Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander reliable?

As the first year of the 3rd gen generation, 2014 cars carry the highest early-build risk. Reliability holds up well when the known problems are addressed proactively: V6 water-pump seepage; Some 8-speed shift-quality issues (2017–2018); Entune head-unit lockups.

Should I buy a 2014 Toyota Highlander?

The 2014 model can be the cheapest way into the 3rd gen generation, but you're accepting first-year build risk. If the car checks out on a pre-purchase inspection, a 2014 Toyota Highlander is a defensible used purchase.

What are the common problems on the 2014 Toyota Highlander?

V6 water-pump seepage; Some 8-speed shift-quality issues (2017–2018); Entune head-unit lockups

Is the 2014 Toyota Highlander expensive to maintain?

Expect Highlander maintenance costs typical of the 3rd gen generation. Engines: 2.7L I4 / 3.5L V6 (port injection through 2016) / 3.5L D-4S V6 (2017+) / 3.5L hybrid. Transmissions: 6-speed automatic / 8-speed automatic (2017+) / eCVT (hybrid). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2014 Toyota Highlander are cheap and widely available.

What's new for the 2014 Highlander?

2014 launched the 3rd gen generation. Key changes vs the previous generation: Wider body, more upscale interior, 8-speed automatic added 2017.

What engines and transmissions did the 2014 Toyota Highlander come with?

Engines: 2.7L I4, 3.5L V6 (port injection through 2016), 3.5L D-4S V6 (2017+), 3.5L hybrid. Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic (2017+), eCVT (hybrid).

What should I inspect on a used 2014 Toyota Highlander?

Engine: Cold-start smoke, oil level and color, valve cover / cam-cover leaks, timing components if due. Transmission: Shift quality from a cold start, TCC lockup smoothness, fluid color and smell. Suspension: Bushings, ball joints, shocks/struts; listen for clunks over bumps. Rust: Rocker panels, wheel arches, frame and suspension mounts; critical on trucks and SUVs in salt-belt states.

Who is a 2014 Toyota Highlander best for?

Buyers who want the newest tech in the generation for the lowest price and are willing to shop carefully.

Should I consider a different year instead?

Consider the 2015 Highlander — one more year of running fixes usually pays off.

Buying Guides

My Garage

Buyer's Guide · Toyota Highlander · 3-row midsize SUV

Used Toyota Highlander Buying Guide

3 min readUpdated July 15, 2026

The Highlander is one of the most reliable 3-row family SUVs on the market. The 2GR-FE V6 is legendary, and the platform is genuinely durable for family use.

Analyze a Highlander Listing →

Overall

★★★★★4.6/5

Choose the V6. The 3rd-gen 2014–2019 (XU50) is the sweet spot — refined, reliable, and cheap to service compared to the Pilot's and Explorer's more complex modern powertrains.

Reliability

★★★★★4.7/5

Maintenance

★★★★★4.6/5

Parts availability

★★★★★5.0/5

Ownership cost

★★★★★4.5/5

Top Picks

Best Years to Buy

Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.

2014–2019 (XU50, V6)

2GR-FE with 6- or 8-speed automatic. Excellent record and easy to own.

2020+ (XU70, V6 or hybrid)

Newer platform, refined; hybrid variant is genuinely excellent.

Do your homework

Years to Research Carefully

Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.

2008–2013 (XU40)

Fine platform but water-pump service and rust are worth verifying.

2020 (first-year XU70)

Some early software and minor build-quality complaints — later builds resolved most.

Known issues

Common Problems

Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.

✓
Water pump around 100k on V6
✓
Rear liftgate strut wear
✓
AC compressor on high-mileage examples
✓
Sway-bar link and bushing wear on 150k+ examples
✓
Interior trim rattles on older examples

Looking at one right now?

Paste the Highlander listing and let Verdict analyze it in seconds:

Market value
Reliability
Known issues
Negotiation points
Final Buy Score

Analyze This Listing →

Ownership

Maintenance Expectations

The 2GR-FE V6 is one of the most durable modern V6s. Family owners routinely reach 250,000 miles with only water pumps, brakes, and normal wear items.

Insurance and service costs are close to a Camry despite the extra size and third row.

Before you buy

Inspection Checklist

What to verify on any candidate car.

Engine

2GR-FE should be silky at idle. Verify water-pump service on 90k+ examples.

Transmission

6AT or 8AT should shift crisply.

AWD

Fluid service and CV boot condition.

Suspension

Struts and bushings on 150k+ examples.

Rust

Rear subframe and rocker panels on Northeast examples.

Living with it

Ownership Experience

• Comfortable, quiet, and honest about being a family car. Third row is best for kids, not adults.
• Fuel economy is competitive with the V6; the hybrid is genuinely excellent for the size.
• Resale value is high, insurance is reasonable, and the parts network is enormous.

The Verdict

Should You Buy a Used Toyota Highlander?

Yes. The XU50 (2014–2019) is one of the best 3-row values on the used market. Verify V6 water-pump service and general condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the Toyota Highlander?

Our scoring puts the Toyota Highlander at 4.7/5 for reliability. Choose the V6. The 3rd-gen 2014–2019 (XU50) is the sweet spot — refined, reliable, and cheap to service compared to the Pilot's and Explorer's more complex modern powertrains.

Which Highlander years should I avoid?

2008–2013 (XU40) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.

What are the best years for the Toyota Highlander?

2014–2019 (XU50, V6) are the strongest years to target — 2GR-FE with 6- or 8-speed automatic. Excellent record and easy to own.

How long does a Toyota Highlander last?

A well-maintained Highlander from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.

Is the Highlander expensive to maintain?

The 2GR-FE V6 is one of the most durable modern V6s. Family owners routinely reach 250,000 miles with only water pumps, brakes, and normal wear items.

What should I inspect before buying a used Highlander?

Focus on: Engine, Transmission, AWD, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.

What are the most common Highlander problems?

Water pump around 100k on V6; Rear liftgate strut wear; AC compressor on high-mileage examples; Sway-bar link and bushing wear on 150k+ examples

Is 150,000 miles too much for a Highlander?

Not on its own. A 150k-mile Highlander with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Highlander's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.

Should I buy a used Toyota Highlander?

Yes. The XU50 (2014–2019) is one of the best 3-row values on the used market. Verify V6 water-pump service and general condition.

Ready to Find the Right One?

Paste any Marketplace, Craigslist, Cars.com, Facebook Marketplace, or dealer listing and receive a free AI buying report in seconds.

Buy Score
Market value
Reliability analysis
Common problems
Ownership timeline
Negotiation points
Inspection checklist
Final Verdict

Get My Free Buying Report →

No account required. Always free.