Tag Archives: Toyota Highlander
2014 Toyota Highlander: A Simple family SUV
Much similar to its previous versions, 2014 Toyota Highlander comes with a quite discreet, unique and our favorite feature on which we will go straight while writing this review for the futuristic SUV. Driver easy speak is the latest feature to look for in the 2014 Toyota Highlander, the advanced tech features uses a front seat microphone with speakers attached on the rear seat, through which driver can speak to rear seat passengers like a PA system. If a driver wish to yell at the back seat passengers, his voice will boom in the rear seat like the voice of God without even him making turn his head. All driver has to do is to switch it on before he decides on talking to the passengers.
The best thing about the new Toyota Highlander is if the driver makes any rear seat commotion then it will be the only sound in its cabin, because otherwise the newly designed cabin of 2014 Toyota Highlander is a placid isolation which is quite an additional feature for drivers who prefer to avoid their surrounding sounds. The same was found missing in the previous highlanders, but this time Toyota has managed its reputation of being a driver pleaser. As always, no compromise has been made to the comfort in front as well as rear, the same has always been a positive point with 2014 Toyota Highlander.
The reconfigured 2014 Toyota Highlander comes with excellent rear suspension that has also created enough space for abreast third row and has the ability to carry as many as eight passengers at a time. Even for cargo space no comprises have been made, even after the comfortable occupancy of eight you are left with ample of cargo space to carry luggage, the storage space behind third row is 34 percent more than any other highlander version.
Bit from the perspective of a driver, all seems well with the new Toyota Highlander, as this time the company has managed to do away with cheap plastic materials and gaping panel joints, which are quite a turn off in previous Toyota models. Soothing interiors with use of excellent quality material are truly a delight for your eye. The powerful V-6 engine over silence pick up, however the automatic transmission is still limited to six speed options, on the other hand the standard six speed transmission is imperceptibly employed making highlander’s mission of serene transportation quite clear.
Thick trimmed and leather wrapped grip of steering wheel is also a surprise for the Toyota lovers and yes this time the steering gives you an amazing genuine feel. These features are quite rare in the newly launched Toyota models and until now completely non-existent in the highlander. Many of the test drivers are taking this as a welcome change as it allows driver to feel the tire grip on the road and also the effort built by steering while turning into the corners.
The all new 2014 Toyota Highlanders will surely make buyers sing its praises from the front seat with kids enjoying singing at the back.
First Look: 2014 Mazda CX-9
Standing out from the current line up from the brand, the new 2014 Mazda CX-9 is not only the brand’s largest vehicle, but it’s also a holdover from another era at the automaker; the era before the brand decided to “go it alone” away from Ford and focus on engineering more lightness and fuel efficiency into its cars and crossovers. Although the 2014 Mazda CX-9 is not a class leader in gas mileage, like those other models, it still ranks as one of the better large crossover options if you need three rows of seating and a responsive, almost nimble driving demeanor.
It was only last year that the Mazda CX-9 received a modest set of upgrades with a new snout that closely matches the frond-end look of the recently redesigned CX-5 compact crossover, Mazda 3 compact car family and the Mazda 6 Sedan. Already, the Mazda CX-9 has been one of the better looking vehicles in its class but the Kodo ‘soul of motion’ design language applied with only the new front end and rear details to the 2014 Mazda CX-9 is a good fit with the SUV’s existing side profile. A number of minor aesthetic changes to the cabin can be seen in the 2014 Mazda CX-9. The centre stack area has been redesigned to accommodate a 5.8 inch touchscreen and overall the interior look, while clearly carried over is the better fit with the CX-5’s somewhat more upright look. The dashboard in the CX-9 features a graceful waterfall design that flows into the door panels with uncommon flair.
Performance changes aren’t much for the 2014 Mazda CX-9 and that is a good thing. The 3.7 liter ‘MZR’ V-6 engine produces a 273 horsepower and runs on regular gas. Mated to a six speed automatic transmission with manual shift control, the engine accelerates the crossover from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds for a front wheel drive configuration. An all wheel drive model needs 8.5 seconds for the same. The fuel economy is on par with that of other large crossovers at an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city/24 mpg highway) for front wheel drive models. The 2014 Mazda CX-9 AWD drops to 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city/22 mpg highway).
Offering amazingly strong acceleration for both around town driving and highway passing the Mazda CX-9 impresses with its agile responses. An accomplished highway cruiser, this SUV keeps road and wind noises to acceptable levels for backseat movie viewing and such. The steering, so precise, enable the driver to carve a consistent path no matter if one powers down the interstate or makes time on a rural two-way road. The steep rake of the windshields adds to the sporty vibe of the giant crossover. The suspension is a combination of compliance and poise and this is one of the best handling crossovers around.
Yes there are competitors like the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, but the 2014 Mazda CX-9 stands out with its powerful V6 engine, dynamic handling, agile responses and a stunning body.