I saw one in a parking lot the other day and was very impressed at how much nicer it looks. The exterior design is fresh, modern, and masculine. Great job

 

 

nice spin. i think options are good - not everyone wants a third row.

loaded sorrento $40k - with third row, $41.5k
loaded highlander $43.5k

not knocking the highlander - seems like a really nice vehicle. and reputation and likely resale worth the 2k extra.

 

because an suv is not a minivan. traditionally suv owners tend to value cargo space as much if not more than people space. sure once in a while it might be nice to cart more than 5 (or squeeze 6) people in my suv, but 99% of the time i don't need to.

that's just it, it would be MORE appealing to me if the third row were optional. why carry around the mass and space hog of the third row for the 1% of the time i'd need it? but i'd like the space of the highlander (without it).

good point. i guess the rav 4 is the option here, but the rav 4 is a lot more 'basic' than the highlander. i think toyota is just reducing the build configuration complexity wherever possible. the rav4 is now pretty much any flavor you like as long as it's vanilla too.

the new explorer is HUGE, basically as big as the last gen of the expedition! too big and bulky for me, but fine for some (plenty apparently) i guess.

maybe so. again, not really faulting toyota for simplifying their line-up, just a 'would be nice' kind of thing.

maybe you should really consider a minivan?

 

Motor - thanks for the video - interesting, but they didn't really talk about driving it much, but still useful info.

 

another video review (21mins!) jam packed with info and comparisons to competing vehicles and long drive down the beautiful pacific coast highway.

 

thorough review of highlander entune/infotainment... he says voice recognition greatly improved over prior versions

 

funny part is that loaded highlander has driver tech package for 1.8k that sorento doesnt... so radar cruise control, precrash and similar...

 

I probably should consider a minivan, but I don't want a minivan. I'm precisely the market Toyota is going after with the highlander. When you see it in person...it really is a minivan that looks like an SUV and that's the point. That's why there is a standard third row.

Sorrento is smaller, and feels more SUVish. Different IMHO.

I'm sure plenty of people will buy the Highlander whether you do or not.

 

good point! the 'build' site for the SE U.S. is so bad / slow, can't confirm without taking all day, but anyway, highlander looks like a great combo of features and pricing

after watching those in-depth videos, i'm impressed in particular with highlander's interior.

 

And the "official" commercial is out:

 

No problem.

I actually posted those two videos together on page 2, post #58 of this thread.

 

New 2014 Highlander vs. used RX350 with 25k miles

Curious as to what you all would take. A brand new 2014 Highlander or a 2011 Lexus Rx350 (assuming options are the same). These vehicles are currently at about the same price.

 

A 2011 Lexus RX350 should be significantly under the price of a new Loaded 2014 Highlander.

That said, do you need 3 rows? Highlander Only
Do you need HID's? RX only
Are you okay with a non touchscreen navigation system in the RX?
Do you want a Lexus dealer service experience (and prices)?
Do you love a fully panoramic moonroof? Highlander Only

This list can go on and on.

 

highlander no question. improved packaging, nicer interior (to me), better value, newer infotainment, 3rd row if of value to you.

the rx is just kinda old now, dated, and to me, i never got past the cheap interior (vs. what it should be).