4.1 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
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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.
Drive type | 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 39.5"/M 39.6"/R 35.9" |
Front tires | P245/60SR18 |
Rear tires | P245/60SR18 |
Seating capacity | 8 |
Max towing capacity | 500/5000 lbs. |
Transmission | Automatic |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RepairPal gave the Toyota Highlander an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Highlander 3rd out of 30 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota Highlander