2014 Toyota Highlander

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

Toyota Highlander
Pictured: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (XU70) 1X7A6356. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine231 hp3.5L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Base/Hybrid

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Hybrid Le/Xle/Limited191.3 in76 in68.1 in109.8 in64.2 / 64.2 in4,861 lb55/45
Le FWD191.3 in76 in68.1 in109.8 in64.2 / 64.2 in4,244 lb55/45
Le/Xle/Limited AWD191.3 in76 in68.1 in109.8 in64.2 / 64.2 in4,486 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive27 / 28 / 28+56%$2,400319
Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus Hybrid3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive28 / 28 / 28+56%$2,400313
Highlander 2WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-5%$3,050398
Highlander 2WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-9%$3,200419
Highlander AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+12%$3,350437
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.9 MPG2014 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Toyota Highlander (this car)28 MPGNot rated4
2014 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated4
2014 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated7
2014 Ford Explorer23 MPGNot rated6
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPGNot rated18
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe23 MPGNot rated7
2014 Volkswagen Touareg23 MPGNot rated3

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

125Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
40,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System34
Unknown Or Other33
Structure › Body23
Power Train9
Visibility/Wiper5
Seat Belts4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Engine3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/10: 120/12: 121/01: 121/02: 121/05: 421/07: 121/08: 121/12: 122/09: 222/11: 223/01: 223/02: 123/03: 123/04: 323/12: 124/12: 125/01: 325/06: 126/01: 126/02: 126/05: 226/07: 126/08: 126/09: 120/1021/0221/0822/1123/0324/1226/0126/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Structure › Body — 23 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Highlander35194.9 inNot rated04
2025 Highlander35194.9 in★★★★★410
2024 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★743
2023 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★9198
2022 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★6272
2021 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5548
2020 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5330
2019 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★3511
2018 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★4275
2017 Highlander29192.5 inNot rated3274
2016 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated2117
2015 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated1195

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →