2024 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels Guide + Our Pick
Which Toyota Highlander Trim Level Is the Best?
The Highlander XLE trim level is recommended as the most suitable for most car buyers.
Here's why:
- Balanced Features and Price: Priced at $42,270 (FWD), the XLE offers a good balance between affordability and luxury features. It provides a range of upgrades over the base LE trim without a significant jump in price.
- Engine and Performance: Like the LE, the XLE is equipped with the 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, offering excellent performance and good fuel economy.
- Comfort and Convenience: The XLE enhances comfort with SofTex seat upholstery, 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs, a hands-free power liftgate, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The power sunroof and second-row sunshades add to the overall comfort and convenience for passengers.
- Value for Money: The XLE trim includes several desirable features that are not available in the base LE trim, such as the hands-free power liftgate and wireless smartphone charging, making it a more attractive option for buyers looking for additional conveniences without a significant price increase.
The Highlander XLE strikes a balance between essential features and luxury, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of car buyers who are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle without stretching their budget too far.
Table of Contents
2023 vs 2024 Toyota Highlander: What's New?
The key differences between the 2023 and 2024 Toyota Highlander models are as follows:
- Trim Changes: The base L trim has been discontinued in the 2024 model year.
- Appearance Packages: The Bronze edition appearance packages have been replaced by the darker Nightshades in the 2024 model.
- Standard Features: A power liftgate now comes standard on the XLE trim and higher in the 2024 Highlander.
- Interior and Technology: The 2024 Highlander maintains a high standard of interior quality, especially in higher trims like XLE, Limited, and Platinum. It features distinctive color schemes, quality materials, and a pleasant tactile experience with the switchgear. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen interface as standard on most trims, with an available 12.3-inch unit offering additional functionality.
- Size and Cargo Space: The 2024 Highlander is slightly smaller than most of its competitors, which impacts the interior space, especially the third row and cargo area. However, the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a solution with more interior space and cargo capacity.
- Fuel Economy and Performance: The Highlander Hybrid remains a strong point for fuel efficiency, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with electric motors. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6, offers more torque but is noted for being less refined.
- Driving Experience: The 2024 Highlander is described as the best Highlander to drive yet, offering a balanced driving experience that is composed and consistent.
These updates and features highlight the 2024 Highlander's focus on maintaining its strong points in hybrid efficiency and interior quality while addressing size limitations with the introduction of the Grand Highlander variant.
2024 Toyota Highlander Trim Level Details - What Are the Differences?
1. Toyota Highlander LE - Base Trim
- Price: Starts at $39,120 (FWD), $40,720 (AWD)
- Engine: 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Standard Features: 8-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitor/rear cross-traffic alert, power rear liftgate, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power driver’s seat, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, heated power-adjustable mirrors, 60/40 split-folding second and third-row seats.
2. Toyota Highlander XLE vs LE
- Price: Starts at $42,270 (FWD), $43,870 (AWD)
- Engine: Same as LE
- Upgrades from LE: SofTex seat upholstery, 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs, hands-free power liftgate, wireless smartphone charging pad, power sunroof, second-row sunshades.
3. Toyota Highlander XSE vs XLE
- Price: Starts at $43,865 (FWD), $45,815 (AWD)
- Engine: Same as XLE
- Upgrades from XLE: 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs, heated power front seats, ambient interior lighting, 20-inch black alloy wheels, front spoiler, sport suspension.
4. Toyota Highlander Limited vs XSE
- Price: Starts at $46,375 (FWD), $48,325 (AWD)
- Engine: Same as XSE
- Upgrades from XSE: Leather upholstery (first and second row), heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster, 11-speaker JBL audio system, front and rear parking assist.
5. Toyota Highlander Platinum vs Limited
- Price: Starts at $49,575 (FWD), $51,525 (AWD)
- Engine: Same as Limited
- Upgrades from Limited: Heated second-row seats, digital rearview mirror, head-up display, Panoramic View Monitor, illuminated metal front-door scuff plates.
Current Toyota Highlander Finance & Lease Deals
Year Make Model Cash Incentives (up to) Best Avail. APR Lease Offers Expiration
2023 Toyota Highlander
2024 Toyota Highlander $459/month for 36 months, $4,999 due at signing 4/30/24
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid $559/month for 36 months, $4,999 due at signing 4/30/24
2023 Toyota Grand Highlander $1,000 $549/month for 36 months, $4,999 due at signing 4/30/24
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid $500 4/30/24
Check out the full list of Toyota car deals for this month >>
Toyota Highlander - Top Alternatives & Competitors
- Honda Pilot: Known for its spacious interior, reliability, and strong safety features.
- Ford Explorer: Offers robust engine options, advanced technology, and a spacious cabin.
- Chevrolet Traverse: Stands out with its large cargo space, comfortable ride, and user-friendly infotainment system.
Why Trust Our Recommendation?
Car buyers can rely on our recommendations for the best trim levels, thanks to our expert team who test drive vehicles through manufacturer fleet programs.
This direct experience, combined with our independence from any car brand, ensures unbiased and well-informed advice.
Our experts evaluate each car's performance, features, and value across various trims, ensuring our suggestions are based solely on the vehicle's merits, catering to diverse buyer needs.