The 2014 Toyota Highlander marked a significant leap forward for the popular family SUV, introducing a dynamic new design, a more refined interior, and enhanced technology features. This model year aimed to solidify the Highlander’s position as a leader in the competitive mid-size SUV segment by offering a compelling blend of comfort, capability, and style, making it an ideal choice for active families and discerning drivers alike.
Sleek and Bold Exterior Design
The exterior of the 2014 Toyota Highlander underwent a complete transformation, adopting a more sophisticated and dynamic aesthetic. Departing from its predecessor, the new Highlander featured a progressive silhouette with a lower roofline, contributing to improved aerodynamics and a sleeker overall appearance. Sculptured side-door panels added visual interest and a sense of motion, while the vehicle’s increased dimensions – approximately three inches longer and half an inch wider – conveyed a stronger, more substantial presence on the road.
The front fascia of the 2014 Highlander was particularly striking, characterized by a redesigned trapezoidal grille that merged seamlessly with wraparound headlamps. Deeply chiseled fenders added to the aggressive front-end styling, projecting a sense of confidence and capability. The profile view highlighted the vehicle’s length, with sculptured wheel wells accommodating prominently sized wheels, further enhancing its bold stance. At the rear, a newly designed height-adjustable liftgate, available with one-touch power open/close and driver-selectable memory height settings, added convenience and sophistication. The taillights and bumper were also redesigned to complement the vehicle’s overall styling theme of strength and refinement.
Toyota engineers prioritized structural rigidity in the 2014 Highlander, incorporating high-strength steel in the front pillars. Visibility was also enhanced through the strategic repositioning of the front A-pillars and an increase in the size of the rear quarter glass, providing drivers with a wider field of view and passengers with a more open and airy cabin environment.
Premium Interior: Comfort and Technology Elevated
Inside the 2014 Highlander, Toyota aimed to set a new standard for interior design in the mid-size SUV category. The cabin was meticulously crafted with premium materials, offering an upscale experience for both driver and passengers. Spaciousness was a key focus, with seating for up to eight occupants and an array of standard comfort, convenience, and technology features designed to enhance every journey.
The interior of the 2014 Highlander exuded quality, with most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching and a soft-touch instrument panel. Silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents were thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, adding touches of sophistication. Limited grade models further elevated the ambiance with wood-grain pattern trim on the front dash and door panels. Premium fabrics, available smooth and perforated leather-trim seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob contributed to the Highlander’s refined and comfortable environment. A high-quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades further enhanced passenger comfort.
A newly designed, massive roll-top center console served as a comfortable armrest and provided ample storage space, capable of accommodating a large handbag when fully opened. All Highlanders featured a newly designed LCD in-meter-cluster Multi-Information Display, available in 3.5-inch black & white or 4.2-inch color display, providing essential vehicle information at a glance. Available ambient lighting around the front dash and doors added a final touch of refinement to the interior.
The second row of the 2014 Highlander offered versatile seating configurations, with bench seating for three passengers or optional captain’s chairs featuring a collapsible side tray with cup holders. Access to the third row was made easier with a one-step second-row sliding seat function on both driver and passenger sides, increasing ingress and egress space by nearly three inches. The third row itself offered increased width – 3.7 inches wider than the previous generation – and a standard recline function, enhancing comfort for up to three passengers. Like the second row bench, the third-row featured a 60/40 split for added passenger and cargo flexibility. Rear cargo space behind the third row was also increased by 34 percent, providing significantly more storage capacity for families on the go.
Trim Levels and Standard Features: Value and Choice
The 2014 Toyota Highlander was offered in four well-equipped trim levels: LE, LE Plus, XLE, and Limited. Each grade was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with AWD gas models featuring standard Dynamic Torque Control. A key aspect of the 2014 Highlander’s appeal was its generous list of standard equipment, particularly in the LE and LE Plus grades, which were designed as mono-spec models with no complex option packages.
The base LE grade came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, Entune Audio with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth® phone and music streaming, an integrated backup camera, seating for eight, 60/40 split fold-flat seats in the second and third rows, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, smart storage solutions like the roll-top center console, an in-dash shelf with power and USB ports, and a windshield wiper de-icer.
Stepping up to the LE Plus grade added fog lights, a height-adjustable power rear liftgate with a flip-up rear hatch window, an eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support, Entune Audio Plus with XM & HD radio, three-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, while still maintaining a mono-spec configuration for simplified purchasing.
The XLE grade introduced further premium features, including smart key with push-button start, leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, Chromtec® roof rails and a tilt-slide moonroof, second-row integrated sun shades, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation, App Suite with an eight-inch touchscreen display, an anti-theft system, Homelink®, and a 5,000 lb. towing capacity. Optional features for the XLE included second-row captain’s chairs (reducing seating to seven) and a rear-seat Blu-ray® DVD entertainment system.
The top-of-the-line Limited grade boasted 19-inch Chromtec® alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sonar, seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, a four-way power passenger seat, and Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite. Options for the Limited grade included a rear-seat Blu-ray® DVD entertainment system, the Driver Technology Package, and the Platinum Package, offering further customization and luxury.
Performance and Efficiency: Powertrain Options
The 2014 Highlander offered a range of powertrain options to suit different needs and preferences. Most models were equipped with a responsive 3.5-liter V6 engine featuring a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). This V6 engine delivered 270 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving and confident highway performance. The V6 was paired with a new six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offered selectable manual sequential shifting, enhancing both acceleration and fuel efficiency. Fuel economy for V6 FWD models was EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 18/24/20 mpg.
The LE FWD grade was also available with a fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 185 horsepower. This engine, also equipped with VVT-i and mated to a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, offered EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The 2014 Highlander was engineered to provide a more dynamic driving experience, incorporating features such as Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD), refined suspension tuning, and optimized electric power steering. The suspension system, featuring MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension, was carefully tuned to enhance handling characteristics.
The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system automatically adjusted torque distribution between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions, seamlessly transitioning from front-wheel drive for optimal fuel efficiency to AWD when accelerating or encountering slippery surfaces. Drivers could monitor torque distribution settings via the meter display. The system worked in conjunction with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) to enhance overall performance, handling, and safety.
Highlander Hybrid: Enhanced Power and Fuel Economy
The 2014 Highlander Hybrid combined the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric motor-generator as part of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. This powertrain configuration delivered a net output of 280 horsepower while achieving best-in-class fuel economy for a three-row mid-size SUV, with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city/28 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. All Highlander Hybrid models were equipped with electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive with intelligence (AWD-i). Similar to the gasoline models, the Highlander Hybrid benefited from suspension enhancements and optimized electric power steering, contributing to a more engaging driving experience.
Safety and Value: Key Priorities
Safety was a paramount consideration in the design of the 2014 Toyota Highlander. All models came standard with eight airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System™, encompassing Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. A standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control further enhanced safety and driver confidence. AWD gas models included an AWD LOCK switch for enhanced traction in challenging conditions. Available safety features included rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Alert with Automatic High Beam Headlights, and a Pre-collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Toyota emphasized value pricing for the 2014 Highlander, with MSRP for the LE four-cylinder FWD starting at $29,215 and ranging up to $43,590 for the Limited V6 AWD with Platinum Package. The Highlander Hybrid Limited was priced at an MSRP of $47,300, with the Hybrid Limited with Platinum Package at $49,790 (excluding Delivery, Processing and Handling fees). The 2014 Toyota Highlander was assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Indiana, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to American manufacturing and workforce.
Conclusion: The Complete Family SUV Package
The 2014 Toyota Highlander represented a comprehensive evolution of the mid-size SUV, delivering a compelling combination of bold new styling, a refined and technology-rich interior, versatile performance, and exceptional overall value. With its range of trim levels, powertrain options, and available features, the 2014 Highlander was well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of modern families seeking a capable, comfortable, and stylish SUV. It solidified its place as a leading contender in the segment, offering a compelling package that resonated with consumers and critics alike.
