2014 Toyota Highlander Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.43/5 Average
24 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2014 Highlander is fully redesigned. Highlights include improved interior quality, available eight-passenger seating, a height-adjustable power liftgate and a six-speed automatic transmission for V6 models.

Pros:
  • Seating for eight
  • Refined interior appointments
  • Fresh technology offerings.
  • Stellar V6 with new six-speed transmission
  • Quiet, compliant ride
Cons:
  • Feels bigger on the road than previous Highlanders.
  • Lackluster four-cylinder engine

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 24.00
  • Not as rugged as I had hoped for - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This car is quite pricey. I wouldnt have even thought about buying it if I hadnt gotten 20K trade-in for my Tacoma. For the price, the quality is not that great. The shiny, cheap looking wheels disintegrate if you brush a curb and it costs $600+ to replace each one (not including labor). There are tiny spots missing paint from a bad paint job on the assembly line. Both front windows make a terrible loud screeching sound when you put them up and they hit the frame. And lastly, if you make chrome roof rails, why would the only option for roof rail bars be in cheap looking black plastic?

  • Review of first 6 months..... - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Ordered a to-be-built 2014 Limited in late February, 2014 and took delivery 3 weeks later. Alumina Jade Metallic (green) over tan/almond leather interior. Came from a 1997 Camry LE (186k miles) and a 2003 Honda Pilot (177k miles). I had been long researching the former Highland and current Honda Pilot. The Pilot is too boxy and I grew tired of all the hard plastics (though they do keep well with kids)> The former Highlander IMO was a little to soft for me in interior design. Let me just say that I absolutely love this vehicle.

  • Quiet and comfortable - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I purchased the 2014 Highlander after owning a 2006 model for eight years and 130K miles, with minimal problems. The 2006 was a hybrid, and I miss the better MPG, but without a tax credit I couldnt justify the additional $12K (2014 hybrids only come in the highest trim levels). Im 63", and the new model is just enough bigger inside to sleep in comfortably with the second and third rows down. Im a conservative driver, and so far (1900 miles) Im getting 20.6 mpg overall; when its time for a tire change, Michelins with lower rolling resistance may add a mile or two. The steering is more responsive than the previous model.

  • Toyota Nailed It! - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Ive had the car for 5 months so feel like I can give it a proper review. I checked out all of the competitors and narrowed it down to the Acura MDX (basic model with AWD) and the Highlander Limited Platinum AWD. They were close in price, but of course you get more bells and whistles with the Highlander Platinum trim vs MDX base. I actually preferred the ride of the Highlander due to its steering feel in conjunction with a very smooth ride. This car has plenty of power when you need it (unlike Pilot). You will enjoy the ride regardless of the trim, but if you can swing it, you will not be sorry with the Limited Platinum.

  • All great except the roof rack - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    The roof rack is fixed 27 inches apart only. The racks cannot be moved beyond 27 inches for a larger separation. I have not been able to find an after market roof rack that will fit on the roof for a greater separation. Toyota claims to have researched this problem by asking people. Toyota also said no one uses the rack anyway. LOL. If you need to carry bikes, surfboards, kayaks, canoes, etc. you will have to carry them with racks that are only 27 inches apart. Would that 27" separation be safe? Toyota must think so in their design. Good luck!

  • Poorly designed roof rack - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    The roof rack cross bars can only be installed 27 Inches apart!!!!! There is no other place to install the Toyota factory cross bar for greater spacing. There are no other aftermarket roof racks(Yakima, Thule, etc) that will fit on the roof because of the decorative chrome coated plastic roof rails. The Yakima roof rack(Q-Tower) can only be installed if there are no decorative chrome coated plastic roof rails. You could remove the decorative roof rails. LOL. Toyota claims to have asked the public for input on the design. There is also the claim who uses the rack anyway.

  • Trouble starting after 10k miles - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    After an exhaustive search of 3rd row SUVs we chose the LTD Platinum for its interior features and smooth ride. But, after 10k miles, there are issues. 1st: the roof drains (not sunroof) had defective hoses which leaked into the the 2nd row seatbelts & carpeting, instead of the ground. 2-3 weeks later it was fixed but, the car wreaks of chemicals. 2nd: similar to another review, it has a problem starting. Toyota towed it, tested the battery, & said its fine. Even with auto headlight feature, Toyota says its b/c headlights were left on. Meanwhile, now it sputters if/when it chooses to start. 3rd: the 2nd row cup holder gets stuck open & not great if you want kids in the 3rd row.

  • Excellent Choice Overall - only minor issues - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Had the 2014 Highlander XLE AWD for almost one year. Bought it in Feb 2014. I like the vehicle overall. Very comfortable, wide vehicle makes handling really sharp, but long reach to the glove box. Great interior and exterior finish and appointments. Large touchscreen display is outstanding but here is the big negative. The voice command system is very poor. Lets put it this way...If you have SIRI that would grade A+ and this voice system would grade F- Just does not undertand me. Sometimes the voice recognition recognizes me sometimes not....mostly not. That said excellent overall, mileage, power, safety, braking, reliable. I plan on getting Car-Play.

  • Great SUV. But the JBL Radio? - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Ive had this vehicle eight months now, with 12,500 miles and not a single problem. Weve had two 10+ inch snowfalls this winter that my Highlander handled them both effortlessly. Handling, power, room, and comfort are all awesome. A terrific vehicle. BUT: The JBL audio system is a complete mystery. On FM or Satellite the equalizer controls are essentially useless, and bass is ill-defined. On AM the audio is distorted and mushy, except I you happen to find a station broadcasting in AM HD. My daughter has the same vehicle with the non-JBL Premium Audio and it is much better.

  • Its a great buggy! - 2014 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    It has been a wonderful surprise in almost all areas. We were able to get all the goodies we wanted at 10k less than some of the rivals we compared.

Toyota Highlander Reviews By Year:
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