The 2014 Toyota Highlander third-row SUV’s engine options include an underpowered four-cylinder, ubiquitous V6 gasser, and a V6 hybrid for improved fuel efficiency. Only the 2014 Highlander’s gas V6 produces the optimal mix of muscle and efficiency for today’s busy family.
Key Points
- The 2014 Toyota Highlander gave drivers three engine options starting with the small 2.7L four-cylinder, the spirited 270-hp 3.5L V6, and a hybrid delivering an EPA-estimated 28 mpg.
- Highlanders smallest four-cylinder engine was only offered on the base model LE trim. Drivers experience sluggish acceleration and disappointing overall performance.
- The 3.5L V6 gas engine included on all other trims delivers enough muscle for a confident ride even with the whole family on board. It can even tow a camper weighing up to 5,000 pounds.
- If you spend most of your time running errands around town the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid engine provides an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, which makes up for its underwhelming performance on the highway.
2014 Highlander’s 2.7L Four-cylinder Engine may be Reliable, but its 185 Horsepower is a Poor Match to the Midsize SUV
The entry-level 2014 Toyota Highlander LE features a 2.7L inline-four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cam and 16-valve design. Its square build features a 164.3 cubic inch displacement and 95 X 95 mm bore and stroke. The naturally aspirated motor produces a 10.2:1 compression ratio that churns out 185 hp at 5,800 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm.
A six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and snow mode competently supports either front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive. It tows up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The 2TR-FE engine includes a cast-iron block and aluminum heads.
The Toyota owner’s manual recommends an oil change every 6,000 miles using synthetic 0W-20 oil.
While it is the smallest engine offered for the three-row SUV, it does not earn great fuel mileage. The United States Environmental Protection Agency rated the 2.7L with 20 mpg city and 25 highway. Due to the low power to weight ratio, you will struggle to get this ride up to speed. It took 9.6 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill.
2014 Highlander’s Most Popular 3.5L V6 Engine Produces 270 hp for a Satisfying Ride without Giving up Fuel Economy
The majority of the 2014 Toyota Highlander SUVs on the road will have the 3.6L V6 gas engine under the hood. Its DOHC 24-valve design with intelligent variable valve timing delivers a more than adequate 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and a decent 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. Included as standard on the LE Plus, XLE, and Limited, the engine produces enough muscle to pull a trailer weighing up to 5,000 pounds.
Displacement comes in at 210.8 ci while the aluminum block and heads help to significantly reduce weight. The bore is 94 mm with an 83 mm stroke and a compression ratio of 10.8:1.
Like the four-cylinder, you can travel up to 6,000 miles or one year between oil changes, and it uses standard 5W-30 oil.
You only lose a single mpg compared to the smaller engine with a front-wheel-drive powertrain. It scored an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 25 highway. Opt for all-wheel drive and drop to 18 mpg city and 24 highway.
What is it like to get behind the wheel with the 3.5L V6 under the hood? Motor Trend took an XLE with AWD out for a first-look test and decided, “The six-cylinder brings credible hustle, launching our XLE AWD test crossover from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The Highlander is still (likely unintentionally) the speed demon of mainstream three-row CUVs.”
2014 Highlander’s Hybrid 3.5L V6 Engine is Appealing with 28 mpg but Lacks Acceleration on City Streets and Highways
If improved gas mileage is a necessity, the 2014 Toyota Highlander did offer a hybrid for this year. It also uses a 3.5L V6 engine with an Atkinson cycle and an electronic gas recirculation valve. The 2GR-FXE gas engine produces 231 standard horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. A pair of synchronous motors on the back and one on the front wheels are powered by a 209 kW nickel-metal hydride battery. Regenerative braking helps to charge the battery while you are running errands.
The hybrid system combines with the V6 for a combined 280 horsepower while meeting the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standard. At the same time, its 0 to 60 mph and quarter-mile test clocked in slower than the six-cylinder XLE.
Its continuously variable transmission works with an electronic on-demand all-wheel drive for a confident ride over most road surfaces. It does feature an electric-only mode, but Motor Trend found in their hybrid vs. gas test, “Just about any level of acceleration perceivable as such is deemed ‘excessive,’ and the EV mode is defeated.”
Ultimately, they determined, “The hybrid architecture wasn’t upsized for this vehicle. HINO (Hybrid in name only)!”
Still, they found the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a practical if uninspiring addition to the mid-size SUV market.
This greener version of the vehicle earned a 28 mpg combined from the EPA. Pack up the kids and tow up to 3,500 pounds for weekend getaways.
Only the Gas 3.5L V6 Engine is Well-suited for the 2014 Toyota Highlander
If you are deciding which power plant will best support your driving style, remember that the four-cylinder in the 2014 Toyota Highlander LE is underpowered for the beefy mid-size SUV. The gas V6 version turns that hesitation at the lights into a powerful leap forward. You also only sacrifice minimal fuel economy in trade for respectable muscle. The hybrid version may actually cost more to purchase than you will ever save in gas and its EV mode is ineffective.
Photos: Toyota
