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2024 Toyota Highlander: What We Know So Far – When it comes to family automobiles with three rows of seating, Toyota’s Highlander is among the most functional and simple to operate. It is not difficult to look out of and is comfortable for driving on lengthy highway excursions as well as in the city. Another advantage is that it gets good fuel efficiency for a conventionally powered SUV. And there’s always the gas-electric Hybrid or the supersized Grand Highlander to think about if you want a Highlander that’s more fuel-efficient or larger than the standard model.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the Highlander, which is an odd option for a vehicle in this class, is to be credited for the vehicle’s above-average fuel efficiency. The vast majority of midsize SUVs with three rows of seating are powered by larger V6 engines, many of which are more powerful. In comparison to the V6 engines offered by many of the Highlander’s rivals, the Highlander’s four-cylinder engine is both louder and more choppy in operation. However, we continue to recommend this vehicle’s powertrain. The power output from the turbo-four engine is well-matched with the eight-speed automatic transmission that comes standard on the Highlander. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations of the Highlander are offered.
In addition to this, we like how Highlander distributes its numerous amenities evenly across all of its trim levels. In the trim levels in the middle, you can get access to premium features such as an infotainment screen measuring 12.3 inches and a power liftgate. In addition, all of the trim levels come standard with wireless connection for smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto.
The Highlander’s third-row seats are rather close together, and there is very little room behind that row for stowing items. This is one of the vehicle’s major drawbacks. There is additional passenger space available in some of the competition, such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Volkswagen Atlas. However, when viewed as a whole, we believe that the 2023 Highlander is an SUV that is likable enough to merit consideration.
Models
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV that has seating for as many as eight people. It is available in a total of six different trim levels, which are designated as follows: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The seating capacity drops from eight to seven when the second-row bench is replaced in higher-level trims with captain’s chairs instead. All of the versions are driven by an eight-speed automatic gearbox that is coupled to a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that generates 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The engine is linked to a mated to transmission that is powered by the front wheels. All of the trim levels have an all-wheel drive upgrade as an optional extra.
Take note that some of the optional additional amenities that come standard on the Highlander’s higher trim levels are also available on the lower levels as upgrades.
2024 Toyota Highlander L
The basic L is well-equipped and includes the following items:
- aluminum alloy wheels of 18 inches
- LEDs for the headlights.
- Mirrors with heaters
- Both the entrance and the ignition are keyless.
- driver’s seat with electric motorized adjustments
- Tri-zone automated temperature control
- Seats in the second and third rows that fold and divide 60/40 respectively
- 8-inch touchscreen information and entertainment system
- 7-inch digital instrument panel display
- Connectivity through wireless means for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Integration of Amazon Alexa for smartphones.
- Wi-Fi hotspot available on board
- Including one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports.
- Toyota’s Safety Connect system provides emergency communications.
The following are the enhanced safety features that are included in Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ package:
- Frontal collision avoidance (provides advanced warning of an approaching accident and automatically applies the brakes in certain driving circumstances).
- Adaptive cruise control, which modifies the vehicle’s speed in order to maintain a certain space between it and the vehicle in front of it.
- High beams that are automatic
- A system that monitors the vehicle’s position and, if necessary, makes minute adjustments to the steering wheel in order to maintain the vehicle’s position inside the lane.
- Readers of traffic signs
2024 Toyota Highlander LE
A number of additional comfort and security features, including those listed below, are included on the LE trim level.
- LEDs in the foglights.
- Power liftgate that can be adjusted in height Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Height-adjustable power liftgate
- Blind-spot warning combined with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if another vehicle is in your blind spot while you are changing lanes or when you are in reverse)
2024 Toyota Highlander XLE
The Highlander receives the following enhancements with the addition of a seven-seater XLE:
- Roofing balusters
- Hands-free power liftgate Panoramic roof
- Pad for charging wireless devices
- Rearview mirror with an automatic dimming feature
- Upholstery made of SofTex or synthetic leather
- Seats up front that are heated
- passenger seat that may be adjusted electrically
- captain’s seats in the second row
- Shades for the second row of seats
The XLE may be completed in a few different ways, including:
- a bench seat in the second row as an alternative (this one is free).
- Navigation system
2024 Toyota Highlander XSE
The XSE trim level is the most athletic option available in the range. It expands upon the XLE model by adding the following features:
- 20-inch rims and tires
- Unique sporty styling cues
- Suspension tuned for sport
- Chrome plating on the external trim
- Dual exhaust tips
- Lighting that is ambient inside a space
Leather upholstery and a bigger center touchscreen measuring 12.3 inches are also available as optional extras.
2024 Toyota Highlander Limited
When you upgrade to the Limited trim level, you will get several luxury goods, including the following:
- Enhanced headlights for the fog
- mirrors that fold up automatically
- Digital instrument panel
- Upholstery made of leather
- Front chairs with ventilation
- Memory function for the driver’s seat
- Wheel of the vehicle that is heated
- Power supply for homes and businesses
- 12.3-inch touchscreen capable of multimedia functions
- An intercom system that relays the driver’s speech to the passengers through the vehicle’s speakers
11-speaker JBL audio system - Front and rear parking sensors are devices that, when the car is parked, notify the driver of any obstructions that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle.
- The second-row bench is another no-cost item that may be selected for the Limited trim level.
2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum
The Platinum, which is the most expensive option, comes with all of the aforementioned perks in addition to the following:
- aluminum alloy wheels of 20 inches
- adaptive headlights, which rotate with the vehicle’s steering wheel to provide enhanced lighting at corners.
- Automatic windshield wipers
- Sunroof with a panoramic view
- A head-up display, sometimes known as a HUD, projects crucial information directly onto the windshield in front of the driver.
- A digital rearview mirror (which enables the driver to see out the back even when the cargo compartment is completely filled)
- Seats in the second row that are heated
- Camera with a panoramic view
Redesign
In 2023, a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder will take the place of the conventional V-6 that was formerly offered in the Highlander. The new engine produces 265 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. Toyota claims that the new engine achieves the same combined fuel efficiency rating of 24 mpg as the previous V-6, which causes us to question the decision to move to an engine with fewer cylinders.
The Limited and Platinum trim levels now come standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in addition to the new 12.3-inch infotainment display that is also available. These high-end versions also include power-folding exterior mirrors, while the XLE and XSE trims receive a hands-free power-operated rear liftgate. Additionally, these high-end models come standard with a panoramic sunroof.
Our recommendation would be to go with the more affordable XLE model. In addition to other luxuries, it has front seats that can be heated, a charging station for cordless smartphones, and a motorized sunroof. Additionally, we recommend shelling out the extra cash for the Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation package, which includes both an upgraded stereo system and in-dash navigation.
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Engine
The base trim level of the Highlander is equipped with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, along with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Our all-wheel-drive test vehicle with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine reached 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds when it was timed on our test track. The Highlander Hybrid has a combined output of 243 horsepower, which comes from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as well as its two electric motors. This model has a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT), and drivers have the option of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for their vehicles.
This powertrain, which takes advantage of Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology, offers customers a vehicle that is significantly more fuel efficient than the standard model, without sacrificing much in the way of performance; the most recent hybrid model that we put through its paces at our testing facility reached 60 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds. The handling isn’t very thrilling, but it’s quite stable, and the ride is ideal for serving as a chauffeur for a family.
The new turbocharged engine has EPA estimations that are somewhat higher than the V-6 that came before it, with the front-wheel-drive version getting 21–22 mpg in the city and 28–29 mpg on the highway, and the all-wheel-drive model getting 21/28 mpg in the city and on the highway respectively. The ratings for hybrid versions are far better, with front-wheel-drive variations achieving 36 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the interstate. When the Highlander comes into our office, we will put its gas mileage to the test on our highway fuel-economy test route, which is set at 75 miles per hour, and we will update this piece with the results of the test.
Interior
Higher trim levels provide the option of a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, in contrast to the base L and LE versions, which both have bench seating in the second and third rows to accommodate eight people. When compared to the CX-9, passenger space in this vehicle is more generous; however, it is not as spacious as the Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in the third row, which is on the cramped side for adults. In comparison to the Highlander of the previous generation, the materials used throughout the cabin feature significant advancements. The premium Limited and Platinum versions provide the greatest number of luxuries and conveniences, but when put up to the capabilities of the Palisade and the Telluride, these models come up short. The space behind the third row of seats could only accommodate four carry-on luggage, while the Traverse had enough for six.
The majority of Highlander models come standard with an infotainment system measuring 8.0 inches, however, the Highlander Limited and Platinum are equipped with a display measuring 12.3 inches and a secondary screen measuring 12.3 inches that serves as the gauge cluster. The analog instruments that are seen in lower-end versions are carried over to the more expensive XLE and XSE trim levels, which also have the option of upgrading to a bigger infotainment display measuring 12.3 inches. There is a JBL sound system available that has 11 speakers. All Toyota models come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity, as well as SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot powered by 4G LTE. There is the possibility of installing a wireless charging station for mobile devices inside the dashboard, which is located below the information display.
When It Will Be Available and Its Cost
Late in the autumn is when we anticipate the first deliveries of the 2024 Highlander, with manufacturing having begun in September. In the absence of any significant alterations that are anticipated, the pricing range for the 2024 Toyota Highlander should be relatively indistinguishable from that of the SUV that is now available for purchase. The Highlander now has a price range that begins at $37,755 and goes all the way up to $50,410.