Active families will be able to add holiday cheer to their new year when the all-new 2014 Highlander sport utility vehicle (SUV) begins rolling into dealer showrooms later this month. The all-new fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid will arrive at Toyota dealers in mid-February 2014.

With three-rowseating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander offers a nuanced  balance of style, comfort and utility. The total package is capped off with three powertrain choices: a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, a powerful V6 with a new six-speed transmission and a V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that delivers fewer emissions and segment-leading miles-per-gallon for a three-row mid-size SUV.

Highlander will be available in four well-equipped grades: LE, LE Plus, XLE and Limited.  Each will offer both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). AWD gas models will include standard Dynamic Torque Control.

All Highlander grades feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine and new six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.  The LE grade is also available in a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and the Limited grade is available with a hybrid powertrain.

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The LE grade comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, Entune Audio featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth® phone and music streaming, an integrated backup camera, seating for eight with second- and third-row 60/40 split fold-flat seats, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, smart storage compartments like the roll-top center console, an in-dash shelf with easy access to power and USB ports, a windshield wiper de-icer, and much more.

The standard equipment parade continues on the LE Plus grade with standard fog lights, an height-adjustable power rear liftgate with flip-up rear hatch window, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support, Entune Audio Plus with XM & HD radio, three-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift  knob. Like the LE, the LE Plus is mono-spec.

The XLE grade adds standard smart key with push button start, leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, Chromtec roof rails and a tilt-slide moonroof, second-row integrated sun shades, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation, App Suite with an eight-inch touch screen display, anti-theft system, Homelink,and a 5,000 lb. towing capacity.  Options include seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, and a rear-seat Blu-ray® DVD entertainment system.
         
The Limited grade adds the following standard features: 19-inch Chromtec alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sonar, seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors, four-way power passenger seat, and Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite. 

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Options for both the gas and hybrid Limited grade models include a rear-seat Blu-ray DVE entertainment system, Driver Technology Package, and Platinum Package.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the new Highlander LE will range from $29,215 for the LE four-cylinder FWD to $43,590 for the Limited V6 AWD with Platinum Package.  Prices for the all-new 2014 Highlander take effect with the start of production in early December.

The Highlander Hybrid Limited will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $47,300, with the Hybrid Limited with Platinum Package carrying an MSRP of $49,790. 

All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind., which will also export Highlanders to 12 countries around the world.  TMMI employs over 4,000 American workers.

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Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.