The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV designed for maximum comfort, safety, and efficiency. It is a good choice for those looking to buy a reliable, family-friendly car. Customers can choose from multiple trims, front- and all-wheel-drive variants, and hybrid and standard powertrains as per their needs. The car is packed with power, making it suitable for both daily commutes within the city and adventurous drives along rocky trails.

Variants and cost
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is available in 11 trims, including five standard powertrain models and six hybrid models. The LE is the base model with the lowest price tag among the standard powertrain variants.

• LE: $39,270
• XLE: $42,420
• XSE: $44,015
• Limited: $46,525
• Platinum: $49, 725

The Hybrid LE is the base model in the hybrid lineup,  followed by the Hybrid LE Nightshade, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid XLE Nightshade, Hybrid Limited, and Hybrid Platinum.

• Hybrid LE: $40,970
• Hybrid XLE Nightshade: $41,970
• Hybrid XLE: $44,120
• Hybrid XLE Nightshade: $45,120
• Hybrid Limited: $48, 225
• Hybrid Platinum: $51,425

Toyota has priced the base variant of the Highlander competitively to attract buyers in the SUV segment. But the cost increases with each trim level.

Remember, the cost can vary based on dealerships, location, and whether a buyer decides to include additional specs and features. Also, the prices listed do not include taxes, license and dealer charges, fees, and expenses related to delivery, processing, and handling. When looking for the Toyota Highlander Limited, Platinum, or any other model for sale, dealerships may offer approximate pricing.

Engine and performance
Toyota’s Highlander is a versatile SUV with an option to choose between conventional gasoline and hybrid powertrains. The gas versions are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission with options for front- and all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Hybrid models have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine teamed up with two electric motors to give a combined power of about 243 hp. This setup works with the standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for front- as well as all-wheel-drive variants.

In terms of performance, the Highlander Hybrid is capable of going from 0 mph to 60 mph in around 7.3 seconds. The non-hybrid model can do this within one-tenth of a second less at around 7.2 seconds. Whether one chooses the gasoline-based models or the hybrid ones, the Highlander ensures a smooth ride and stable handling on city roads as well as highways.

Fuel efficiency
The three-row SUV from Toyota has EPA estimates of around 21 mpg for city roads and 29 mpg for highways. These fuel economy ratings are for the front-wheel-drive models with gasoline powertrain. All-wheel-drive models reduce the fuel economy by around 1 mpg each for city roads and highways. These numbers are good compared to the fuel economy of other SUVs in the same class from competing manufacturers.

For more enhanced fuel economy, car buyers may choose a hybrid model. With front-wheel drive, the hybrid variants of the Highlander have EPA estimates of around 36 mpg on city roads and about 35 mpg on the highway. Like the gas-powered variants, the hybrid versions’ all-wheel drive has a slightly lower fuel economy. For example, the EPA estimate for the all-wheel-drive hybrid variants is about 35 mpg on city roads.

Cabin and cargo
While the components under the hood differ for the standard and hybrid powertrain models, the cabin design is consistent for both. The car has a contemporary and stylish interior with highly functional features and seats built to offer maximum comfort.

The base LE model has bench seats in its second and third rows and can accommodate eight passengers. The higher trims have a seven-passenger capacity, with captain’s chairs available in the second row. In both cases, passengers have sufficient space with ample legroom and headroom.

In addition to comfort, the Highlander offers luxury using premium materials all over the cabin. The Limited and Platinum models go a step higher on the luxury and comfort scale with leather upholstery, a bigger infotainment display, and well-ventilated seats.

The Highlander also offers enough cargo space for an SUV of its size. About four carry-on suitcases can easily fit right behind the third row. When running errands, the cargo hold can easily accommodate grocery bags and other packages.

Safety features
All the variants of the Toyota Highlander are equipped with a suite of standard safety and driver assistance features that protect the driver and passengers during the journey.

• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Automatic high-beam headlamps
• Traffic sign recognition

Whether considering the  Toyota Highlander Limited, Platinum, or any other model, it is important to research well. The specs and features can vary depending on the trim.