Friday, January 10, 2014
Richmond Review · Page 17 the richmond
REVIEW
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Welcome to the driver’s seat
Toyota has always been a logical purchase, based on reliability and durability but now its designs too are capturing buyers with a visual, desirable esthetic. Zack Spencer
Visit the Toyota Highlander photo gallery at DrivewayBC.ca
2014 Toyota Highlander: Prettier in form and function makes it more North CARMEL, CA: The Toyota American looking. Highlander is a perfect exI believe that this is the ample of the trend towards best-looking Highlander crossovers away from to date and import buytraditional SUVs. ers will take note and a Before its 2001 introducfew domestic intenders tion, the Toyota SUV of should too. choice was the 4Runner, A very good built off a pickup truck platfamily crossover that Inside The dash is form, providing ruggedness improved with will get the job done much and versatility. more soft-touch materiCrossovers now accomplish every day. als and a large 6.1-inch the same versatility in terms screen in the centre of Zack Spencer of seating, cargo and all the dash on the base LE wheel drive capability but or an 8.0-inch screen on do so with a better on-road drive, thanks all other models, makes operation easy. to a car-based platform. One problem is the angle of the screen The first Highlander was rather small, is hard to see if there is any sunshine, about the same size as a compact the glare a bit more than I had anticipatcrossover today. ed. Back up camera is standard. In 2008, its size was adjusted to make Below the screen and heat controls is a room for a standard third row of seats. tray-like shelf that runs from the middle Now the Highlander has grown again to the passenger side of the dash. This is and is packed with more standard a clever space to place your smartphone equipment and features. but also enable it to be plugged in.
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Looks Toyota has always been a logical purchase, based on reliability and durability but now its designs too are capturing buyers with a visual, desirable esthetic. The 2014 edition is 7.5cm longer (mostly in the rear seat and cargo area), 1.5cm wider and 3cm lower. The stance is wide and lower, making more of a visual impact. Combine this with a large grille borrowed from the Tundra pickup truck and the Highlander has a very rugged, yet polished, look that
The cup holder is large and the centre armrest has a massive storage area inside; this is thanks to the removal of the stowaway seat that used to hide under the centre armrest. Now in the second row of seats there are three permanent seats or two captain’s chairs in the top Limited model. The previous hideaway idea was simple but not so comfortable. The biggest change takes place in the third row of seats, where three people can sit rather than just two. In addition,
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welcome to the driver’s seat.
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there is 100L of cargo space behind the third row of seats offering much better functionality. It has all the interior amenities that one expects in a modern three-row crossover, even a system that allows the driver’s voice to be amplified through the stereo for easier conversations with passengers in the very back, but there seems to be a lack of sophistication compared to its competition. Drive The previous Highlander was available with a 4-cylinder engine and front wheel drive (FWD). It’s with a standard 3.5L V6 with 270hp, matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission, also with FWD. The starting price stays at $31,680; factoring in the backup camera there is good value here. When it arrives later this month, the base LE with all wheel drive (AWD) starts at $34,180. I think most people will opt for the LE with convenience package that includes 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, satellite radio and leather steering wheel to name a few. This brings the price up to $34,480 for the FWD and $36,980 for the AWD. On the road, the AWD system sends power to just the front wheels as often as possible with only 10 per cent of the torque shifting when cornering. The system has the ability to shift or lock up to 50 per cent of the power for better traction but limiting it to times
Question
when it is truly needed helps improve fuel economy. The other part of the fuel economy story is the all-new 6-speed automatic. The official fuel rating for the most popular AWD model is 11.5L/100km in the city and 8.2L on the highway, which is almost a full litre improvement in combined highway/city economy over the 2013 model. The rear suspension has been modified for a slightly more dynamic drive and improved ride. The steering is rather light and vague but the buyers of this type of product will appreciate the ease of use.
OF THE WEEK:
Verdict The Highlander is a functional vehicle for young buyers with kids and friends that need to get to practice and carry all the sports equipment that goes with it. Overall, a very good family crossover that will get the job done every day.
Safety Tip:
What do you think is the best special feature available in today’s cars and trucks? Please explain why you have made that decision.
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK!
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With challenging road conditions across the province, January is always one of the highest months for crashes in B.C. Take some small steps to prepare your vehicle for the conditions, such as checking your tire pressure – tires deflate more quickly in cold weather – and top up your vehicle’s anti-freeze, windshield washer fluid, and gas.
The Lowdown Power: 3.5L V5 with 270hp Fill-up: 11.5L/8.2L/100km (city/highway AWD) Sticker price: $31,680-$45,100
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