The variational nodal transport method is generalized for the treatment of heterogeneous nodes while maintaining nodal balances. Adapting variational methods to heterogeneous nodes requires the ability to integrate over a node with discontinuous cross sections. Integrals are evaluated using composite Gaussian quadrature rules, which permit accurate integration while yielding acceptable computing times. Allowing structure within a nodal solution scheme avoids some of the necessity of cross-section homogenization and more accurately defines the intranodal flux shape. Ideally, any desired heterogeneity can be constructed within the node, but in reality, the finite set of basis functions limits the intranodal complexity that can be modeled. Comparison tests show that the heterogeneous variational nodal method provides accurate results for moderate heterogeneities, even if some improvements are needed for very difficult configurations.