The Toyota Highlander, much like the families it has served, has grown up, changed, and evolved over the years. It’s bigger, brawnier, and even the Muppets have jumped in for a ride. For 2014, this crossover SUV got a major overhaul, and I recently spent a week getting to know it, up close and personal.
Here are three reasons the Highlander might be a good fit for you.
Family Time
The Highlander is the quintessential family car. With its car-like ride and SUV-like cargo space, it’s a different kind of hybrid; the perfect answer for people who don’t want a minivan. I drove the XLE model, which comes loaded with enough features to keep everyone happy.
The interior of the Highlander was thoughtfully designed with families in mind, and I think, mothers especially. There is an integrated “shelf” that runs almost the entire length of the dash, where you can keep things like your cell phone, sunglasses, and other small items handy. With kids, I’ve always got small items rolling around within the confines of my car. The shelf keeps them organized. When the kids are fighting over a toy, stash it up front, where it’s in sight but out of reach.
Then there’s the cavernous center storage console. I mentioned it in my preview article, and I’ll mention it again here. It’s sheer genius. When I’m driving alone, my purse always goes on the front seat. But when the car is full of family, there’s nowhere for my purse to go—and mom’s purse is an essential part of the family. I love that I can drop it down in the center console and not have to put it on the floor where kids can kick it, step on it, and otherwise abuse it.
Beyond that, I’ve found that you can fit a lot of food and supplies in the console, perfect should a zombie apocalypse occur (according to my kids).
The Highlander does come with third row seating, which is convenient, though it is tight. The XLE features a rear seat Blu-ray player and leather seating, which easily wipes clean.
Date Night
Need a little adult time? The Highlander offers a quiet and comfortable ride and becomes your own personal little escape. My husband and I went out with another couple one night, and we picked them up in the Highlander. They loved the second row captain’s chairs, which offer plenty of legroom for grown-ups at 38.4 inches.
They were also impressed when the kids called to check in with us, and I was able to talk completely hands-free, via Bluetooth connection to the infotainment system.
The Highlander is also good-looking, as family cars go. With a more aggressive stance, a more defined belt line, and 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels, it’s a sportier alternative to the minivan.
Utility
Let’s face it. Families are busy. We’ve got a lot to do. The XLE comes with the 270-horsepower V6 mated to a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. With that kind of power, the Highlander is equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Available all-wheel drive ensures you stick to the road.
There’s also enough cargo capacity (83.2 cubic feet with all rows folded flat) to bring home a project from your local big box do-it-yourself store. And of course, a power lift gate makes things a lot easier when your hands are full. Also new for this car, the rear window opens separately from the lift gate, for when you want to quickly access the rear from the outside.
So there you have it. Three reasons to consider the Highlander. The XLE I tested priced out at $40,445.
