The most significant debut for Toyota at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, the new 2014 Toyota Highlander is a clear sign that the crossover trend in the automotive industry has yet to slow.
A strong seller since 2007, the seven-year-old outgoing Toyota Highlander is one of a handful of crossovers that currently offer a hybrid powertrain. Packing a 3.5 liter V6 with dual electric motors powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, the outgoing 2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid system produces a net 280 hp while offering a rounded 28/28 City/Highway mpg rating.
For 2014, the next-generation Highlander will carry over its 2.7 liter four-cylinder engine with a six speed automatic transmission in a front-wheel-drive drivetrain. Next is a more powerful 3.5 liter V6 with 270 hp and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 will be available in both front and all-wheel-drive layouts.
Finally, Toyota keeps its hybrid model for the new 2014 Highlander. An electric motor is paired to a 3.5 V6 and a trick CVT transmission. In comparison, Ford has retired its hybrid powertrain from the 2013 model year Escape. The hybrid system was available in the last generation Escape. According to Ford, the new EcoBoost engine in the 2013 Ford Escape is capable of 23 City/ 33 Highway, efficient enough for Ford Motor Company to deem the hybrid system unnecessary.
Check out the latest pictures of the 2014 Toyota Highlander at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in the gallery below.
