The three-row Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV, which entered production at the start of the 21st century, has undergone cosmetic updates for the 2024 model year. Two trims have been refreshed, while the base L trim has been discontinued.

The gas-powered LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Premium trims now come standard with an automatic liftgate, following the introduction of a new turbo four-cylinder engine in 2023, which replaced the V6 engine.

The Bronze editions of the hybrid and hybrid XLE have been replaced with upgraded blackened features both inside and out, rebranded as the LE Nightshade and XLE Nightshade hybrids.

Our Test Drive

Our test vehicle was the 2024 Highlander XSE equipped with standard all-wheel-drive, maintaining its reputation as a comfortable seven-passenger (with an optional eighth seat) family-friendly vehicle in a competitive market niche.

Featuring a Blueprint colored exterior, our Highlander sported a sportmesh front grille, front and rear spoilers, black roof rails, and twin-tip exhausts, mirroring the 2023 Highlander.

Toyota Highlander Cabin Interior

Inside, the cabin was adorned with Rioja red interior accents and red leather, brightening the stylish ambiance. The controls were easy to reach and understand, with cutting-edge technology; however, the third row remains tight and suitable mainly for children.

Competitors include the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, Chevrolet Traverse, and the top-selling Jeep Grand Cherokee, all of which sold fewer vehicles than the Highlander in 2022 and 2023.

Highlander's Power

Toyota stated that the engine change was aimed at reducing emissions. While the power difference (30 less horsepower) slightly affects acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour, an increase of 15 ft-lbs. of torque at a lower rpm was noted.

The Highlander boasts an average miles per gallon of 24, aided by a barely noticeable stop/start feature.

During our test drive, the Highlander delivered a smooth ride on 20-inch tires, with sport-tuned suspension and responsive handling. Dynamic torque vectoring assisted in tight turns and off-road driving by distributing power to wheels as needed.

Under acceleration and at higher speeds, minor engine noise was effectively mitigated by the 11-speaker JBL audio system, part of our only option costing $1,375, which also included a 12.3-inch multimedia dashboard touchscreen and a 7-inch multi-info display.

Highlander's Safety Features

Toyota's Safety Sense 2 system mitigates frontal collisions, assists in lane-keeping, manages headlights at night, and provides 360-degree camera views. Other driver aids include traffic sign reading, dynamic cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot detection.

The 2024 Highlander has achieved top crash safety ratings and includes features like Toyota Connect for remote vehicle control, vehicle information tracking, and navigation access.

Toyota utilizes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for ancillary features such as maps and navigation.

With 7.8 inches of ground clearance, the Highlander is capable off-road and offers various drive modes for different terrains.

Inside, the luxuriously outfitted cabin features SoftTex synthetic leather seats, tasteful chrome accents, ample storage spaces, including 14 cup holders and two shelves in the dash.

The third-row seats can be folded to expand cargo space to 48.4 cubic feet (folded flat 60/40), smaller than some competitors. Folding both the second and third rows creates a generous 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Safety shades can be lowered to cover the second-row windows. Additionally, there is a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, smartphone charger, and five USB charge ports.

The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and features fully extendable visors, an underbody compact spare tire, and a strong track record for resale value and reliability.

For 2024, Toyota has introduced the Grand Highlander, a larger model that surpasses the Highlander in cargo space and competes directly with niche competitors.

Likes: Handling, power, comfort, cargo space, cabin, ride, resale value, two years complimentary maintenance.

Dislikes: Tight third-row seating, subscription requests for top convenience features, elevated third-row head restraints hindering rearview.

Bottom Line: The Highlander remains among the top three-row mid-size SUVs for comfort and reliability.

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