Toyota Highlander 2015 Review
By
pusahma2008
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Friday, March 2, 2018
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2015 Toyota Highlander
Toyota listened to consumers while upgrading the seven/eight-seat 2014 Highlander as well as reacted to demands for more cabin and cargo area, dynamic designing as well as premium services. Ask for an extra vibrant driving experience needs to have been professionally ignored, nonetheless, as the 2014's harsher ride is a tradeoff I do not assume lots of midsize SUV customers must need to cope with in return for sportier handling.
Still, other improvements will undoubtedly interest buyers that had actually scraped the previous Highlander off their checklist or at the very least to those that do not consider a comfy flight an essential. The 2014 Highlander's increased freight space behind the standard third-row seat is a much-needed renovation; plus, it's easier to get into the 3rd row, which currently seatses 3 as well as bumps basic seatsing ability to eight.
toyota highlander 2015 review
With upgrades that span the schedule of LE, LE And Also, XLE, Limited as well as Limited Platinum trim degrees, the 2014 Highlander is currently in better form to tackle the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2014 Ford Explorer and also 2014 Honda Pilot.
I drove four-cylinder, six-cylinder as well as Hybrid 2014 Highlanders at a Toyota media event.
Outside & Styling
Toyota went back to the attracting board to upgrade its aging and also stylistically devoid Highlander. Fast-forward to 2014, and also you can not call the Highlander boring looking any type of longer. The 2013's ho-hum appearance transforms into a hulking SUV with a beefier stance, bulging fenders and strong front designing. Its existence approved the 2013 New York International Auto Show flooring where it debuted, and it looks just as good rolling down the street.
Just how It Drives
The driving experience isn't the auto's most attractive characteristic, despite a variety of appealing new framework as well as suspension modifications, so it's good the brand-new SUV does so many other things well.
Toyota picked curved canyon as well as seaside roads in California to show the Highlander's brand-new handling chops. Driving a 2013 and 2014 back to back, the 2014 does exhibit higher levels of road hold as well as an improved guiding reaction. It's even more sports when excavating right into a corner, though I wouldn't call the Highlander fun to drive. The 270-horsepower V-6 doesn't have an immediate punch of velocity in the heavy Highlander. It's an unlike the lighter, 290-hp Hyundai Santa Fe, which is a "little" sphere of exhilaration to name a few comparable three-row SUVs. A six-cylinder Highlander LE with front-wheel drive is 4,244 extra pounds, while a V-6, front-wheel-drive Santa Fe GLS is 3,933 extra pounds.
An adverse effect of the Highlander's newly found characteristics is a choppier flight over harsh roadways. After driving 2013 and 2014 models, I could tell the 2014 transmits even more roadway flaws via the chassis as well as right into seats. Hey, Toyota: It's ALRIGHT to have an aggressive design and ride like a couch; see the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
On the benefit, the 2014 Highlander has a much more considerable feeling over harsh roadways, with fewer rattles, squeaks as well as chassis flex. It's a matured experience with increased audio insulation, acoustic glass and a stiffer framework assisting keep outside sound marginal.
I quickly hung out in the four-cylinder Highlander with front-wheel drive, which Toyota anticipates to represent 5 to 10 percent of sales, and also in the all-new Highlander Hybrid. Both the front-wheel-drive-only four-cylinder (20/25/22 mpg city/highway/combined) and also all-wheel-drive-only Hybrid V-6 (27/28/28 mpg) are a little harsh around the sides regarding engine sound and vibrations. The Hybrid's gas mileage is reasonably unmodified for 2014, down 1 mpg in city ratings to 27 mpg but maintains its 28 mpg incorporated score. The shift from electrical to when the engine fires up is obvious with raw noises originating from under the hood, audible from throughout a parking area. Vibrations from the change are minimal, yet the noises are audible to take notice.
An added 353 extra pounds added to the crossbreed from three electric motors-- 2 in the front and also one in the back-- as well as a nickel steel hydride battery is visible in just how the Hybrid drives as compared to the Minimal V-6 with four-wheel drive. It's a kicked back experience much less thrilled regarding increasing and taking care of even with 280-hp incorporated, and it likewise does not ride any type of smoother than the non-hybrid.
The Hybrid's abnormally loud engine noises would not be as much of a concern 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 sized on the inside. The Highlander Hybrid's high-end vehicle price does not mirror deluxe improvement since the feature-loaded Crossbreed Limited is the only Hybrid provided; the less-expensive version got the axe for 2014.
The volume-seller V-6 is the most improved of the number, providing smooth and also predictable velocity in addition to the best handling with four-wheel drive. The V-6-powered Highlander's gas mileage of 19/25/21 mpg with front-wheel drive as well as 18/24/20 mpg with four-wheel drive is also a lot more affordable than the outgoing 2013 thanks to a new six-speed automatic transmission changing a five-speed system on V-6 models. The all-wheel-drive system, which is likewise new, helps add 2 mpg freeway over the 2013 version. All-wheel-drive Highlanders send out torque to the back wheels when slippage is identified, versus the previous system that always sent torque to four wheels.
Interior
Part of the 2014's makeover consists of calling up the indoor styling with countless soft-touch and accent-stitched interior panels that improve the classiness. The quality is Toyota-Avalon nice with a stitched dashboard, guiding wheel as well as soft-touch, premium materials in popular places. Plastic locations that typically aren't textured, stitched or covered are still on the same level for the class. Also the base LE Highlander emanates the practically luxurylike niceness of the higher-optioned Minimal trims.
Seating is comfortable in the first and second rows with soft, large front seats as well as an extremely adjustable second row that glides and also reclines with 2 captain's chairs or the standard three-seat bench setup-- captain's chairs are available on the XLE as well as common on the Limited. The remainder of the Highlander might have been redone with dynamism in mind, but the seats speak to its comfort-focused roots. Many people on our personnel will certainly miss the 2013's removable second-row facility seat. I will not, as it was uncomfortable and large to eliminate as well as change with the center table that saved under the center console.
In the third row, Toyota increased size and also included an additional seat for an optimum capability of eight owners in basic arrangement. A brand-new, extra portable rear suspension released the extra area. The third row still doesn't fit adults with as much convenience as the larger Chevrolet Traverse, yet it readies in a pinch. There are also new one-touch folding second-row seats on both sides. Formerly, only the curbside seat folded up as well as slid ahead using the one-touch bar. Third-row bikers also take advantage of the second row's raised seat traveling, which allows very easy entrance and also leave.
Functional design & Electronic devices
Modern technology is a significant focus in the 2014 Highlander and also done effectively. Toyota's Entune multimedia system works much better than ever before compared with other Toyota lorries where I've utilized the system. Functioning the Entune system's voice commands goes over. The designs I checked noticed the numerous voice commands I spoke.
Those with cumbersome phones or who constantly have their phone linked to the SUV will certainly appreciate a tool storage ledge listed below the environment manages that provides a pass-through for USB cables. There should be no more Medusa-like dangling of cords entangling the gear selector.
The conventional Entune on base LE versions includes a 6.1-inch touch-screen with backup cam, USB port with iPod connectivity, complementary input, voice acknowledgment, Bluetooth phone connection as well as Bluetooth streaming sound. LE And also trims have Entune Sound Plus with a higher-resolution 6.1-inch screen, HD Radio and also 90-day satellite radio subscription. The next step up is Entune Costs Audio with Navigating as well as App Suite on XLE models with an 8-inch touch-screen and also app collection with Pandora, Yelp and also Facebook integration with a smart device as well as going along with Entune downloadable application. A JBL stereo is basic on Restricted trim levels.
The substantial center storage space bin in between the front seats can feed on anything plus-sized, like a purse, iPad or Blu-ray collection for the readily available rear-seat Blu-ray player. When you neglect that Blu-ray in your home, a fascinating new feature called Easy Speak transfers the flourishing voice of a mad mama or papa with the back stereo speakers using the Bluetooth microphone to keep rowdy children in check. What does it cost? more family members focused can you get than giving a feature that permits moms and dads to chew out children?
Cargo, Towing & Storage space
Freight space behind the 3rd row enhances over the previous Highlander's sexy walk, which had a hard time bring grocery stores, let alone an infant stroller or golf bag. The freight quantity is now rated at 13.8 cubic feet, up from 10.3 cubic feet. It's not a huge renovation, but at least it makes the location functional. It's still small compared with others in the segment: The Traveler has 21 cubic feet as well as the Pilot has 18 cubic feet behind the third row. Toyota's trickery to increase cargo area included relocating all 3 rows of seats onward, adding size behind the rear wheels as well as using an extra small rear suspension.
The power liftgate is a remarkable attribute to be basic on LE And also trim degrees and also above, as well as has a trick up its sleeve: It adjusts to numerous heights, not just one or two fixed height setups. With the liftgate in motion, users can stop the liftgate and program it to open up to that set elevation the following time. The attribute will make shorter motorists as well as owners of low garages very pleased. (If eviction goes too high, much shorter individuals may struggle to reach the power-close button on its bottom edge.) An additional special attribute on the back is an oldie however a goody: On LE Plus models and above, the rear home window opens up for simple access independent of the cargo gate.
A 5,000-pound tow ranking on XLE and also Limited trim degrees includes a basic towing bundle that includes engine/transmission coolers and also updated radiator and generator. Crossbreeds can tow 3,500 extra pounds, V-6 LE/LE Plus could tow 2,000 extra pounds and also a four-cylinder LE is rated at 1,500 pounds.
Safety and security
The 2014 Highlander had not been crash-tested at the time of this writing.
The 2014 Highlander offers reduced anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats for child-safety seats, but only a tether support on the middle third-row seat.
Advanced security features are available, though only on the expensive Restricted trim level where an unseen area tracking system as well as back car park help are typical, and also pre-collision, flexible cruise control as well as lane separation warning are optional. Restricted trim degrees are additionally the only models with a backup electronic camera that uses anticipating guidelines to reveal the vehicle's path-- a backup camera with fixed lines is conventional on all other trim levels.
Value in Its Course
Toyota says pricing is up about $1,500 on average across the 2014 trim degrees, which include additional attributes over the 2013. Base pricing begins at $30,075 for a base four-cylinder LE with destination, while volume-seller XLE designs with four-wheel drive are $38,360 and also include leather sitting with warmed front seats, navigating, three-zone climate control, smart keyless entrance, second-row sunshades and even more. Pricing for the XLE is extremely competitive to three-row midsize SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and even the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The 2013 Highlander was absolutely a midpack three-row SUV, lagging behind in vital areas like indoor top quality, freight space as well as modern technology. Rest assured, if you're a Highlander proprietor planning to upgrade-- as long as you're unconcerned regarding flight high quality-- the 2014 is not only an engaging upgrade, but additionally worthwhile of cross-shopping the sector's ideal.