2014 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Hybrid Le/Xle/Limited, Le FWD, Le/Xle/Limited AWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 231 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 28 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,244–4,861 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 56% better than the average 2014 standard SUV (17.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints125 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 369 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 231 hp, versus about 365 hp for similar 2014 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Toyota Highlander is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 2.7L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,861 lb (Hybrid Le/Xle/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (28 city / 28 highway), 56% better than the 2014 standard SUV average of 17.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 125 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2014
- New body dimensions: 2.7 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Highlander →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Princeton, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2014 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Le/Xle/Limited | 191.3 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,861 lb | 55/45 |
| Le FWD | 191.3 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,244 lb | 55/45 |
| Le/Xle/Limited AWD | 191.3 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,486 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 28 / 28 | +56% | $2,400 | 319 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 28 / 28 | +56% | $2,400 | 313 |
| Highlander 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 398 |
| Highlander 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 419 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +12% | $3,350 | 437 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Toyota Highlander.
Similar 2014 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2014 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 25 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2014 Volkswagen Touareg | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Sep 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V576000 · 15,872 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Sienna, and Highlander and model year 2015 Lexus RX350 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the one of the fuel delivery pipes in the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace any of the suspect fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical System › Software · May 22, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V272000 · 48,840 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles may have improper software installed in the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) for the operation of the front passenger seat belt force limiter, and as a result, the force limiter may use the restraint setting designed for small occupants, such as those that weigh approximately 110 pounds, for all occupants regardless of their size. As such, some of these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, a larger front passenger seat occupant may not be properly restrained and be at an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update in the air bag electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on June 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · May 22, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V274000 · 231 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured April 23, 2014, through April 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have a second row right-hand seat assembly that does not fully lock into the inboard seat track in the forward first, second and third adjusting positions. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
- Risk
- If the seat does not fully lock into the inboard seat track, the seat could move, increasing the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second row right-hand seat, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other · Feb 7, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V051000 · 7,067 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2014 Highlander vehicles manufactured November 20, 2013, through January 18, 2014. The third row middle seat belt assembly might not have been properly secured to the vehicle floor anchorage during vehicle assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
- Risk
- A seat belt that is not properly secured to its anchorage could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row middle seat belt anchor, and, if necessary, properly secure it to the vehicle floor anchorage, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2014 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Structure › Body — 23 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2020 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 330 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 511 |
| 2018 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 275 |
| 2017 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 274 |
| 2016 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 117 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →