The 2014 Toyota Highlander lasts over 300,000 miles with only minor navigation system & A/C issues. At $17,175 to $22,400, it’s slightly more expensive than other midsize SUVs, but worth it for the best midsize SUV from 2014.
Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2014 is an excellent year for the Highlander with perfect reliability and slow depreciation. Owner reviews praise the nice interior, technology, along with the quick V6 engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – The third generation of the Highlander has better interior materials, more comfortable seats, as well as excellent cargo room.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread mechanical problems on the 2014 Highlander. Models from 2009–2021 are all excellent, dependable SUVs.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is below average from the base 4-cylinder, while the optional V6 is relatively quick for an SUV its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2014 Highlander is a safe midsize SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional safety upgrades include blind spot monitoring, frontal collision avoidance, as well as automatic braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is average at up to 22 MPG giving 422 miles of range from the 19.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $10 higher than average at $248 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2014 Highlander is more expensive than other midsize SUVs, yet is a good value since it depreciates slowly with nice features.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Highlander?
- Consumer Reports says the 2014 Highlander combines the practicality of an SUV with a luxury sedan and gets high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Highlander 4.4/5 praising the upscale interior for the cost, but doesn’t like the weak 4-cylinder engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Highlander a 4.4/5 enjoying the powerful V6 engine, while owners don’t like the lower towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2014 Toyota Highlander Have?
Common problems found on the 2014 Toyota Highlander include the navigation system freezing, a moldy odor from the A/C system, and the hatch not closing properly. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other midsize SUVs from 2014, with lower repair costs as well.
Navigation system software issues, including freezing, are a complaint reported by owners at around 25,000 miles. There are software updates available which improve the reliability of the stereo system. Installing the software can be done at any Toyota dealer for around $150.
A moldy odor from the A/C system is another complaint from owners at around 15,000 miles. Usually, a moldy odor is a sign of a clogged drain line. Clearing out the drain line for around $100 is a relatively easy thing to do which solves the problem according to owners.
The rear hatch not closing properly, also shows up in the first 30,000 miles. There are some known problems with the struts which make one side close faster than the other. Replacing the struts solves the problem, costing around $450 if it’s out of warranty.
There are 5 recalls on the 2014 Highlander, which is similar to other midsize SUVs. The most serious recall covers a fuel leak from the fuel delivery pipe. Toyota dealerships will replace the pipe on affected models for free. Other recalls include seat belts, which are common on other SUVs as well.
How Long Will the 2014 Toyota Highlander Last?
A well-maintained 2014 Toyota Highlander should last over 300,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles longer than popular midsize competitors like the Nissan Pathfinder. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $550 per year.
Since nearly all used 2014 Highlander models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the A/C condenser for $750, starter relay costing $120, and the coolant reservoir which costs $450.
It is so reliable. We have done such little maintenance on it and it is easy to take care of. We have not had any issues with our car.
Yes it is 100% reliable. We have not had a single issue which is why we only trust the Toyota brand since their vehicles always last a very long time with no issues if you take care of the car to keep it in good shape.
Very reliable. The two complaints that I have found is that it only notifies me that the moon roof is open after I turn off the ignition. This makes me restart the car before I get out if I want to close the moonroof. And although it has a great backup system, it lacks an alarm.
No problems. I have maintained it yearly and kept all oil changes and tuneups current. I have only had one issue through the years with the alarm.System and that was due to a bad (automotive)battery that needed to be replaced.
Our Highlander is very reliable. No problems whatsoever. It has always run great. It has a lot of miles.
My highlander has not experienced any problems. We drive the car a lot and regularly service the vehicle
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen s well as Bluetooth connectivity found on all models. The safety technology is better than other midsize SUVs from 2014 as well. There’s a standard rearview camera along with optional blind spot monitoring, frontal collision warning, automatic braking, as well as lane departure warning.
Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander a Good Value?
Yes, the 2014 Toyota Highlander is a good value since it’s such a long-lasting SUV. Blue book prices range from $17,175 to $22,400, making it more expensive than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $29,245 to $43,590. Depreciation is better than average, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Highlander?
There are four models of the Toyota Highlander offered for 2014 from the base LE all the way up to the luxurious Limited.
LE is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Automatic Headlights
- Cruise Control
- Rearview Camera
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 1-Inch Touchscreen
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
LE Plus is a step up, adding:
- Fog Lights
- Flip Up Rear Hatch Window
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Power Driver’s Seat
- HD Radio
XLE is next in the lineup, which adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sunroof
- Keyless Entry
- Leather Seating
- Auto Dimming Mirror
- 8-Inch Touchscreen With Navigation
- Entune App Connectivity
Limited is the flagship model with:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- LED Running Lights
- Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- 12-Speaker JBL Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Toyota Highlander?
- The base engine is a weak 2.7L 4-cylinder which makes 185 horsepower while getting up to 22 MPG.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.5L V6 making 270 horsepower, which gets up to 21 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. The towing capacity is average for a midsize SUV at up to 5,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the Toyota Highlander Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Highlander?
The 2014 Toyota Highlander is a very comfortable midsize SUV with seating for up to 8 people, or 7 with the optional second row captain’s chairs. Seats in the Highlander are supportive, comfortable, and hold up well over time.
Passenger space is good throughout the cabin, however, the third row has limited legroom, making it best suited to younger children for longer drives.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Highlander Have?
Cargo space is better than older Highlander models with enough room for 3-4 suitcases behind the third row, 6-10 behind the second, and up to 20 suitcases with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Toyota Highlander was introduced in 2014 and replaced by the fourth generation in 2020.
2012: No major changes.
2013: New Plus model added.
2014: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with a new interior, exterior, engines, and technology.
2015: No major changes.
2016: Standard towing package on all V6 models.
2017: New headlights & tail lights, more powerful V6 engine, Toyota Safety Sense technology added.
2018: No major changes.
How Does the Toyota Highlander Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Highlander is the best midsize SUV from 2014. A combination of a luxurious interior with the most reliable engines on the market makes it earn our recommendation for shoppers.
The Toyota 4Runner is another midsize SUV available from Toyota, which is about $5,000 more. Off-road performance is much better in the Toyota 4Runner, while the Toyota Highlander has more passenger room. For most buyers, we recommend the Toyota Highlander, although the 4Runner is also an excellent choice if you know you’ll be off-road or in the snow.
The Honda Pilot is a competitor which costs about $2,500 less. Passenger space is slightly better in the Honda Pilot, although the interior is more luxurious in the Toyota Highlander. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it’s slightly more reliable, but both are great midsize SUVs.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Highlander?
Yes. Were happy with it so far and love the great safety reviews. Our family of four fits comfortably and it is not bad on gas.
Yes, very much so. It has the luxury and features that go with the Toyota brand and the interior is very comfortable and easy to get in and out of for adults and children.
It is the best I have ever owned. I feel completely safe, it is responsive, comfortable and easy to drive.
Great vehicle. I like the dependability, styling, and handling. There is plenty of room for may luggage and grandkids and pets too. . My only issue is that although there are several cup holders in the rear seating area, there are none in the front.
Yes, it has been great for my family over the time we have had it. Never any major problems and has a lot of miles on it.
Yes, I think it is a practical and fun car to drive. My family fits perfectly and it serves our needs