2024 Toyota Highlander: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing (2024)

Toyota is known for producing some of the most reliable, user-friendly, and rewarding vehicles on the road today. This has led to the brand receiving numerous accolades relating to its reliability, and overall value. It's no surprise the brand has taken to making a name for itself in just about every vehicle category.

The 2024 Highlander is Toyota's mid-size family hauler and is a testament to the brand's identity and pursuit of the mainstream market. The Highlander has been a popular choice among buyers looking for a reliable and comfortable utility vehicle with ample interior space and contemporary fittings. Since its debut in 2000, the Highlander has been steadfast in its service as the iconic Japanese brand's trendy mid-size crossover.

With its latest iteration, the Highlander aims to extend the good name of modern Toyota models as well as provide buyers with a cavernous, stylish three-row family vehicle. With multiple grades and trims, there's likely a Highlander that fits the bill for whatever the situation or lifestyle calls for. Let's take a look!

What’s New For 2024?

The Nightshade trim is one of modern Toyota's most popular lines, as it includes top-of-the-line tech and comfort upgrades, as well as a stealthy, contemporary appearance package. The 2024 Highlander LE and XLE are able to equip this stylish upgrade to enhance their visual appeal and individuality instantly. The latest version of the Highlander will also offer the option between an efficient hybrid powertrain and a powerful turbocharged option.

2024 Highlights

• Nightshade package now available for hybrid and non-hybrid Highlander LE and XLE
• Efficient hybrid option available
• Multiple all-wheel drive options, as well as front-wheel drive
• Upgraded tech and safety systems
• Hands-free power liftgate now standard on higher trims

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

The 2024 Highlander offers the choice between two engines: a hybrid system and a turbo four-cylinder. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The gas engine employs a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system using an electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft.

A variable cooling system and a fully variable oil pump help to further enhance the system's efficiency. The hybrid plant pumps out 243 combined horsepower, with an impressive manufacturer's estimate of up to 36 combined MPG and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds for all hybrid grades.

The Highlander’s gas-powered option is a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 310 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a standard Stop and Start Engine system, the gas-powered Highlander models allow the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and instantly restart when the driver’s foot lifts from the brake pedal. This feature is one way the Highlander can earn up to a 22 city/29 highway/25 combined manufacturer estimated rating. Both the hybrid and gas-powered Highlander powertrains connect to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Another key option to be aware of is the drivetrain variants. The 2024 Highlander offers the choice between front-wheel drive, electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, and the more performance-minded dynamic torque vectoring AWD with drive mode select and driveline disconnect. The enhanced AWD system can manage torque between all four wheels, making for an even more controlled experience.

Performance Specifications

(Source: Toyota)

Towing Capabilities And Payload Capacity

The towing capabilities vary between powertrain options, with the gas-powered Highlander pulling the most weight at a max 5,000-pound limit. The Hybrid-powered models can haul up to 3,500 pounds. Both AWD and FWD models share towing capabilities, though the AWD Highlander will likely react better to hauling cargo.

Off-Road Capability

The 2024 Highlander isn't necessarily designed for much off-road adventuring. See Toyota 4Runner for more adventure. However, it does possess the necessary equipment and capability to handle business when not on the pavement. This includes a standard MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizing bar and a trailing-wishbone rear set-up. The XSE model features a sport-tuned version of the standard suspension setup.

All 2024 Highlander models also come standard with selectable drive modes, including Normal, Sport, and Eco, though the AWD models also include Toyota's Multi-terrain select. The MTS system adds MUD & SAND and ROCK & DIRT to the drive mode list.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Toyota Highlander

• Large 12.3-inch touchscreen standard on higher trims and available on lower
• Standard over-the-air update compatibility
• Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
• Standard Toyota connected services
• Nightshade package interior cosmetic enhancement

The 2024 Highlander takes pride in offering plush accommodations across all grades. Taking inspiration from luxury-crafted interiors to create a premium ambiance, details include soft-touch surfaces and a tailored look with stitching that extends from the door trim to the instrument panel. All of which makes the cabin feel welcoming and accommodating.

The base Highlander LE grade offers comfortable woven cloth seat surfaces, while the higher-trim Limited offers perforated leather trim. The XSE grade sticks to its sporty nature, offering the choice between either black SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric inserts or a striking red and black leather-trimmed option.

The top-rated Highlander, the Platinum grade, exclusively features embossed, perforated leather-trim in Harvest Beige, Graphite, and Black, plus a luxuriously delicious brown called Glazed Caramel. On the XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades, standard ambient LED cabin lighting sets the intended mood of the driver.

Technology

The 2024 Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch, and available 12.3-inch, Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Connected Technologies, Toyota’s Texas-based team. With the available service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to advanced amenities like intelligent assistant, cloud navigation, and destination assist.

Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity as well as standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Buyers can also opt for the available Wi-Fi Connect subscription, which offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices, ensuring ample entertainment on long journeys.

The Highlander offers a JBL Premium Audio system boasting 1,200 watts of power playing through 11 speakers in nine locations, creating a mobile concert of any music genre. The unique Clari-Fi system is standard for high grades and enhances the quality of the sound system, allowing you to experience your favorite tunes like never before.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

All 2024 Highlanders feature Toyota Star Safety System, which includes enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake systems, and smart stop technology. The hybrids take a step further and add electronically controlled braking capabilities to all 2024 hybrid Highlanders. The IIHS has granted the 2024 Toyota Highlander a Top Safety Pick title for its superb passive and active safety features, and though it hasn't been tested by the NHTSA, the 2023 Highlander received a five-star safety rating.

Driver Assistance Features

Driver assistance and safety is something that Toyota takes very seriously. This passion can be observed in all of their new models, which all include some variant of the Toyota Safety Sense suite. The 2024 Highlander utilizes the Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, which includes

• Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
• Lane departure alert w/ steering assist
• Lane tracing assist
• Road sign assist

IIHS Crash Testing

• Awards:Top Safety Pick + (2024)

Warranties

Toyota's warranty is among the better offers in the business. While not the most rewarding, the Highlander's warranty has a healthy length of coverage as well as complimentary scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles. The hybrid models also receive a healthy 8-year/100,000-mile component coverage and a 10-year/150,000-mile battery warranty.

2024 Toyota Highlander Versus Its Competitors

The Toyota Highlander is a well-equipped SUV with plenty of modern tech and respectable performance. It isn't the cheapest in its class, though its design and application hint at a more up-scale attitude. Two of its strongest competitors are found in the ever-popular Kia Telluride and the Mazda CX-90.

How The Toyota Highlander Compares To The Kia Telluride

• 	2024 Toyota Highlander	2024 Kia Telluride
  Model	2024 Toyota Highlander	Kia Telluride
  Engine	2.4-L I-4 Hybrid / 2.5-L Turbocharged I-4	3.6L V-6
  Transmission	eCVT / 8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
  Horsepower	243 / 265	291 hp @ 6,000 RPM
  Torque	310 Lb-Ft.	262 LB-FT @ 5,200 RPM
  Driveline	FWD or AWD	Front Engine, AWD
  Towing Capacity	3,500 - 5,000 Pounds	5,500 Pounds

Both the Highlander and the Telluride display a knack for the finer things in life, though the Telluride may bring this sentiment to life with more passion. The Highlander comes from a long line of comfy, capable family haulers with plenty to write home about, though its price often sits just above what many average buyers would consider a bargain for what it offers.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, has taken the modern market by storm with its contemporary styling and tech, as well as its low starting MSRP. The Telluride displays a tough, confident attitude thanks to its beefy front-end design and commanding stance. Under the hood, the Telluride is able to produce 291 horses from its naturally aspirated V-6, which also allows it to tow up to 5,500 pounds. While it does boast more horses and towing abilities than the Highlander, the Telluride is much less efficient, managing only 20 combined MPG in the AWD model, and 22 combined MPG in the FWD.

How The Toyota Highlander Compares To The Mazda CX-90

• 	2024 Toyota Highlander	2024 Mazda CX-90
  Model	2024 Toyota Highlander	CX-90
  Engine	2.4-L I-4 Hybrid / 2.5-L Turbocharged I-4	3.3-Liter Turbo Inline-Six/2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid
  Transmission	eCVT / 8-Speed Automatic	Eight-Speed Automatic
  Torque	310 Lb-Ft.	332-369 LB-FT
  Driveline	FWD or AWD	AWD
  Fuel Economy	24 - 39 MPG	24 City | 28 Highway
  Towing Capacity	3,500 - 5,000 Pounds	3,500 LBS - 5,000 LBS

The 2024 CX-90 is Mazda's nudge toward a premium line-up, as it boasts a plush cabin layout and upscale appointments. This, however, is reflected in its prices, with the top-rated S Premium Plus starting at $57,325. Before we disregard the CX-90 as a money pit, we must recognize that the entry-level CX-90 starts at $39,220 and includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a turbocharged engine, advanced assist, and safety tech, and a sophisticated design inside and out.

Power-wise, the CX-90 oversteps them all with its turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six, which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. In base form, the CX-90 produces 280 horsepower, but on the S-trims, the output is cranked up to a respectable 323 horsepower. Standard AWD ensures the CX-90 never loses its footing, which plays a big role in its fun-to-drive handling attributes. For those buyers interested in a solid warranty, it should be noted that the CX-90 does not offer complimentary maintenance, while the Highlander does.

How Much Does A 2024 Toyota Highlander Cost?

There are 11 different grades and trims to choose from, each with the option between FWD or AWD. This is a strong sign Toyota wants to appeal to a wider market. Pricing from $39,120 for the base LE FWD up to $53,125 for the top Platinum Hybrid AWD, the Highlander aims at both the upscale-bargain and premium markets.

Fuel Economy

One focus Toyota wanted to capitalize on was in the fuel economy department, with the brand, as a whole, taking huge steps toward a cleaner future, which Toyota refers to as a "Beyond Zero" goal. This has sparked a revolution within the Japanese brand that's birthed some of the world's most efficient hybrids and EVs. The 2024 Highlander offers both a gas-powered engine and an efficient hybrid option, earning an EPA economy rating of 24 and 35 combined MPG respectively.

Is It Worth Buying The 2024 Toyota Highlander?

There isn't much to gripe about when it comes to Toyota's latest mid-size crossover, as it displays respectable towing and power while retaining decent fuel economy. While slightly more expensive than its closest competition, the Highlander guarantees a comfortable, capable, and well-outfitted experience every time you enter. Which is a plus if interior quality and comfort are on your list.

The hybrid options, as well as the multiple drivetrain options, make the Highlander a more versatile buying option, as some of its competition only offer a single option for both categories. This means the Highlander can adjust to its environment better than others can without sacrificing any of its redeemable qualities. All in all, the Highlander is a nice place to start if you're looking to elevate your driving experience, but always be aware of the options available.