2014 was a turning point for the auto industry: legacy brands launched refined luxury and performance models while electric vehicles moved from niche to mainstream. That year saw fresh platforms, turbocharged downsizing go mainstream, and an EV that proved long-range electric mobility was practical for many buyers. For shoppers and enthusiasts, 2014 matters because several models introduced technologies and packaging that still shape buying decisions today—new-generation platforms, more efficient powertrains, and features that migrated quickly through the lineup.
This list presents the 10 best cars of 2014 chosen on five practical criteria: driving dynamics, safety ratings, real-world value, technological innovation, and cultural impact. Each pick is grouped into one of three categories: Performance & Driving Experience; Value, Safety & Practicality; and Design, Luxury & Innovation. The selections are limited to ten models—no more, no fewer—and later sections supply specific specs (horsepower, tested 0–60 times, MSRP ranges, EPA figures) with links to reputable sources so readers can verify details. Avoid filler; focus on concrete figures and examples below.
Performance & Driving Experience
In 2014, driving dynamics mattered more than ever as manufacturers launched new platforms and refined electronics that improved handling without sacrificing comfort. Enthusiast-oriented trims returned to the spotlight, and dual-clutch automatics and high-torque turbo engines raised expectations for acceleration and usability. For this category we evaluated horsepower, tested 0–60 times, curb weight, availability of manual or DCT gearboxes, and track-capable options. Real-world usability—daily comfort, interior ergonomics, and reliability—was also a factor: the best performers needed to work both on a track and in routine commuting.
Evaluation metrics used here include manufacturer-rated horsepower, third-party tested 0–60s, curb weight where available, and 2014 MSRP ranges. When possible, figures cite manufacturer specs or trusted tests from Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and manufacturer press material.
1. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7)
The 2014 Corvette Stingray earns a spot for delivering a rare balance of showroom performance and everyday usability after a ground-up C7 redesign. Chevrolet introduced the C7 for the 2014 model year with an all-new chassis and a more refined interior.
Manufacturer specs list a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 rated at 455 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque (with optional exhaust boosting certain outputs slightly). Independent tests recorded 0–60 times in the high 3s to about 4.0 seconds depending on transmission and tires; Car and Driver reported 0–60 runs near 3.8–4.0 s for well-equipped examples. Base MSRP in 2014 started around $51,995 (manufacturer MSRP).
Chassis improvements—an aluminum-intensive substructure, improved suspension geometry, and available Magnetic Ride Control—made the C7 both a credible weekend track car and a tolerable long-distance cruiser. That versatility and the headline-grabbing 0–60 performance made the Stingray a defining performance value in 2014.
2. 2014 BMW 3 Series (F30)
The F30 3 Series remained the benchmark compact sports sedan in 2014 thanks to balanced handling, direct steering feel, and a modernized engine lineup. The 328i (popular in 2014) moved to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four producing roughly 240 hp and about 255 lb-ft of torque (manufacturer spec), while the 335i offered the turbo inline‑6 for drivers wanting stronger performance.
Third-party testing put 0–60 times for the 328i in the mid-to-high 5-second range depending on drivetrain and transmission. EPA combined fuel-economy for the 328i typically sat in the mid-to-high 20s mpg, making it a relatively efficient performance sedan (EPA). Reviewers at Edmunds and Car and Driver praised the F30 for refining ride comfort without losing driver engagement.
3. 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera (991)
The 2014 Porsche 911 (991) remained a performance icon by marrying signature flat‑six character with improved chassis refinement and everyday usability. The base Carrera used a 3.4‑liter flat‑six in early 991s rated at about 350 hp (manufacturer spec).
With Porsche’s PDK dual‑clutch transmission, tested 0–60 times for Carrera variants were often in the low‑4 second range; manuals were a touch slower but preferred by purists. Base 2014 Carrera pricing started in the mid‑$80,000s (MSRP). Review outlets noted that the 991 generation broadened the 911’s appeal: fast on track yet civilized for highway miles and reasonably practical for short trips and weekend luggage.
Value, Safety & Practicality
For many buyers in 2014, safety, space, and ownership costs mattered more than outright speed. That year brought stronger safety suites and more fuel‑efficient powertrains into mainstream models, so this category weighs IIHS and NHTSA crash ratings, EPA fuel-economy figures, cargo volume, and typical running costs. Objective data—the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, EPA mpg, cargo cubic feet, and MSRP—guided these selections.
Where possible, figures cite IIHS, NHTSA, EPA, and review outlets like Edmunds.
4. 2014 Mazda3
The 2014 Mazda3 stood out for blending engaging handling with SkyActiv efficiency and strong value. SkyActiv‑equipped engines and lighter structure improved fuel economy without dulling chassis dynamics.
Typical SkyActiv-powered Mazda3 trims used a 2.0‑liter or 2.5‑liter engine producing approximately 155–184 hp (manufacturer specs). EPA combined ratings for SkyActiv sedan configurations were commonly in the high 20s to low 30s mpg depending on transmission and wheel size (EPA). Base 2014 MSRP started in the high $16,000s to mid-$20,000 range depending on trim.
That mix made the Mazda3 an excellent choice for commuters wanting a fun small car that still returned respectable running costs, with reviewers at Edmunds noting its steering and chassis balance as real strengths.
5. 2014 Subaru Outback
The 2014 Subaru Outback excelled for buyers needing all‑weather capability and cargo versatility, thanks to standard AWD, generous ground clearance (about 8.7 inches), and practical roof‑load options. Subaru’s wagon-like packaging made it especially useful for families and outdoors enthusiasts.
Common engine choices included a 2.5‑liter flat‑4 (around 170–175 hp) and an optional 3.6‑liter flat‑6 (~256 hp) for buyers needing extra power (manufacturer specs). Cargo capacity was competitive for the class, and EPA fuel-economy for base 2.5i CVT models typically hovered in the mid‑20s mpg combined (EPA). MSRP for 2014 Outback trims generally ranged from the mid‑$20,000s upward.
Practical use cases included family road trips, rural commuting on poor roads, and light off‑pavement hauling—areas where the Outback’s standard AWD and cargo flexibility paid real dividends.
6. 2014 Honda Accord
The 2014 Accord continued to be a benchmark midsize sedan for reliability, resale value, and balanced driving manners. It delivered roomy interiors, predictable handling, and broad trim-level choices that made it a pragmatic family sedan.
Common powertrains included a 2.4‑liter four-cylinder producing roughly 185 hp and a 3.5‑liter V6 in higher trims. EPA combined fuel-economy for four‑cylinder automatic configurations frequently sat in the high‑20s mpg, while safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were strong for well‑equipped trims. Base 2014 Accord MSRP typically began in the low‑$20,000s.
Buyers valuing low ownership costs, cabin space, and dependable resale should prioritize the Accord when shopping used 2014 vehicles.
7. 2014 Ford F-150 (with aluminum body)
The significance of the F‑150 story in 2014 was the aluminum‑intensive body program Ford unveiled that year for the 2015 model year. That move aimed to cut curb weight—Ford cited up to roughly 700 pounds of potential savings depending on configuration—improving fuel economy and payload in full‑size trucks.
With the new architecture came modern powertrains like the EcoBoost V6; properly equipped trucks were rated to tow over 10,000–12,000 lbs depending on engine and package (manufacturer figures vary by configuration). EPA highway ratings for some EcoBoost combos reached the low‑to‑mid 20s mpg in certain setups (EPA), and payload/towing numbers improved versus the prior generation for many trims.
The 2014/2015 aluminum story mattered for buyers who needed towing or who prioritized fuel‑economy advances in a work truck, though repairability and long‑term ownership considerations remained part of the purchase calculus.
Design, Luxury & Innovation
2014 showcased both refined traditional luxury and the early mainstreaming of electric vehicles. Buyers began to weigh interior materials and ride comfort alongside infotainment and driver‑assistance tech. For this category we looked at interior fit and finish, ride quality, technology (infotainment and safety aids), electrification (battery range where verified), and design influence on later models.
Where battery range or technical numbers are quoted, they come from EPA or manufacturer sources. Luxury benchmarks include perceived craftsmanship, standard feature lists, and how a model set expectations for subsequent model years.
8. 2014 Tesla Model S
The Model S stood out in 2014 by combining genuine long-range EV capability with convincing performance, altering public perception of what an electric car could be. Representative 2014 configurations included 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery packs; manufacturer and EPA figures for 85 kWh packs put range in the neighborhood of the mid‑200 miles (EPA‑rated ranges varied by battery and wheel choice).
Performance numbers were striking: 0–60 for 85‑kWh RWD variants was often reported in the low‑4 second range in contemporary tests (see Motor Trend and Car and Driver). Typical 2014 pricing for Model S configurations ran from roughly the high $60,000s to well over $100,000 depending on battery and options (Tesla).
In 2014 the Supercharger network was expanding, improving long‑distance usability for owners, and the Model S’s blend of range, tech, and performance pushed other manufacturers to accelerate their EV programs.
9. 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
The W222 S‑Class set benchmarks for luxury and technology in 2014 with class‑leading ride comfort, advanced safety systems, and high-quality interiors. Mercedes introduced or refined features such as adaptive air suspension, sophisticated driver‑assist packages, and highly finished cabin materials for the W222 generation.
Representative engines like the S550 paired a modern twin‑turbo V8 with roughly 400–450 hp depending on tune (manufacturer specs). Typical 0–60 times for V8 S‑Class variants were in the mid‑4 to mid‑5 second range, and base 2014 MSRP for S‑Class models commonly started in the low to mid $90,000s (manufacturer MSRP).
The S‑Class rewarded buyers looking for the latest comfort and safety tech, and many features introduced or refined on the W222 filtered down to mainstream models in subsequent years.
10. 2014 Audi A6
The 2014 Audi A6 combined understated design with advanced infotainment and a lineup of efficient turbocharged engines. Audi’s interior fit and finish and its MMI interface stood out against midsize luxury rivals, and the A6 offered a variety of powertrains including turbocharged V6 options for buyers seeking stronger performance.
Representative 3.0‑liter turbo V6 variants produced around 300+ hp (manufacturer specs) with EPA fuel‑economy figures in the low‑to‑mid 20s mpg combined, depending on drivetrain. 2014 pricing for A6 trims commonly sat in the mid‑$40,000s to $60,000 range depending on options and Quattro AWD.
The A6’s balance of technology, comfort, and performance made it competitive with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes‑Benz E‑Class while often appealing to buyers who prioritized interior polish and in‑car tech.
Summary
- 2014 produced several models that redefined expectations: the C7 Corvette and Porsche 911 tightened the gap between track performance and street usability, while the Tesla Model S proved long‑range EVs could be practical for many drivers.
- Value and safety remained decisive: the Mazda3, Honda Accord, and Subaru Outback combined fuel efficiency, strong safety credentials, and sensible pricing—making them attractive used buys today.
- Industry shifts announced in 2014—Ford’s aluminum‑intensive F‑150 program and broader adoption of turbocharged downsizing—shaped later model years and improved efficiency and capability for many buyers.
- Actionable next steps: test‑drive your top two picks from this list, and check current IIHS/NHTSA scores and vehicle‑specific reliability data for the exact trim and model year you’re considering (these can vary by engine and options).
