2014 Highlander

With the RAV4 in the Compact-SUV segment, the Venza and Prado in the D/E-SUV segment and the Land Cruiser V8 in the F-SUV segment, Toyota already offers unparalleled choice to its customers.

Entering the range between the Venza and the Prado, the next generation Highlander anticipates the further steady growth of the sophisticated urban SUV market, at a time when such vehicles already hold a 40% share of the Russian D/E SUV segment.

The 2014 Highlander meets all the diverse requirements of this demanding market segment. It combines dynamic styling, high level quality of life on board and a more engaging driving experience in all weather and road conditions, without sacrificing the flexibility, practicality and durability essential to a premium family SUV.

IN BRIEF

Design

The exterior design of the new 2014 Highlander combines the sleek, dynamic and sophisticated styling of a premium urban SUV with the strength, power and durability of a traditional 4x4.

The 2014 Highlander interior has been designed to offer all the practicality, flexibility and durability expected of a family SUV, with more refined, elegant styling and a significant improvement in visual and tactile quality, creating a comfortable, luxurious environment for all occupants.

Life on Board

The quality of life on board the 2014 Highlander has been significantly improved, offering customers more roominess, greater comfort, enhanced practicality and flexibility, and a range of the latest audio and multimedia systems.

Second and third row seating hip points have been moved forwards to offer easier ingress and egress, and an increase in loadspace capacity. New, more comfortable seat designs incorporate a greater range of adjustment, as well as heating and ventilation.

A comprehensive range of available equipment includes a power operated tailgate and a new, three-zone independent air-conditioning system featuring a Toyota first: partially synchronised control. Partial synchronisation allows for independent control of either the rear seating area or the front passenger zone.

Life on board is further enhanced by the Toyota Touch 2 advanced multimedia system with USB/iPod connectivity and a rear camera, the Toyota Touch 2 with Go navigation system, and a 12-speaker JBL® GreenEdge™ Premium Sound System.

Numerous practical storage spaces include a large, open dashboard tray and a tambour sliding door-equipped centre console box, both detailed to allow for the tidy routing of connection cables.

Extensive Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) lowering measures ensure that class-leading quietness reinforces the quality of the Highlander’s enhanced interior design.

Driving Dynamics

The 2014 Toyota Highlander is offered with a choice of two petrol engines: a 187 DIN hp (138 kW), 2.7 litre, 4-cylinder unit and a 249 DIN hp (183 kW), 3.5 litre V6. Targeting a class-leading combination of power and fuel efficiency, both 2.7 and 3.5 litre engines are now mated, as standard, to a recently developed 6-speed automatic transmission with manual override.

2.7 litre versions of the Highlander are equipped with front-wheel drive, whilst 3.5 litre versions benefit from Toyota’s advanced on-demand all-wheel drive technology which incorporates Dynamic Torque Control.

Body rigidity has been improved through an increase in the number of spot welding points. MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension settings have been optimised to combine straight line stability and sedan-like ride comfort with improved handling agility. And the Electric Power Steering (EPS) has also been optimised to enhance initial turn-in response, and greater agility and steering feel.

In conjunction with improved seat comfort, enhanced driving position ergonomics and better forward visibility, these measures combine to offer Highlander drivers a comfortable, quiet, stable, responsive and highly engaging driving experience.

Safety and Innovation

The 2014 Highlander has been engineered to provide the state-of-the-art active and passive safety standards, and enhanced pedestrian impact protection.

The high-strength cabin provides optimum front, rear and side collision performance. An energy absorbing bonnet structure offers improved pedestrian protection. And the interior is comprehensively equipped with 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts and 8 SRS airbags, including a new front passenger cushion airbag.

Class-leading active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control+ (VSC+), Hill-start Assist Control, Down-hill Assist Control, an Automatic High beam system, a Lane Departure Alert (LDA) function and a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system.

DESIGN

• Sleek, dynamic and sophisticated styling
• Excellent visibility and usability
• Up-market interior designed to combine practicality, flexibility and durability

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the new 2014 Highlander clearly positions it as a dynamic and sophisticated urban SUV.

To the front, vertically positioned upper and lower grilles combine to form a powerful, trapezoidal shape which instantly identifies the Highlander as a member of the Toyota SUV family.

Set high within the upper grille, the Toyota logo generates a tapering chrome plated bar which extends the full width of the vehicle to anchor the top edge of the headlamp cluster. Similarly, the lower section of the grille’s chrome-plated trim angles sharply away from the grille to underscore the headlamp clusters.

Their narrowness reinforced by the upper and lower chrome plated trim, the thin, wrap-around headlamp clusters offer a sleek, stylish counterpoint to the powerful mass of the bumper and front wings.

This contrast between sleekness and strength is evident throughout the bodywork of the new Highlander. The smooth, flowing, concave surfaces of a tapered main body and cabin appropriate to a premium urban SUV are built on a powerful, convex-surfaced lower body.

In profile, this dual role is further reinforced by a slim glasshouse set upon a dynamically curving belt-line. The rear quarter side glass tapers towards the rear, locating the corner of the glazing as far back as possible to ensure good visibility for third row passengers.

To the rear, the round, tight upper tailgate area once again contrasts with protruding wheel arches and a powerful bumper below. Thin rear lamp clusters wrap around the shoulders of the vehicle, emphasising its width. The inner edge of the lamps and the number plate surround form a trapezoidal shape, mirroring the front grille.

Both the rear lamp clusters and the roof spoiler have been designed to enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. The former features an air-cutting design which reduces the lamp corner radius to help air leave the vehicle rear cleanly.

The Highlander is available with a choice of 18” 5-twin spoke and large diameter, 19” 6 twin-spoke alloy wheels. Nine exterior colours are available, of which one; Dark Forest Green, is newly developed, and four; Garnet Red, Golden Beige, Zircon Silver and Attitude Black, are new to the model range.

Interior Design

The 2014 Highlander interior has been designed to combine all the practicality, flexibility and durability expected of a family SUV with more refined, elegant styling and a significant improvement in visual and tactile quality, creating a comfortable, luxurious environment for all occupants.

The dashboard design clusters all major controls and switchgear together for optimum ease of use, wrapping them from both top and bottom in high-quality, soft-touch, layered materials above a full width storage tray. Mirroring its design, the door trim flows seamlessly from the dashboard upper panel, emphasising the width of the cabin.

The instrument panel has been further visually enhanced through a clean, simple design which features an audio panel with no panel gaps and new, one-piece-moulded, three-dimensional capacitive touch switches.

The combination meter features a new 4.2” colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display located between the meters, which operates in conjunction with the steering wheel-mounted, 4-direction multi-information switch.

The centre console houses a large capacity box featuring a tambour sliding door. Both the door and its surround have been padded to provide a comfortable armrest even when the console box is open.

Throughout the cabin, materials, colours and surface finishes have been carefully coordinated to reinforce the high visual and tactile quality of the new design.

The instrument panel, door and centre console box soft padding is finished with high-precision synthetic stitching. Instrument panel and door trim ornamentation is offered in a choice of wood grain or silver painted finishes. The air conditioning and audio panel switchgear features chrome accents, and the dashboard air vents are highlighted by smoked satin plating.

The seats may be upholstered in smooth perforated leather. The steering wheel and gear shift knob are wrapped in smooth textured real leather. And the roof lining, ‘A’ pillars and sun visors are trimmed in a high-quality, soft-touch knit material.

Further strengthening the visual coordination of the new design, sophisticated, clear blue ambient lighting harmonises all instrumentation and switchgear with the instrument panel open tray and both front and rear door trims.

The new Highlander interior is available in choice of two colour schemes; Ivory and Black.

DRIVING DYNAMICS

•  Efficient and powerful 2.7 and 3.5 litre engines
•  New 6 speed automatic transmission
•  New Dynamic Torque Control AWD System

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

2.7 Litre 4-cylinder Petrol Engine

The 4-cylinder, 2672 cc, 16 valve DOHC petrol engine generates 187 DIN hp (138 kW) at 5800 rpm and a maximum 252 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. It will accelerate the front-wheel drive Highlander from 0-100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, and on to a maximum speed of 180 km/h, whilst targeting class-leading average fuel consumption of 9.9 l/100km in the combined cycle.

Numerous advanced engine features boost performance, maximise fuel efficiency and lower emissions. They include a variable intake manifold Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS); a Tumble Control Valve (TCV) system and Dual VVT-i for both intake and exhaust camshafts.

ACIS increases torque across the engine’s power band. It divides the intake manifold into two sections, with an intake air control valve in the bulkhead opening and closing to vary the effective length of the intake manifold in accordance with the engine speed and throttle valve angle.

The TCV system helps produce lower emissions by modifying intake airflow with a set of valves. The valves are closed when the engine is cold, tumbling the air and fuel in the intake path to thoroughly mix the combination and achieve the most complete combustion. When the engine temperature rises, optimum combustion occurs without the need to tumble the intake air. So the valves open to let the air flow smoothly, optimising engine performance.

The adoption of Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) to both intake and exhaust camshafts significantly improves engine performance. Able to control intake and exhaust camshafts through angles of up to 40 and 35 degrees respectively, Dual VVT-i allows a greater intake/exhaust valve overlap, benefiting both low-end and top-end torque as well as contributing to a reduction in exhaust emissions and better cold-start performance.

3.5 litre V6 Petrol Engine

The V6, 3456 cc, 24 valve DOHC petrol engine generates 249 DIN hp (183 kW) at 6,200 rpm and a maximum 337 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm. Mated to Toyota’s innovative all-wheel drive system, it targets segment-leading acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and maximum speed of 180 km/h. Class-leading fuel efficiency is also targeted, the unit returning 10.6 l/100 km in the combined cycle.

The V6 boasts similar advanced engine features to those of the 2.7 litre unit, including a variable intake manifold Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) and Dual VVT-i for both intake and exhaust camshafts.

6-speed Automatic Transmission

Fitted as standard to both the 2.7 and 3.5 litre engines, the 6-speed Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transaxle) automatic transmission is designed to offer a smooth shift, excellent drivability and outstanding quietness combined with low fuel consumption.

Featuring Auto, Manual and Snow modes (pulling away from stationary in 2^nd gear to reduce the risk of wheelspin), the transmission features AI (Artificial Intelligence)-SHIFT Control, which automatically changes shift patterns in response to driving behaviour and road conditions.

It is also equipped with complete lock-up control in 2^nd gear and above, enabling changes in engine output to be transmitted directly to the transaxle as with a manual gearbox, and blipping downshift control for a smoother, more engaging driving experience in Manual mode.

The new Highlander’s multi-mode automatic transmission is designed to allow the driver to manually switch between gears, by engaging ‘S’ mode and then moving the shift lever towards ‘+’ or ‘-‘ to select the desired gear.

Dynamic Torque Control AWD (All-wheel Drive) System

The Highlander’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via a new electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in front of the rear differential.

Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to improve fuel consumption.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system uses information sent from various sensors (speed, steering angle, throttle angle and yaw rate) to automatically govern the transmission of torque to the rear wheels, as required.

Torque transfer to the rear wheels takes place not only when the front wheels begin to spin on slippery surfaces but also during cornering on roads, even before understeer develops. From the moment the steering wheel is turned, the Dynamic Torque Control AWD System operates a pre-torque control, automatically introducing a 90:10 front/rear torque distribution to help cornering stability.

If actual understeer develops, torque transfer to the rear wheels is automatically increased by up to 50% through a new yaw rate feedback control, providing the front wheels with improved lateral grip.

For maximum traction when needed, the system incorporates a AWD Lock button. This allows drivers to lock torque distribution in a fixed, 50/50 ratio at speeds up to 40 km/h. Above this speed, the system automatically reverts back to Auto mode.

The driver is able to view torque distribution settings on the 4.2” multi-information display.

Lighter, losing less torque through dragging, and more fuel efficient than a conventional, full-time AWD system, Dynamic Torque Control AWD improves vehicle traction at low speeds, increases vehicle stability during cornering and, through the automatic cancellation of all-wheel drive to enhance the effects of ABS and VSC+, improves braking control.

SUSPENSION AND STEERING

Front Suspension

The Highlander’s MacPherson strut-type front suspension combines superior dynamic performance with enhanced ride comfort and low Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) characteristics.

The coil springs are symmetrically wound to control lateral force, and the shape and spring rate have been optimised. Low friction shock absorbers offer smooth damping during low speed body movement, and help reduce unwanted body movement.

The stabiliser link brackets have been reinforced to enhance system rigidity, and the upper support bearings have been enlarged to disperse load and improve steering feel.

Rear Suspension

The adoption of a trailing arm double wishbone rear suspension system not only brings stability, controllability and ride comfort levels closer to those of a sedan car than a conventional SUV, but also removes intrusive suspension towers, increasing the width of the third row seating by 110 mm.

The shock absorbers have been positioned lower, and the coil springs located under the passenger compartment floor to ensure minimal cabin space intrusion.

Suspension geometry, shock absorber damping force and upper and lower coil spring seat angles have all been optimised to achieve high levels of stability, controllability and ride comfort.

Electric Power Steering

The performance of the Highlander’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) has been improved. The steering column and wheel rake and reach positioning combine optimum ergonomics and visibility with a highly engaging driving experience.

Particular attention has been paid to column installation rigidity and the reduction of play throughout the EPS system. High rigidity rack mount bushings have been adopted, rack guide friction had been lowered, and the steering gear ration has been optimised, enhancing initial turn-in response, agility and steering feel.

This advanced system uses electric power only when steering assistance is needed. As a result it is quieter and achieves higher fuel efficiency than conventional hydraulic power steering systems. Moreover, because it does not use hydraulic fluid, EPS does not generate waste oil, and is thus a more environmentally friendly system.

AERODYNAMICS

The 2014 Highlander benefits from numerous aerodynamic measures which not only contribute to reduce cabin noise at high speed, but also enhance straight line stability, fuel economy and ride composure.

The vehicle underbody features the extensive use of covers to areas with large cavities, and front and rear spats to reduce air intrusion around the tyres. This smoothes the flow of air under the Highlander, reducing turbulence in order to improve ride composure.

The shapes of the front bumper, front pillars and wheel arch mouldings have been optimised to stabilise airflow over the body and reduce drag. And the roof, rear spoiler, rear pillars and rear lamp clusters have been shaped to reduce air turbulence behind the vehicle to improve stability.

LIFE ON BOARD

• Smart packaging to enhance interior comfort and usability
•  Excellent comfort for 7 passengers
•  Latest multimedia and comfort amenities

ROOMINESS

Packaging

The overall length of the 2014 Highlander has increased by 80 mm to 4865 mm. Overall width has increased by 15 mm to 1925 mm, and vehicle height is 1730 mm. Though the wheelbase remains the same at 2790 mm, highly efficient packaging provides a comfortable cabin and significantly enhanced cargo space.

Passenger hip points have been moved forwards to offer easier ingress and egress. The front seat hip point has been moved forwards by 13 mm. The second row seating hip point has been moved forwards by 50 mm, whilst the front seatbacks have been made 39 mm thinner to ensure second row knee space equivalent to that of the current model.

The third row seating hip point has also been moved forward by 50 mm. The adoption of double wishbone rear suspension removes suspension tower intrusion into the cabin, and the width of the third row seat area has increased by 110 mm, enlarging hip room by 83 mm. As a result, the distance between third row occupants has been increased, reducing footwell offset for a more comfortable posture. In addition, the vehicle roof lining has been optimised to achieve the same third row headroom as that of the current model.

The cargo deck length has been increased by 155 mm to 465 mm, height by 85 mm to 460 mm and width by 20 mm to 1440 mm, raising loadspace capacity to 195 litres with all 7 seats in place. This increases to 529 litres with the third row seating folded, and to a maximum volume of 1872 litres with both second and third row seating stowed.

Seat Ergonomics, Modularity and Access

The front seat cushion spring surfaces and support pleats have been revised to enhance fit and support for greater comfort. 4- and 8-way powered versions of the driver’s seat may now be equipped with leg support adjustment with a range of 30 mm, improving thigh support for tall drivers.

The steering wheel features a reach adjustment range of 40 mm, and an increase in rake adjustment from 30 mm to 40 mm for improved driver ergonomics. The driver’s forward visibility has also been improved through a redesigned front pillar with a smaller cross section, which reduces viewing obstruction

The newly shaped second row seats allow a 60:40 split. Each seat section may be independently slid through 150 mm, reclined through an angle of 14 degrees or folded forwards into a fully flat position. A foot space of 290 mm between the seat corner and the vehicle centre pillar ensures easy ingress and egress.

The seats feature a walk-in mechanism operated from outside the vehicle by a seat base-mounted lever, and from within by a seat side-mounted lever. The seat base slide range when using the walk-in mechanism has been increased by 35 mm to 345 mm, creating a foot space of 270 mm between the rear corner of the seat and the vehicle deck side for improved third row ingress and egress. Assist grips have been integrated within the deck side trim, and the armrests have been designed to further aid ingress and egress.

The third row seats themselves are of a new, 60:40 split format. Via pull straps located both on the outer shoulder sections and on each seat back, they may be independently folded into a flat position or reclined through up to 12 degrees.

COMFORT AND UTILITY

In conjunction with a new, more comfortable seat design, the front seats are now available with both heating and ventilation systems, and powered versions of the driver’s seat also benefit from a position memory function. A steering wheel heating system is now available.

The second row seats incorporate a large central armrest equipped with two cup holders, and the outer two seats may be heated.

Located between the driver’s instrument meters, a new 4.2” colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display operates in conjunction with the steering wheel-mounted, 4-direction multi-information switch to support the driver with a comprehensive range of vehicle information.

The 2014 Highlander is equipped with a three-zone air conditioning system. The system features three operating modes; three-zone independent temperature control of the driver, front passenger and rear seat zones; synchronised control and; a Toyota first, partially synchronised control.

Partially synchronised control operates in a choice of two patterns: synchronised temperature for the driver and front passenger zones, with independent rear seat temperature control; or synchronised temperature for the driver and rear seat zones, with independent front passenger zone control.

Further enhancing comfort and convenience on board, the Highlander may be equipped with a power operated tailgate, rear privacy glass and door sunshades, an Electro Chromic (EC) driver’s mirror and a Back Guide Monitor.

Storage

Reflecting the practicality and flexibility of the cabin, numerous user-friendly storage spaces have been provided throughout the new Highlander interior.

The dashboard design features a large open tray extending the full width of the centre console and front passenger zone. It incorporates a partition to prevent stowed items from sliding, and a hole for the tidy routing of cables to the AUX and USB ports and the DC power outlet located in the centre console below. Additional dashboard storage includes a 10 litre glove box, a driver’s side tray and a coin box.

The centre console houses two extra-large cupholders and a 24.5 litre capacity box featuring a tambour sliding door finished in synthetic leather, providing a comfortable armrest even when the console box is open. Incorporating its own DC power outlet, the large volume (380 x 130 x 320 mm) box incorporates a slide tray for simultaneous storage of such items as a portable music audio player and the DVDs themselves.

Further cabin storage includes a rear seat centre console tray with both AC and DC power outlets and a video jack, a 0.48 litre overhead storage bin, front and rear door pockets, and twin cup holders either side of the third row seats.

The enlarged cargo area further benefits from a 29 litre underfloor storage space with an ancillary, 6.0 litre side pocket, four tie-down hooks and a retractable tonneau cover.

Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

Comprehensive noise- and vibration-lowering measures ensure that the 2014 Highlander combines enhanced interior design, sensory quality, comfort and roominess with class-leading quietness.

Sound absorption and insulation materials have been optimally located throughout the body to minimise the transmission of engine, road surface and wind noise to the cabin.

The floor silencer and floor insulation coverage has been increased by 30% and, for the first time on a Toyota, a separate floor silencer has been adopted to enhance interior quietness.

The dashboard now features both an inner and outer silencer, the former overlapped with the floor silencer for improved acoustic performance. And sound absorption and insulation materials have also been optimally located within the instrument panel to further reduce the transmission of both engine and air conditioning noise to the cabin.

Three hydraulic engine mounts significantly reduce the amount of engine vibration transmitted to the cabin. And the layout, attachment positions and vibration insulating structure of the exhaust pipe have been optimised to reduce exhaust-related noise and vibration.

Foamed material and damping material has been located within the body structure around the side door openings and front roof header. And clearance seals have been fitted around all door edges to further reduce the transmission of wind and road noise into the cabin.

Finally, wind noise has been rigorously suppressed through the adoption of acoustic windscreen glass, thicker side glazing, front door weather strips with an airflow cut-off structure, an optimised door mirror shape, lower wiper blades and the adoption of front pillar rain gutter mouldings.

AUDIO AND MULITMEDIA SYSTEMS

JBL® GreenEdge™ Premium Sound System

The 2014 Highlander may be equipped with a 12-speaker, JBL® Premium Sound System which allows owners to enjoy the outstanding quality of 5.1 matrix channel surround sound on selected CDs.

At the heart of the system is a Class H GreenEdge™ IC power amplifier which is 131% more powerful than the current model and, equipped with new DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology, 232% faster.

JBL’s® GreenEdge™ technology combines active sound equalisation with lifelike dynamics and ultra-low distortion, and the 12 high-efficiency loudspeakers feature custom designed lenses and horns to modify directivity and increase output whilst providing superb clarity and tone.

Key to the system’s enhanced sound dynamics and resolution are five wide-dispersion speakers -one centre dash-top 8 cm unit, two 17 cm rear door units and two 8 cm rear surround units. Equipped with wide-dispersion acoustic lenses, these speakers are positioned to enhance the sense of three-dimensional sound in every seat.

The sound spectrum is completed by two 8 cm double-cone unity speakers, located at either end of the dashboard, two 7” x 10” front door-mounted woofers, and one rear-mounted 20 cm sub-woofer. The intensity, presence and deep bass of the sound creates a realistic soundscape that seems to extend beyond the cabin.

Toyota Touch 2

Toyota Touch 2 is an upgraded version of Toyota’s affordable touch-screen multimedia system.

Via a 6.1” full colour touch screen interface, it incorporates AM/FM radio, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility, and a USB port for the connection of portable music players, with the facility to display iPod album cover art. A rear view camera is fitted as standard.

The enhanced Toyota Touch 2 system features redesigned screens with a deeper 3D effect. Image resolution has been increased by a factor of four from 400 x 240 to 800 x 480, giving a much brighter, sharper image.

The screen menu has been expanded to incorporate more vehicle information content, such as air-conditioning settings, and the screen now supports ‘drag and flick’ control for easy, intuitive operation.

Toyota Touch 2 is MirrorLink ready, which enables users to connect compatible smart phones to Toyota Touch 2 and then operate them entirely from the system’s touch screen.

Toyota Touch 2 with Go*

Via an 8” full colour touch screen interface, Toyota Touch 2 with Go builds on the Touch 2 multimedia base unit to offer customers an enhanced, full map navigation system which represents the best value for money on the market. The system was developed with European customers in mind.

Available in 20 languages, the system includes all the most popular navigation functions, such as customisable speed limits, speed camera warnings, motorway signposting, automatic zoom and junction view at motorway intersections. The map zoom function is now more easily controlled by a simple rotary button.

Advanced traffic coverage, now located on the map itself, takes the form of a ‘traffic bar’ showing drivers the location of traffic en route, how heavy it is, and how long a delay to expect.

Via the Toyota Online function, the system offers on-board connectivity to an expanded range of services including the Toyota Real Time Traffic powered by TomTom, Google Street View, Panoramio and Google Local Search –the largest and most up-to-date search database in the world.

Toyota’s improved customer portal also allows users to be in contact with their vehicles on line. For instance, via Google Maps, destinations may be input remotely from home or office, and Points of Interest (POI) may be downloaded for entry as destinations.

Further system access to Toyota Online content includes several applications, such as fuel prices, weather and parking space information. The installation of Touch 2 with Go also upgrades the multimedia base unit to incorporate a contact person image display.

Toyota Touch 2 with Go has been designed specifically to be both affordable and flexible. The system can be easily upgraded with the newest functions, updated maps and the latest Apps, as they become available.

*Available in selected countries only

SAFETY AND INNOVATION　

• Comprehensive array of safety equipment
• Class-leading active safety features
• Three new driver-assist technologies available: Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert and Blind Spot Monitor systems

PASSIVE SAFETY

High Strength Cabin

The Highlander’s bodyshell features the comprehensive use of both 590 and 980 Mpa high tensile steel sheets to combine enhanced strength with lighter weight and greater rigidity. A multiple-load-path front structure has been adopted to effectively disperse impact load through the frame, minimising cabin deformation in front, side and rear collisions.

Helping reduce impact force on occupants during a collision, the cabin is equipped with energy absorbing pillar and roof head lining, and door trim structures. The doors themselves incorporate a crushable arm rest structure and energy absorbing pads within the trim.

Occupant Restraint

The 2014 Highlander is equipped with 8 SRS airbags; driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, side curtain shield airbags, and a new seat cushion airbag for the front passenger seat.

All seven seats feature three-point, ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts. The ELR is designed to lock up the seatbelt when excessive load is applied over a preset value. Driver and front passenger seatbelts further benefit from a pre-tensioner and force limiter function. During a collision, the force limiter fractionally reduces seatbelt tension to lower occupant chest impact forces.

ACTIVE SAFETY

Braking and Stability Control Systems

The 2014 Highlander’s ABS braking system features 328 mm ventilated front discs and 309mm solid rear discs.

The vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) incorporating Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control+ (VSC+), Hill Start Assist Control and Down-hill Assist Control.

EBD ensures that the most effective brake force is applied to each wheel, according to road conditions and vehicle load. By preventing the wheels from locking, ABS helps to maintain stability during cornering and braking.

BA detects sudden or ‘panic’ braking and adds pressure if the driver fails to apply sufficient force during emergency braking.

TRC monitors and controls the amount of power that is applied to the road through the car’s wheels. If the system detects that one or more wheels spins, it instantly determines the best way to restore traction to that wheel, either by decreasing the power being sent to the wheel that is about to spin or, in more extreme cases, momentarily braking the wheel until traction is regained.

VSC+

VSC+ is designed to prevent loss of car control when entering a corner too fast or in slippery conditions which might lead to a skid. Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, wheel speed and brake pressure, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeer or oversteer slide.

The system restores stability by automatically adjusting engine output and applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, and by providing assist torque through the Electric Power Steering (EPS) to help the driver make the correct inputs to restore vehicle stability.

Hill-start Assist Control and Down-hill Assist Control

Hill-start Assist Control prevents the vehicle from moving backwards during an uphill start when the driver releases the brake pedal. The system temporarily maintains braking to the four wheels for approximately two seconds in order to hold the vehicle in place and prevent rollback.

Available on AWD versions, Down-hill Assist Control is a brake control system which automatically controls vehicle speed to prevent the Highlander from slipping downhill, especially when engine braking alone is not sufficient. It operates at speeds of less than 25 km/h, and with the brake and accelerator pedals untouched by the driver. Forward speed is controlled to between 5 and 7 km/h, and reverse speed to between 3 and 5 km/h.

Automatic High Beam system

Activated at speeds of over 30 km/h, the Automatic High Beam system employs a camera to monitor the road ahead and automatically switches the headlamps from high to low beam when it detects either a preceding or oncoming vehicle.

Lane Departure Alert system

The Lane Departure Alert system employs a lane recognition camera sensor mounted at the head of the windscreen to determine if the vehicle is unintentionally leaving its lane. The system then alerts the driver via a warning buzzer and a flashing line icon in the multi-information display.

Blind Spot Monitor system

The Blind Spot Monitor system notifies drivers of a vehicle travelling in an adjacent lane in their blind spot by illuminating the relevant indicator mounted in the outer door mirror surface. Activated at speeds of over 16 km/h, the system uses radar sensors mounted on both sides of the rear of the Highlander, which monitor the area up to 3 metres behind and up to 1 meter forwards from the rear of the vehicle. If the turn signal lamp switch is in operation, the indicator will flash at fixed intervals to alert the driver.