Outside of the U.S., the Toyota Highlander is known as the Kluger. We mention this not because it impacts the likelihood of success for the all-new third-gen model, which debuts at the New York auto show later this month. Nor because Toyota would ever consider using the name Kluger on any vehicle here. No, we've trotted out this pearl of nomenclature trivia because it is, very possibly, the most interesting aspect of Toyota's Highlander.
Fortunately for Toyota, "interesting" isn't necessary to sell three-row crossovers to families, and that explains how more than half a million have found homes since the current Highlander was introduced in 2007. The Big T will try to build on that success the same way it did in rolling out the current Camry in 2011, the new Avalon (2012), and the new RAV4 (2013): with subtle changes, specifically targeted at areas its customers said were flaws with the outgoing model.
The best information for what we'll see in the new 2014 Highlander actually comes from Toyota's introduction of the RAV4, which has just gone on sale. The company killed its V-6 engine and optional third row of seats, noting that neither were particularly popular and that customers who needed either could step up to the Highlander. This isn't to say we had doubts that the Highlander would have a V-6 or third row, but it really underscores the car's role at Toyota. A hybrid version will return, as it's been a relatively popular option on the outgoing Highlander. For the non-hybrid vehicles, the only change we envision from the current running gear is adding another forward gear to the V-6"²s five-speed automatic transmission.
Hey, it ain't exciting not even as exciting as an otherwise-identical Kluger but family shuttles like the Highlander pay for little side projects, like coupes with rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions. We should all be looking forward to this one, then. Sales will begin later this year.
Fortunately for Toyota, "interesting" isn't necessary to sell three-row crossovers to families, and that explains how more than half a million have found homes since the current Highlander was introduced in 2007. The Big T will try to build on that success the same way it did in rolling out the current Camry in 2011, the new Avalon (2012), and the new RAV4 (2013): with subtle changes, specifically targeted at areas its customers said were flaws with the outgoing model.
The best information for what we'll see in the new 2014 Highlander actually comes from Toyota's introduction of the RAV4, which has just gone on sale. The company killed its V-6 engine and optional third row of seats, noting that neither were particularly popular and that customers who needed either could step up to the Highlander. This isn't to say we had doubts that the Highlander would have a V-6 or third row, but it really underscores the car's role at Toyota. A hybrid version will return, as it's been a relatively popular option on the outgoing Highlander. For the non-hybrid vehicles, the only change we envision from the current running gear is adding another forward gear to the V-6"²s five-speed automatic transmission.
Hey, it ain't exciting not even as exciting as an otherwise-identical Kluger but family shuttles like the Highlander pay for little side projects, like coupes with rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions. We should all be looking forward to this one, then. Sales will begin later this year.
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