“The Toyota Highlander is perfect for a small but growing family. Stylish, AWD for if you're in a jam especially in areas that get snow, pretty awesome interior, I can go on and on. But I would highly recommend testing one out to see for yourself. My Highlander is one of if not my favorite vehicle I've owned to date.”
2014 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2014 Toyota Highlander is a full redesign and the first model year of its third generation. Its biggest change is a larger, more family-focused design with a roomier cabin and easier access to the third row.
About the 2014 Toyota Highlander
3rd generation (XU50), first year of the redesign.
Toyota positions the 2014 Highlander as a no-compromise three-row family SUV: roomy, easy to drive, quiet, and packed with practical storage and people-moving flexibility. Its core appeal is balancing SUV space with car-like manners, plus a choice of simple gas power or an efficient hybrid. Against rivals, Toyota leans on everyday usability, family comfort, strong safety content, and the brand's reputation for long-term dependability.
The LE is the straightforward eight-seat family version, with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a backup camera. The XLE adds leather, heated front seats, navigation, and a moonroof, while Limited models use second-row captain’s chairs and add upscale features such as ventilated front seats, JBL audio, and blind-spot monitoring. Limited Platinum versions add a panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking, and the hybrid pairs upscale Limited equipment with standard AWD.
What changed, by category
Structural
The redesigned body is longer and slightly wider, creating more passenger room and easier access to the third row. The cabin also gains a large center console, a dashboard storage shelf, and more soft-touch materials.
Styling
The third-generation Highlander receives completely new exterior styling and a redesigned, more polished interior.
Powertrain
Gas V6 models move to a new six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid continues in upscale Limited forms with standard AWD, while the previous standalone Hybrid trim is dropped.
Safety
A backup camera and Hill-start Assist become standard across the lineup. Limited gains blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while Limited Platinum adds adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams.
Tech
Bluetooth hands-free calling and touchscreen audio become standard. The new XLE adds an 8-inch navigation screen and Driver Easy Speak, which amplifies the driver’s voice through the rear speakers.
2014 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd w/Seq & Snw Md | Auto 6-Spd w/Seq & Snw Md | Auto 6-Spd w/Seq & Snw Md | Auto 6-Spd w/Seq & Snw Md / Automatic, CVT | Auto 6-Spd w/Seq & Snw Md / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18–20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19–27 mpg | 19–27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25–28 mpg | 25–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185–270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270–280 hp | 270–280 hp |
| Torque | 184–248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 215–248 lb-ft | 215–248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 5000 lb | 2000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 78.6 cu-ft | 78.6 cu-ft | 78.6 cu-ft | 78.6 cu-ft | 77.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 26.7–27.7 in | 26.7–27.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2014 Toyota Highlander fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2014 Highlander starts the third generation with a longer, slightly wider body, new styling, a more polished cabin, and easier third-row access.
What changed in the 2014 Highlander trim lineup?
The 2014 lineup adds LE, XLE, and Limited Platinum, while Plus becomes LE Plus. The previous Base, SE, and standalone Hybrid trims are dropped, with the hybrid continuing in upscale Limited forms.
Does the 2014 Highlander have a new transmission?
Yes. Gas V6 versions of the redesigned 2014 Highlander use a new six-speed automatic transmission.
What features became standard on every 2014 Highlander?
Every 2014 Highlander comes with a backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free capability, touchscreen audio, and Hill-start Assist.
How many people does the 2014 Highlander seat?
The 2014 Highlander seats up to eight people in LE, LE Plus, and XLE form. Limited models use second-row captain’s chairs instead of a bench, giving them a seven-seat layout.
2014 Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 Toyota Highlander.
4.3
2014 Toyota Highlander
(12 reviews)