The 2024 Toyota Highlander continues to set the bar for midsize family SUVs. Its reputation for reliability and excellent resale is legendary, as are its safety scores.
Depending on trim, the Highlander can seat up to eight people, although cargo space is pretty sparse with the third-row seat up. You might look to the stretched Grand Highlander if you need more room.
Toyota produces the Highlander in five trims: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. All use the same 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, providing excellent performance and good fuel economy. Those looking for better gas mileage should check out the Highlander Hybrid (reviewed separately).
The Highlander competes with vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, and Subaru Ascent.
Prices are current at the time of publishing.
What’s New:
The L trim has been dropped from the lineup, leaving the LE as the entry-level model. XLE and higher trims gain a hands-free power liftgate.
Our Recommendation:
If you’re looking for the best value, it’s a toss-up between the LE and XLE. Both offer an impressive list of standard features without much price difference, with the XLE offering a few more upgrades some buyers might find enticing. The XSE and higher trims offer a superior AWD system for those living in snowy climates.
Highlander LE
Starts at $39,120 | See listings
- 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
- Adaptive cruise control
- 60/40 split-folding second and third-row seats
- See more
Highlander XLE
Starts at $42,270 | See listings
- SofTex seat upholstery
- 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- Power sunroof
- Second-row sunshades
- See more
Highlander XSE
Starts at $43,865 | See listings
- 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs
- Heated power front seats
- Ambient interior lighting
- 20-inch black alloy wheels
- Front spoiler
- Sport suspension
- See more
Highlander Limited
Starts at $46,375 | See listings
- 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
- See more
Highlander Platinum
Starts at $49,575 | See listings
- Heated second-row seats
- Digital rearview mirror
- Head-up display
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Illuminated metal front-door scuff plates
- See more
2024 Toyota Highlander LE: $39,120 (FWD), $40,720 (AWD)
The Highlander LE is the least expensive Highlander, yet it provides just about everything a family needs.
The LE rides on handsome 18-inch painted alloy wheels, and features LED headlights, LED taillights, LED fog lights, heated power side mirrors with turn signal indicators, a height-adjustable power rear liftgate with remote operation via the key fob and rear privacy glass.
Additional equipment includes washer-linked variable intermittent front wipers with de-icers and a rear wiper with a washer for the rear window and rear backup camera lens.
Thanks to the Smart Key system, gaining entry to the Highlander LE couldn’t be easier. Smart Key uses a proximity key fob that alerts the vehicle to your presence, allowing the doors to unlock when touched and the liftgate to open hands-free. Also, you can start the engine remotely by pushing a button.
Once inside, you’ll find handsome and durable cloth upholstery covering all three rows, with an 8-way power driver’s seat and a 4-way manual passenger seat. The Highlander’s 60/40 second-row bench seats recline and fold flat, as does the 60/40-split folding third-row seating.
Standard amenities include auto-up/down power windows, tri-zone automatic climate control with second-row control panel, sliding front sun visors with lighted vanity mirrors, an overhead console with conversation mirror, sunglass storage, and map lights.
A leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls greets the driver, as does a 7-inch digital multi-information gauge cluster screen. The Highlander provides no less than 14 cup and bottle holders throughout the cabin to ensure everyone remains hydrated.
An 8-inch color touchscreen controls the 6-speaker sound system, which links to an AM/FM radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa. Owners can access Toyota’s Connected Services through a subscription, which includes Safety Connect and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
The LE comes with a 1-year trial subscription to Remote Connect services. Remote Connect allows a smartphone or smartwatch to communicate with your car, enabling remote start, last parked location, and vehicle status alerts, among other services.
The Highlander LE has five USB ports: one data port in the front console, two USB charge ports in the front row, and two more in the second row.
With your family’s safety in mind, Toyota equips the Highlander LE with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5+. The suite includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with steering assist that helps nudge the vehicle back into its lane.
Also included are automatic high-beam headlights, lane-tracing assist (keeps the car centered between lane markings), full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, and Toyota’s Road Sign Assist, which can recognize various road signs and alert the driver to take notice. A blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard.
Other safety systems include a rear backup camera, anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control, and eight airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and three-row side curtain airbags.
Opting for AWD brings Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system, with settings for Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Normal.
With the $1,395 destination charge, the 2024 Toyota Highlander LE costs $40,515. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $765. See 2024 Toyota Highlander LE models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Highlander LE includes:
Tri-zone automatic climate control — Provides automatic climate settings for the first and second rows. Includes a separate control panel for rear passengers.
Adaptive cruise control — This advanced system allows the driver to set the distance between the Highlander and the car ahead. As traffic patterns change, the system will automatically slow or speed up to maintain the desired gap.
Power driver’s seat — Provides 8-way power adjustment, helping drivers of all sizes find the perfect driving position.
2024 Toyota Highlander XLE: $42,270 (FWD), $43,870 (AWD)
The XLE trim begins to move the Highlander into a more luxurious place, with more style and optional upgrades. The XLE ditches the second-row bench seat in favor of the captain’s chairs, which reduces the total passenger count to seven. However, the bench seat can be added back at no additional charge.
Building off the LE, the XLE gains a hands-free power liftgate, 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, a power moonroof, and silver-painted roof rails.
Additional convenience features include a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and second-row sunshades.
SofTex vinyl upholstery covers the seats, looking and feeling like leather but more durable. Heated front seats are standard, as is a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support and an 8-way power passenger seat.
Optional for the XSE is a Premium Audio Package that adds a 12.3-inch center touchscreen, premium audio, and a 3-year trial to Dynamic Navigation featuring over-the-air updates.
A popular standalone option is Driver Easy Speak, which amplifies the driver’s voice through the speakers, making it easy to converse with rear-seat passengers.
With the $1,395 destination charge, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE costs $43,665. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $824. See 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Highlander XLE includes:
Captain’s chair seating — This helpful upgrade provides second-row passengers with individual seats, a folding armrest, and a place to put their drinks.
Power sunroof — The Highlander’s tilt-and-slide glass sunroof can be vented, fully opened, or left unshaded to allow more light.
Heated front seats — With multilevel heated front seats, both driver and passenger can keep warm without adjusting the interior climate controls.
2024 Toyota Highlander XSE: $43,865 (FWD), $45,815 (AWD)
The XSE adds a sporty feel to the 2024 Highlander with racy 20-inch black alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a lower front spoiler. Color-keyed side rocker with chrome trim, black roof rails, and twin-tip exhaust outlets complete the look.
Upgrades for the XSE include ambient interior lighting and a sport suspension featuring high-rate springs, a rear stabilizer bar, and low-friction shocks.
The XSE offers two interior upholstery options. Buyers can choose between black SofTex trimmed seats with fabric inserts or an attractive red and black leather combo with a red-stitched dash pad.
Other options include an upgraded audio setup with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Dynamic Navigation, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.
The addition of AWD brings a more advanced drive system featuring Active Torque Vectoring and Driveline Disconnect. Active Torque Vectoring actively manages torque distribution between left and right wheels, helping improve cornering while adding stability in slippery road conditions. Driveline Disconnect automatically disconnects the driveline to the rear wheels, helping save on fuel when AWD isn’t needed.
With the $1,395 destination charge, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE costs $45,260. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $854. See 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Highlander Limited: $46,375 (FWD), $48,325 (AWD)
The Limited ups the Highlander’s game, bringing more luxury, technology, and a few exclusive features shared only with the top-line Platinum.
The Limited features a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Limited also gains power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights and a reverse tilt-down feature.
Building off the XSE, the Limited adds leather upholstery, Dynamic Navigation, the 11-speaker JBL audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, plus front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
Also standard on Limited are high-output LED fog lights, LED daytime running lights, acoustic noise-reducing front side windows, and 20-inch chrome wheels.
The Limited amenities include 2-position memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors, a heated steering wheel, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, and the Driver Easy Speak system.
Additional options include a Bird’s-Eye View Camera with 360-degree views and a free-of-charge second-row bench seat.
With the $1,395 destination charge, the 2024 Toyota Highlander Limited costs $47,770. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $901. See 2024 Toyota Highlander Limited models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Highlander Limited includes:
JBL audio — This impressive system features a 1,400-watt amp driving 11 speakers, surround sound, and Clari-Fi music restoration technology.
Heated and ventilated front seats — Equipped with tiny fans, the ventilated front seats circulate chilled air, helping occupants stay cool and dry.
Heated steering wheel — Heating elements inside the rim quickly warm the wheel, making it more comfortable to grip in subfreezing temperatures.
2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum: $49,575 (FWD), $51,525 (AWD)
The Platinum trim approaches Lexus-like luxury levels and is without question the ultimate Highlander.
Offering no options, the Platinum builds off the Limited with heated second-row seats, adaptive headlights that swivel in the direction of the steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and the 360-degree Bird’s-Eye View Camera.
Also included are illuminated front-door metal scuff plates, rain-sensing wipers, and a 10-inch color head-up display.
With the $1,395 destination charge, the 2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum is $50,970. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $962. See 2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum includes:
Head-up display — Projects pertinent information such as speed and navigation directions onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Heated second-row seats — Passengers can quickly heat their seats without the need to crank up the climate controls.
Bird’s-Eye View Camera — With cameras at the front, rear, and sides, this system can display a 360-degree view outside the vehicle, helping you avoid obstacles that otherwise might be out of sight.
