The Toyota Highlander SUV impresses with 265 HP and an attractive starting price of 39,300 $ . Here are all the details at a glance.
The Toyota Highlander looks like it was drawn with carpool lines in mind: muscular fenders, tidy overhangs, and just enough chrome to keep the HOA smiling. XSE trims add a sportier face and 20-inch wheels that sharpen the stance without shouting about it. At 194.9 inches long and 76 inches wide, it slides into garages and tight lots more easily than some brawnier three-rows. Call it the sweet spot between minivan utility and SUV curb appeal.
Inside, the Highlander leans into soft-touch materials, clear controls, and family-proof durability. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, while upper trims swap in a crisp 12.3-inch unit and an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for a modern, upscale vibe. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a wireless charger, and multiple USB ports mean devices stay happy. Limited and Platinum trims pile on heated/ventilated seats, stitched dashboards, and an optional panoramic roof that brightens long hauls.
Choose a second-row bench for 8 seats or captain’s chairs for 7, and you get generous space in rows one and two. The third row is better for kids or adults on short trips, which is typical in this class. Cargo space is cleverly shaped: about 16.0 cubic feet behind row three, 48.4 behind row two, and up to 84.3 with everything folded. Translation: strollers fit upright, a Costco run won’t scare it, and moving-day improvisation is fully supported.
The Highlander prioritizes comfort, with a supple ride that shrugs off broken pavement and highway seams. Steering is light but precise enough, and body motions are well-managed—family-friendly, not track-day eager. XSE models add firmer tuning for a bit more confidence in quick lane changes without compromising daily comfort. Road and wind noise are low at speed, turning long interstate stretches into easy conversation zones.
Gas models use a 2.4-liter turbo four with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft, paired to an 8-speed automatic for strong low-end shove and relaxed passing. The Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four with electric motors for 243 hp and an eCVT that favors smoothness over drama. Expect roughly 0–60 mph in the low 7s for the turbo and around the high 7s to about 8 seconds for the Hybrid, depending on trim and traction. AWD options include a torque-vectoring setup on gas models and an electric rear axle for Hybrids, both effective when weather turns sloppy.
Gas versions return up to 22/29 mpg city/highway (FWD) or 21/28 mpg (AWD), which translates to mid-20s in mixed driving for most families. The Hybrid is the saver: up to 36/35 mpg (FWD) or 35/34 mpg (AWD), meaning city commutes that barely dent the gauge. With a 17.1-gallon tank, Hybrids can approach roughly 600 miles on long highway legs if you’re gentle. Gas models carry 17.9 gallons, making 400–500-mile road trips realistic between fuel stops.
Toyota’s latest infotainment is snappy and intuitive, with over-the-air updates and a “Hey Toyota” voice assistant that understands natural requests. An available 11-speaker JBL system delivers clear, punchy sound that does right by podcasts and playlists. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, bringing adaptive cruise with lane centering, pre-collision braking, and road sign assist; blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are widely available. Add-ons like a surround-view camera, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror make tight parking and night driving easier.
Towing is rated up to 5,000 pounds for the turbo gas models and 3,500 pounds for the Hybrid, enough for pop-up campers and small boats. Ground clearance and AWD traction modes provide confidence on gravel driveways and snowy commutes rather than rock-crawling heroics. Braking feel is secure and consistent, and the gearbox in gas models is decisive without hunting. It’s a calm, competent tool for family adventures.
The lineup stretches from LE to XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, with parallel Hybrid versions and available Nightshade appearance models. Families focused on value and comfort will be happy in XLE, while Limited and Platinum feel genuinely premium without crossing into luxury-brand pricing. Front-wheel drive is standard, and AWD is available across the board to suit snowy states. If a bigger third row is a must, Toyota’s Grand Highlander is the roomier sibling; otherwise, this one nails the brief.
The Toyota Highlander mixes everyday ease with real capability, offering strong turbo performance or hybrid thrift without making you choose between comfort and features. It’s not the flashiest three-row, but its quiet ride, smart tech, and well-judged packaging make family life simpler. With solid efficiency, thoughtful storage, and confident manners, it feels built for years of school runs and road trips. Pick the Hybrid for fewer fuel stops, the turbo for more punch, and either for stress-free ownership.
Costs and Consumption |
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Price
39,300 - 53,400 $
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FuelEconomy City
21 - 36 mpg
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FuelEconomy Hwy
28 - 35 MPG
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
17.1 - 17.9 gal
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
7 - 8
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
4,155 - 4,595 lbs
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Trunk Volume
-
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Length
194.9 - 197.4 in.
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Width
76 in.
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Height
68 in.
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
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Power HP
243 - 265 HP
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Torque
175 - 310 lb-ft
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
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Gears
-
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General |
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Model Year
2,024
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Brand
Toyota
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