2024 Toyota Highlander: Comprehensive Guide to Trim Options, Pricing, and Features
The 2024 Toyota Highlander exemplifies versatility in the midsize SUV segment, offering numerous trims, powerful engine options, hybrid efficiency, and modern safety features. This comprehensive guide covers everything from pricing to interior features, helping buyers choose the best Highlander for their needs and budget, whether for daily commuting or family adventures.
2024 Toyota Highlander – Complete Overview of Trims, Pricing, and Key Features
The 2024 Toyota Highlander stands out in the midsize SUV segment as a highly versatile and family-friendly vehicle. Designed to offer a perfect blend of comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency, this three-row SUV provides ample space for passengers and cargo alike. Whether you’re commuting through city traffic, embarking on longer road trips, or heading off-road for outdoor adventures, the Highlander is equipped to meet diverse driving needs with a range of trims, engine options, including hybrid and traditional gasoline engines, and an array of modern features.
Exploring the Highlander 2024 Trims and Pricing
The 2024 Highlander offers a comprehensive lineup of 11 different trims, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. From the more affordable base models to the luxurious high-end configurations, each trim comes with distinct features, optional packages, and powertrain choices. The lineup includes both conventional gasoline-powered variants and hybrid models, providing options for eco-conscious buyers and those seeking enhanced fuel economy.
Starting from the most basic, the LE trim offers impressive value with essential features suitable for daily driving. Higher trims like the XLE and XSE add luxury appointments, advanced technology, and premium materials. The Limited and Platinum trims push the boundaries of comfort and elegance, offering features such as leather upholstery, panoramic sunroofs, larger wheels, and sophisticated driver assistance systems.
Pricing starts at approximately $39,270 for the gasoline-powered LE trim. As you move up the scale, prices increase accordingly, with the top-tier Platinum trim costing around $49,725 for the gasoline version. Hybrid models follow a similar pricing structure, starting at about $40,970 for the Hybrid LE and reaching up to $51,425 for the Hybrid Platinum. It’s important to consider that hybrid variants are generally priced higher due to the additional hybrid technology and efficiency benefits.
Note that dealership location, optional features, package upgrades, taxes, fees, and current incentives can influence the final purchase price. Buyers should explore local dealership offers and available incentives to get the best value.
Engine Choices and Driving Performance
The Highlander provides an engaging driving experience with two primary engine options. The standard gasoline engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces around 265 horsepower, offering brisk acceleration and smooth operation. For those prioritizing fuel economy, the hybrid powertrains combine a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, generating approximately 243 horsepower while significantly improving efficiency.
Both powertrain options incorporate continuously variable transmissions (CVT), which contribute to seamless acceleration and overall refinement. The non-hybrid models can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds, providing adequate performance for daily driving and highway merging. The hybrid variants deliver similar performance, reaching 60 mph in roughly 7.3 seconds, while enjoying better fuel savings and reduced emissions.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency Ratings
One of the Highlander’s most appealing features is its impressive fuel efficiency. The 2024 models equipped with front-wheel drive in gasoline configuration achieve estimated EPA ratings of approximately 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive versions tend to have slightly lower efficiency, but still offer respectable figures.
Hybrid models excel in this category, offering estimated ratings of up to 36 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive versions. All-wheel-drive hybrids typically deliver around 35 mpg combined, making them an excellent choice for drivers looking to maximize fuel savings while enjoying the versatility of a capable SUV.
Interior Comfort, Cargo Space, and Features
Inside, the 2024 Highlander boasts a modern, upscale interior crafted with high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The base LE trim comfortably seats eight using bench seats in the second row, providing ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. Upgrading to higher trims introduces captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seat count to seven but increasing comfort and accessibility for second-row passengers.
Both standard and hybrid models feature spacious cabins with sophisticated tech offerings. The top trims include premium amenities such as ventilated seats, a responsive infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and premium audio options. Cargo space is generous, with enough room behind the third row to fit about four suitcases, and additional cargo capacity when folding down the rear seats.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies
Safety remains a top priority in the Highlander lineup. Every model comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Standard safety equipment includes lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims and packages add additional features like a surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitoring, and parking assist systems for enhanced confidence during city maneuvering or parking.
