providing smooth and also foreseeable velocity in addition to the very best handling with four-wheel drive. The V-6-powered Highlander's gas mileage of 19/25/21 mpg with front-wheel drive and also 18/24/20 mpg with four-wheel drive is additionally extra competitive than the outbound 2013 thanks to a brand-new six-speed automatic transmission replacing a five-speed device on V-6 versions. The all-wheel-drive system, which is additionally new, helps add 2 mpg freeway over the 2013 version. All-wheel-drive Highlanders send torque to the back wheels when slippage is identified, versus the previous system that always sent out torque to four wheels.
Interior
Part of the 2014's makeover includes calling up the interior styling with various soft-touch and also accent-stitched interior panels that improve the classiness. The top quality is Toyota-Avalon great with a stitched dashboard, guiding wheel as well as soft-touch, high-grade products in prominent places. Plastic areas that aren't textured, stitched or covered are still on par for the course. Even the base LE Highlander radiates the virtually luxurylike niceness of the higher-optioned Limited trims.
Seats fits in the very first and also 2nd rows with soft, large front seats and also a very adjustable second row that slides as well as reclines with 2 captain's chairs or the typical three-seat bench arrangement-- captain's chairs are readily available on the XLE and also typical on the Limited. The rest of the Highlander may have been redone with dynamism in mind, however the seats speak with its comfort-focused roots. Many people on our personnel will certainly miss out on the 2013's removable second-row facility seat. I will not, as it was awkward as well as bulky to remove and also change with the center table that kept under the facility console.
In the third row, Toyota raised width as well as added an additional seat for a maximum capacity of 8 occupants in basic configuration. A brand-new, a lot more small rear suspension freed the additional space. The third row still does not fit grownups with as much convenience as the larger Chevrolet Traverse, however it excels in a pinch. There are also brand-new one-touch folding second-row seats on both sides. Previously, only the curbside seat folded as well as moved onward through the one-touch bar. Third-row riders also take advantage of the 2nd row's raised seat travel, which allows simple entrance and leave.
Ergonomics & Electronic devices
Technology is a massive emphasis in the 2014 Highlander and also done effectively. Toyota's Entune multimedia system functions much better compared to ever before compared to other Toyota cars in which I have actually used the system. Functioning the Entune system's voice commands goes over. The models I evaluated picked up on the various voice commands I talked.
Those with bulky phones or who frequently have their phone connected to the SUV will certainly appreciate a tool storage space step below the climate controls that supplies a pass-through for USB cords. There must disappear Medusa-like dangling of cords ensnaring the gear selector.
The basic Entune on base LE designs includes a 6.1-inch touch-screen with backup cam, USB port with iPod connectivity, supporting input, voice recognition, Bluetooth phone connection and also Bluetooth streaming sound. LE Plus trims have Entune Audio Plus with a higher-resolution 6.1-inch display, HD Radio as well as 90-day satellite radio membership. The following step up is Entune Premium Sound with Navigating as well as Application Suite on XLE models with an 8-inch touch-screen and also application suite with Pandora, Yelp as well as Facebook integration with a smart device and also coming with Entune downloadable application. A JBL sound system is conventional on Restricted trim levels.
The large facility storage container in between the pole positions could feast on anything plus-sized, like a handbag, iPad or Blu-ray collection for the available rear-seat Blu-ray gamer. When you neglect that Blu-ray in your home, an interesting brand-new attribute called Easy Speak transmits the growing voice of a mad mama or papa via the rear stereo speakers through the Bluetooth microphone to maintain rowdy youngsters in check. Just how much extra household concentrated can you get compared to supplying a function that enables moms and dads to yell at kids?
Freight, Towing & Storage space
Freight area behind the third row boosts over the previous Highlander's skimpy step, which struggled carrying groceries, let alone an infant stroller or golf bag. The cargo volume is now ranked at 13.8 cubic feet, up from 10.3 cubic feet. It's not a huge improvement, yet at least it makes the area useful. It's still small compared to others in the section: The Traveler has 21 cubic feet and the Pilot has 18 cubic feet behind the 3rd row. Toyota's trickery to boost freight space included relocating all three rows of seats onward, including size behind the rear wheels and utilizing an extra portable rear suspension.
The power liftgate is an excellent attribute to be standard on LE Plus trim levels and above, as well as has a dress up its sleeve: It gets used to numerous elevations, not just one or two fixed elevation settings. With the liftgate in motion, users can stop the liftgate as well as program it to open up to that established elevation the following time. The function will certainly make shorter drivers and also owners of low garages very satisfied. (If eviction goes expensive, much shorter individuals could struggle to get to the power-close switch on its bottom side.) An additional distinct function on the back is an oldie yet a goody: On LE Plus designs as well as above, the back window opens for easy accessibility independent of the freight gate.
A 5,000-pound tow score on XLE and also Limited trim degrees comes with a common towing package that includes engine/transmission colders and also upgraded radiator and alternator. Crossbreeds can tow 3,500 extra pounds, V-6 LE/LE And also can tow 2,000 extra pounds and also a four-cylinder LE is ranked at 1,500 extra pounds.
Security
The 2014 Highlander had not been crash-tested at the time of this writing.
The 2014 Highlander gives reduced anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats for child-safety seats, however just a secure anchor on the middle third-row seat.
Advanced safety and security functions are offered, though only on the costly Restricted trim level where a dead spot surveillance system and also rear auto parking assist are common, as well as pre-collision, adaptive cruise ship control and also lane departure warning are optional. Restricted trim levels are likewise the only designs with a back-up camera that makes use of anticipating standards to show the automobile's course-- a back-up electronic camera with set lines is common on all other trim levels.
Value in Its Class
Toyota says prices is up about $1,500 on average across the 2014 trim levels, which include extra attributes over the 2013. Base pricing starts at $30,075 for a base four-cylinder LE with location, while volume-seller XLE models with four-wheel drive are $38,360 and also consist of leather seating with heated pole positions, navigation, three-zone environment control, clever keyless access, second-row sunshades and more. Prices for the XLE is very competitive to three-row midsize SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Ford Traveler or even the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The 2013 Highlander was really a midpack three-row SUV, lagging behind in vital areas like indoor quality, cargo space and also modern technology. Feel confident, if you're a Highlander owner seeking to upgrade-- as long as you're unconcerned concerning ride high quality-- the 2014 is not only an engaging upgrade, but likewise worthy of cross-shopping the section's best.