2014 was a dynamic year for the SUV market, witnessing a surge of innovative models from various manufacturers. The automotive landscape saw impressive entries across different segments, from budget-friendly family vehicles to high-end luxury SUVs pushing technological boundaries. This year was particularly notable for the strong showing of affordable and mid-size SUVs that delivered exceptional value. Simultaneously, the luxury sector continued to advance, introducing a wave of new 2014 SUVs equipped with cutting-edge technology and premium features.
For those navigating the diverse SUV options of 2014, understanding the standout models is crucial. To help simplify your research, we’ve compiled a list of ten of the Best New Suvs that made a significant impact that year. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of design, performance, and features available in the 2014 SUV market. Let’s delve into what made each of these SUVs a top contender.
2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: Luxury and Performance Redefined
The 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport made a powerful statement by demonstrating the transformative potential of weight reduction in an SUV. Through extensive use of aluminum, nearly 700 lbs were shaved off its platform compared to the standard Land Rover Range Rover. This significant weight loss resulted in a mid-size luxury SUV that was not only quicker and more agile but also more fuel-efficient than its predecessors.
While a third row of seating was offered, it was best suited for children. The Range Rover Sport truly shined in the first and second rows, providing occupants with an exceptional experience of its rapid acceleration and remarkable off-road capabilities. Engine options included a robust 340 horsepower, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and a commanding 510 horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter V-8. Coupled with standard four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport solidified its position as a leading premium SUV.
2014 Toyota Highlander: Family-Friendly and Practical Design
The 2014 Toyota Highlander underwent a comprehensive redesign aimed at attracting budget-conscious families needing substantial interior space. This iteration of the Toyota Highlander offered seating for up to eight passengers across its three rows. Beyond its updated exterior styling, the SUV also featured enhanced interior materials, creating a more inviting and upscale cabin environment.
For optimal performance, it’s advisable to look beyond the base 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine, which offered only moderate power. The more powerful 270 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivered significantly better performance with minimal impact on fuel economy compared to the four-cylinder option. All-wheel drive was available when choosing the V-6 model, and a six-speed automatic transmission was standard across the entire Highlander range, making it a practical and spacious choice in the new SUVs category.
2014 Nissan Rogue: Stylish and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUV
The 2014 Nissan Rogue represented a complete reimagining of Nissan’s popular compact SUV. The most striking aspect of the new Rogue was its refreshed aesthetic, which effectively scaled down the robust design cues of the larger Pathfinder onto a more urban-friendly and manageable platform. While a three-row seating configuration was available, similar to the Range Rover Sport, it was more suited for children.
A key improvement for the 2014 Nissan Rogue was enhanced fuel efficiency. It featured a 2.5-liter, 170 horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This combination allowed the Rogue to achieve impressive fuel economy figures of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive was offered as an option on select models, making the Nissan Rogue a compelling option for those seeking a fuel-efficient and stylish new SUV.
2014 Subaru Forester: Versatile and Spacious Compact SUV
Despite being classified as a compact SUV, the 2014 Subaru Forester boasted a remarkably spacious design. This newly designed model offered substantial cargo capacity, totaling 74.7 cubic feet, along with increased rear legroom for enhanced passenger comfort. Maintaining its signature upright styling, the Forester stood out with its standard all-wheel drive system and car-like handling, making it an exceptionally versatile vehicle for both cargo and passenger transport.
The base 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Forester engine produced 170 horsepower and achieved up to 32 mpg on the highway when equipped with the optional CVT. For those seeking more power, the XT trim offered a significant upgrade with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2014 Subaru Forester was a standout for its combination of space, versatility, and standard all-wheel drive in the best new SUVs category.
2014 Acura MDX: Premium and Refined Mid-Size SUV
For many families, the 2014 Acura MDX emerged as the quintessential mid-size premium SUV. Striking a balance between luxury and practicality, the all-new Acura MDX for 2014 offered a spacious interior, a generous array of features, and a remarkably smooth and composed ride. It prioritized comfort and functionality over ostentatious styling or extreme sportiness.
The MDX provided seven-passenger seating and introduced a new touchscreen interface, which streamlined the dashboard by reducing the number of physical buttons. A significant weight reduction of nearly 300 lbs contributed to improved fuel efficiency, reaching a combined 23 mpg—a 17 percent improvement over the 2013 model. Powering the 2014 Acura MDX was a 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive available as an option. It represented a smart and sophisticated choice among new SUVs in the premium segment.
2014 Jeep Cherokee: Off-Road Capability Meets Urban Comfort
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the Liberty, offering enhanced comfort and practicality. While its styling was considered polarizing by some, the SUV undeniably stood out in the competitive compact SUV market. Staying true to Jeep’s heritage of off-road prowess, the Cherokee offered the Trailhawk trim, which transformed its Fiat-derived, front-wheel-drive platform into a capable off-roader with low-range four-wheel drive and specialized suspension and equipment upgrades.
Four-wheel drive was also available on more urban-focused Cherokee models. Engine choices included a 184 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a more potent 3.2-liter, 271 horsepower V-6. Notably, both engines were paired with an industry-first nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee successfully blended Jeep’s legendary off-road DNA with on-road refinement, making it a unique contender in the new SUVs landscape.
2015 Porsche Macan: Sporty Performance in a Compact SUV
Arriving in late 2014 as a 2015 model, the 2015 Porsche Macan provided Porsche enthusiasts with a smaller, more agile SUV option compared to the Cayenne. The compact Porsche Macan effectively merged performance with practicality. The base model featured a 340 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine, while the Turbo trim elevated performance with an impressive 400 horsepower from a blown 3.6-liter V-6.
All-wheel drive was standard across the Macan lineup, as was a responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The vehicle comfortably seated five passengers and offered a usable 53 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2015 Porsche Macan quickly established itself as a benchmark for sporty and luxurious compact new SUVs.
2014 BMW X5: Familiar Luxury with Refinements
The 2014 BMW X5 represented a subtle evolution rather than a radical redesign, with styling and performance characteristics closely resembling the previous generation. While the exterior design of the BMW X5 remained familiar, it continued to offer the same refined base 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower.
The top-tier X5 featured a more powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, boosting output to 450 horsepower. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing power, a torque-rich turbodiesel engine option was also available. The X5 offered optional three-row seating, standard all-wheel drive, and handling dynamics that were more akin to a large sedan than a traditional truck. The 2014 BMW X5 upheld its reputation as a sophisticated and capable luxury SUV among the best new SUVs of the year.
2014 Kia Sorento: Updated Family SUV with Enhanced Value
The 2014 Kia Sorento didn’t undergo a dramatic transformation like some of its counterparts, but Kia significantly updated approximately 80 percent of this mid-size SUV’s components to enhance its family-friendly appeal. A notable change was the elimination of the previous year’s base four-cylinder engine. The 2014 Sorento’s entry-level engine became a 2.4-liter, 191 horsepower unit.
A new 3.3-liter, 290 horsepower V-6 engine was also introduced for 2014, offering a significant performance upgrade. Alongside its three rows of seating, the Sorento featured Kia’s new Uvo infotainment system, a more rigid chassis, and refined suspension tuning. These updates solidified the 2014 Kia Sorento as a strong value proposition in the mid-size new SUVs category.
2015 Subaru Outback: Roomy and Adventure-Ready Wagon-SUV
Set to go on sale shortly after 2014, the 2015 Subaru Outback built upon the Subaru Legacy platform, offering a unique blend of wagon practicality and SUV capability. Engine options included a 175 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 256 horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder. Both engines were exclusively paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission to maximize fuel efficiency.
Continuing Subaru’s tradition, all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance remained standard features. The 2015 Outback also offered increased interior space, being slightly larger in every dimension compared to the 2014 model. The Subaru Outback maintained its position as a versatile and adventure-ready choice, blurring the lines between wagons and new SUVs, appealing to those seeking practicality and all-weather capability.
