2014 Toyota Highlander review
Toyota Highlander highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Seating for eight in the non-hybrid model
- Superb V6 engine choice
Cons
- Entry-level four-cylinder engine feels lackluster
- Hybrid model's CVT automatic is a bit slow to respond
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 24 highway, 20 combined
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(no current inventory)
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New 2014 Toyota Highlander brings more space, nicer interior
Toyota hit on an appealing formula with the Highlander, and it refined the details to make the all-new 2014 model an even more desirable crossover. Toyota lengthened the Highlander by nearly 3 inches so the non-hybrid models can now seat up to eight. Materials throughout the cabin have been improved, too, making the 2014 Highlander not just a more spacious but also a classier ride. The engine choices remain familiar. The entry-level engine is a 185-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder, but the optional—and desirable— 3.5-liter V6 with 270 hp makes lighter work of moving the Highlander. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels and the option of all-wheel drive.
Toyota also offers a Highlander Hybrid that mates electric motors to the V6 engine for a combined 280 hp and significant gains in EPA-estimated fuel economy. There are trade-offs for the Hybrid, though: it typically costs more than conventional V6 models with equivalent mileage, seats only seven, and has a lower tow rating. There's only one trim for the Hybrid: a top-level Limited model. The regular Highlander has the LE, LE Plus, and XLE under the Limited trim, and the XLE is a good pick for useful levels of standard equipment at a sensible price point. All-new but reassuringly familiar, the 2014 Toyota Highlander successfully picks up where the previous model left off.
All Toyota Highlander years
What is new for the 2014 Toyota Highlander?
- The Highlander is available in a variety of new trims, including the LE, LE Plus, Limited Platinum, and XLE.
- The Base, Plus, and SE trims have been discontinued for 2014.
- Highlander trims have been upgraded with Rear Seat Heaters, Heated Steering Wheel, A/C Seat(s), Automated Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Memory Seat(s), Panoramic Sunroof, Parking Sensors, Rear Sunshade, Leatherette & Cloth, and Entune as standard equipment this year.
- Blu-ray Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
5 reasons to buy the 2014 Toyota Highlander
1. Spacious interior
One of the biggest assets of the 2014 Toyota Highlander is the immense interior space. With a standard third-row seat, it has a total passenger capacity of 145 cu-ft and can seat up to eight people. First-row legroom measures 44.2 inches, second-row passengers get 38.4 inches of legroom, and those sitting in the third row get a little less: 27.7 inches. The sheer amount of space inside the Highlander makes it a great choice for road trips with your crew.
2. Connectivity and infotainment
Passengers in the 2014 Toyota Highlander enjoy a high level of connectivity, thanks to several useful standard features. All models are equipped with an infotainment system that includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, and Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity. Plus, the standard USB port and auxiliary audio jack allow you to customize your tunes for each drive.
3. Plenty of cargo space
The 2014 Toyota Highlander is more than capable of meeting your needs for cargo and storage. This SUV has 13.8 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row, which increases to 42.3 cu-ft behind the second-row seats, and up to 83.7 cu-ft with both the third- and second-row seats folded down. On top of that, you'll find more storage inside the cabin of the 2014 Toyota Highlander, including a large glove box, a shelf under the dashboard, and a center console bin.
4. Available advanced driver aids
Plenty of driver-assistance features are available on the 2014 Toyota Highlander. A rearview camera and hill-start assist are among the standard features, but if you get a Highlander with the Driver Technology Package, you can look forward to a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitors. These features come in handy while driving in the city or out on the open road.
5. Smooth and quiet ride
The 2014 Toyota Highlander has two powertrain options. The base model comes standard with a 2.7L four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, generating 185 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The available 3.5L V6 engine puts out 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. No matter which powertrain you choose, you'll love the responsive steering and sharp handling of the Highlander, which is due in large part to the improved rear suspension on 2014 models.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.4 out of 5
13 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 7 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Toyota Highlander an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Highlander 6th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota HighlanderToyota Highlander features and specs
Limited Platinum 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Entune
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- JBL Sound System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Quad Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.5L
Horsepower
270
Torque (ft-lbs)
248
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19.2
Wheelbase
109.8"
Overall length
191.1"
Width
75.8"
Height
68.1"
Leg room
F 44.2"/M 38.4"/R 27.7"
Head room
F 39.8"/M 37.8"/R 35.9"
Front tires
P245/55SR19
Rear tires
P245/55SR19
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
500/5000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2014 Toyota Highlander FAQ
The 2014 Toyota Highlander is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Limited Platinum: 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- LE: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- Limited: 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- LE Plus: 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- XLE: 19 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
The Toyota Highlander received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Toyota Highlander as 5 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2014 Toyota Highlander has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2014 Toyota Highlander, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2014 Toyota Highlander Reviews.
The 2014 Toyota Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of between 1500 and 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2014 Toyota Highlander:
- LE
- LE Plus
- Limited Platinum
- XLE
- Rear Seat Heaters
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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