The all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: now three models; $3,500 lower starting MSRP on popular model; and a host of new improvements and features across the board

 

(TORONTO – February 13, 2014) Maximize family fun while minimizing fuel costs and emissions with the all-new, 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The third generation of this popular, versatile and efficient mid-size hybrid SUV has been re-imagined from top to bottom, inside and out. Now available in three models, each features a striking new design, additional comfort, even more standard features, improved drivability and the advanced power of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. With a host of new improvements and features for all models, including some that are exclusive to the hybrid model, the all-new, 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is better than ever.

 

“Toyota designers and engineers have created a great hybrid vehicle for Canadians – one that combines terrific versatility for transporting people and gear with style and performance that reflects a more modern, active lifestyle – plus the proven efficiency and performance of Toyota’s gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President at Toyota Canada Inc. “We’re pleased to offer Canadians this exciting next-generation Highlander Hybrid with standard features that represent tremendous value for their vehicle buying dollar. There’s never been a better time to put a Highlander Hybrid in the driveway.”

 

The 2014 Highlander Hybrid sets a new standard for mid-size SUVs based on the comfort and drivability of a passenger car (unibody) platform – and visitors to the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto will enjoy Canada’s first look at this new Toyota as the 2014 Highlander Hybrid makes its Canadian auto show debut, February 14-23 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

 

Sophisticated and dynamic, the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid features a striking trapezoid grille and continues into a lower, wider, longer body with a lower centre of gravity. The new exterior is sleek and strong, featuring sculptured side door panels and a more rigid body construction that also reduces noise and vibration.

 

Under the hood, all Highlander Hybrids are built around the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive – featuring a 3.5L Atkinson Cycle V6, a high torque electric motor-generator and powerful traction battery. These work in concert under the direction of a sophisticated power management system to deliver 280 net system horsepower, remarkable fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions. In fact, the new Highlander Hybrid boasts 10 more rated horsepower than the gas model, but amazingly uses almost 30 percent less fuel.

 

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission for smooth, confident acceleration, plus the added all-weather confidence of all-wheel-drive with intelligence (AWD-i).

 

Enhancements to the suspension and steering mean the new Highlander Hybrid is more stable on the road and drives more like a passenger car than ever before, delivering smoother lane changes and better cornering.

 

Inside, Toyota designers raised the bar for the mid-size SUV segment by adding more refinement and functionality. The 2014 Highlander Hybrid features a premium cabin environment highlighted by increased spaciousness for seven or eight people, a 34 percent increase in cargo space, and numerous standard comfort, convenience and technology features.

 

Numerous features have been made standard on all Highlander Hybrid models for 2014. These include: Display Audio systems with USB and auxiliary input, Bluetooth® connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted audio and voice recognition controls; Integrated XM Satellite Radio; three-zone independent automatic climate control with humidity sensor; aluminum alloy wheels with locks; automatic headlamps; a back-up camera integrated into the audio system display; a power rear door with jam protection and flip-up glass hatch; leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob; and the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start. These join a long list of standard features, including; power door locks with keyless entry with hatch release; adjustable and heated front row seats; reclining second row and third-row seats; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; rear privacy glass; simulated leather door trim and front centre console box lid, and silver accented interior trim; cargo and reading lamps; 12V DC outlets for personal electronics plus retained accessory power; power adjustable exterior mirrors; a rear spoiler; variable intermittent wipers with intermittent rear window wiper/washer; fog lamps; and more.

 

The new Highlander Hybrid also maintains Toyota’s no-compromise commitment to safety. In addition to eight airbags, all 2014 models are standard equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, front windshield wiper de-icer, two child safety seat lower anchors on the outboard second row seats, top tether anchors for each seat in the second row, child protector rear door locks, and more. Additionally, available safety technologies include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert system and unique to the hybrid model, Toyota’s Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert system. 

 

As with every new Toyota since 2011, the 2014 Highlander Hybrid is standard equipped with the six active safety technologies of the Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.

 

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is offered in three models as follows:

 

2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE (starting MSRP: $43,720)

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE features seating for eight; a 6.1” Display Audio touchscreen; 18” aluminum alloy wheels; a 3.5” multi-information display; front row captain’s seats; a 60/40 split 2^nd row bench seat with seat slide and 60/40 split fold-flat third row seat; seat surfaces trimmed in cloth and Softex material; auto up/down function on driver and front passenger windows; cruise control; and more.

 

2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE (starting MSRP: $46,145)

Compared to the 2013 Highlander Hybrid with Comfort Package, this model benefits from a $3,500 reduction to starting MSRP, even as it’s enhanced with new styling, comfort, performance and standard features. The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE features a newly designed 4.2” colour LCD multi-information display; 8” Display Audio touchscreen; AVN Premium Navigation; the Easy Speak system which facilitates conversation between those in the front and rear seats; front row captain’s seats; a 60/40 split second row bench seat with seat slide and 60/40 split fold-flat third row seat combine to offer seating for eight; leather seat surfaces on the first two rows of seats; auto up/down function on driver and front passenger windows; cruise control; integrated garage door opener; rear door sunshades; anti-theft system; 19” aluminum alloy wheels; silver painted roof rails with cross-bars; a power moon roof; and more.

 

2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited (starting MSRP: $52,695)

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited features a newly designed 4.2” colour LCD multi-information display; 8” Display Audio touchscreen; AVN Premium Navigation;  12 speaker JBL Synthesis audio system; the Easy Speak system which facilitates conversation between those in the front and rear seats; driver’s seat memory system; power front captain’s seats; second row captain’s seats with slide and recline, and 60/40 split fold-flat third row seat that combined offer seven-person capacity; perforated leather seat surfaces on the first two rows of seats; heated and ventilated front row seats; heated second  row seats; auto up/down function on all windows; heated steering wheel; LED ambient cabin lighting; dynamic radar cruise control; integrated garage door opener; rear door sunshade; anti-theft system; 19” chrome clad alloy wheels; roof rails with chrome trim and accompanying cross-bars; a panoramic glass roof; automatic high beam feature; and exclusive safety features to this model, Toyota’s Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert system, Lane Departure Alert system, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; and more.

 

The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid goes on sale this month at Toyota Dealers across Canada.

 

For more information on features and specifications, visit www.toyota.ca/highlander.

 

About Toyota Canada Inc.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Scion cars, SUVs and trucks. Toyota is the first full-line manufacturer to make all of the elements of the Star Safety System standard on every vehicle starting in 2011. The Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). TCI’s head office is in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver.