<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Chronology </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Predecessor </Th> <Td> Toyota Venza </Td> </Tr> <P> On 27 March 2013, Toyota unveiled the third - generation XU50 series Highlander at the New York International Auto Show, with plans to have the vehicle reach dealerships in early 2014 . Production began on 5 December . This version is longer and wider than the outgoing generation and its design has changed from its boxy look to one that is similar to other mid-size crossover SUVs . </P> <P> In addition to the changes, this one will feature seating for eight people with a sliding second - row point of entry that gives it 4.3 inches of added width space, soft - touch materials on the instrument panel, lane - departure warning, pre-collision warning and blind spot monitoring systems . HD Radio and Bluetooth will become a standard on all trims for the US version, which will also come equipped with Toyota's Entune multimedia system along with a 6.1 - inch touchscreen display audio system . An eight - inch touchscreen system and Toyota's Entune app suite with 12 JBL speakers will be offered as an optional feature . The three powertrain trims that will be offered include a 2.7 - liter, six - speed automatic, front - wheel drive base model, a 3.5 - liter, six - speed automatic model in both front - or all - wheel drive, and the AWD - only Hybrid trim with a 3.5 - liter V6 mated to an eCVT . </P>

When did the new highlander body style come out