2024 Toyota Highlander Review

There are literally more ways to enjoy the new Toyota Highlander. The automaker has increased the 2024 lineup to include five gas trim levels and six hybrid ones. This includes Nightshade editions of the LE and XLE Hybrids.

Furthermore, the hands-free power liftgate is standard on eight editions, doubling its availability for 2024 shoppers. Already standard on Limited and Platinum gas or hybrid models, it is now standard on the XLE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid XLE Nightshade, and XSE trim levels.

Whether LE or XLE Nightshade, these hybrids wear black-painted wheels, black grille trim, and a black rear spoiler. Black detailing includes the door handles, mirror caps, and shark fin antenna. Hybrid XLE Nightshade models have black roof rails.

Whether standard or hybrid, there’s 141.8 cubic feet of wiggle room for the whole family. 2024 Highlanders come in either a 2-3-3 layout or a 2-2-3 layout. This allows families to choose whether they need 7 or 8 seats.

Parents can choose Highlanders with dual front power chairs. Our favorite feature is power-ventilation to take the edge off of hot summer days. Automatic climate controls help keep everyone more comfortable on all three rows.

The second row bench slides for easy third-row entry. These seats offer 38.7 inches of legroom. Reclining seats add to a kid’s ability to stretch out. Center Captain’s chairs are especially comfortable.

There are numerous cargo-passenger combinations with the split flat-folding rear seats. You can claim 48 or 84 cubic feet of space for gear.

Second-row outboard seats offer LATCH attachments for baby seats and kid carseats. Middle-seat tether anchors are found on the second- and third-row benches. A rear seatbelt reminder helps ensure that older kids buckle up.

Helping drivers talk to the kids without turning away from the road, Driver Easy Speak is a favorite Highlander feature. A built-in microphone makes this system like an intercom.

An available panoramic moonroof adds natural light and air whenever you need it. Plus it provides natural entertainment by revealing mountain peaks and city highrises.

A subscription makes it easy to access a Wi-Fi hotspot on the go in the 2024 Toyota Highlander or Highlander Hybrid. It’s easier to keep tweens and teens entertained when they can stream content to their own smart devices. WiFi also enables the use of an SOS button and automatic collision notification. These Safety Connect services are free for up to ten years.

To help make sure that caregivers remember who’s on board, a rear occupant alert may sound as the driver exits the vehicle.

If parents want to bring along adventure equipment, the Highlander Hybrid can pull up to 3,500 pounds. Even stronger, the regular Highlander can handle up to 5,000 lbs. Trailer sway control is a Highlander standard.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has ample power and remarkable efficiency. This hybrid system delivers a combined 243 horsepower. Electric torque makes it extra powerful whether the driver is handling slow maneuvers, pulling a trailer, or passing slowpokes on the highway.

Earning 35 mpg combined, this hybrid 3 row SUV can go for up to 598 miles on a single tank of gas. These all-wheel drive hybrids average 35 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the interstate. This saves about $600 a year compared to the standard Highlander.

All-wheel drive is accomplished with an electric motor dedicated to each axle. When equipped with Cloud Navigation, the hybrid system can utilize Predictive Fuel-Efficient Drive. This helps owners make the most out of Highlander Hybrid technology.

Providing peace of mind, Toyota hybrid systems may be covered for up to 96 months or 100,000 miles. Loans and leases are easier with Earnhardt financing at our Phoenix AZ Toyota dealership.

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine has proven itself a big winner for the Highlander. Standard front-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission are its partners.

Regular FWD models earn 28 mpg in highway driving. The city fuel economy is maximized by the engine-off feature for long stops at redlights or drive-throughs.

Best of all, the engine delivers a solid 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A family driver can feel confident every time they hit the throttle. Adding value, Toyota provides up to two years of free standard maintenance.

Standard all-wheel drive is available. Plus electronic all-wheel drive with dynamic torque vectoring can add four-wheeling capability.

Ground clearance is an ample 8 inches. This ensures that Highlanders roll over debris. Some models have downhill assist control to help pace the big SUV when moving down an incline.

Approach angles are either 17.9 or 18.1 degrees, depending on the exact model. Departure angles are either 22.7 or 23 degrees. The ramp breakover angle is 16.7 degrees.

With Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, gas-powered Highlander drivers have a multi-terrain select system and a driveline disconnect. Off road settings include rock/dirt and mud/sand. This helps with slick, sticky, or loose surfaces.

AWD hybrids offer a Trail Mode to allow for more adventurous rides. When the driver uses the trail mode, this signals to the hybrid to adjust the all-wheel drive for off-road surfaces.

Nightshade Highlanders feature one of four exterior color choices. The Midnight Black Metallic exterior color takes on a stealth look with blacked-out accents. Those same elements lend a bold contrast to Wind Chill Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, or Cement.

With the exception of Cement, all of these exterior colors are available on the gas-powered models as well. Additional choices for both gas and hybrid Highlanders include Celestial Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Moon Dust.

Interior colors vary with the type of upholstery and trim choice. Woven cloth comes in Graphite or black in the LE trim. XLE SofTex seats add a rich Harvest Beige for a total of three color choices. XLE Nightshade models have two-tone black seats in Softex and embossed fabric with silver accent stitching.

Perforated leather dresses Highlander Limited models in black, harvest beige or graphite color schemes. 2024 Highlander Platinum models offer Glazed Caramel as a fourth leather color choice. Adding to its luxury credentials, Platinum leather upholstery is both perforated and embossed.

2024 Toyota Highlander XSE models combine black fabric inserts and black Softex. However, shoppers can go for leather in a red and black color scheme.

The Highlander offers an 8-inch touchscreen with six speakers and multiple USB ports. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow you to access more apps and put them right on the display screen.

When equipped with the largest screen, the Highlander dashboard has a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen. This faster system includes an Intelligent Assistant. It works with just a “Hey Toyota” to start the process.

With Drive Connect, Toyota drivers can utilize Cloud Navigation. This also provides Google Points of Interest and live-agent Destination Assist. Some models have a premium audio system. This JBL set-up includes 11 speakers.

Drivers can choose a panoramic view monitor to help them see everything around the vehicle. This adds an extra layer of safety during slow maneuvers. A head-up display can put vital information on the windshield where it’s easy for the driver to see at a glance.

A standard acoustic windshield and extensive noise dampening insulation keep the ride quiet so a family can enjoy their time together. Top trim levels add acoustic side glass for even quieter travel.

Every Highlander comes equipped with ample drive assistance. These Toyota Safety Sense features emphasize defensive driving without taking the fun out of your time behind the wheel.

To avoid forward collision dangers, the system warns about stopping traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. It may respond with an emergency autobrake to mitigate damage. A more advanced Toyota system is now available. This adds more capability including intersection support.

Also standard, the Dynamic Radar cruise system adapts to the traffic flow, reducing the driver’s burden. This adaptive cruise control can partner with lane centering and road sign assist for safer travel with less stress. In fact, every Highlander has a lane departure alert system with a steering assist. It tries to help the Highlander stay in the marked lane lines.

A rearview camera can be equipped with a camera-cleaning function, and it can be paired with a rear cross traffic alert. In addition, there’s a responsive autobrake to match up with available front and rear sensors.

There’s always more to explore in a big 3 row SUV like the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. Schedule a test drive to learn more at our Earnhardt Phoenix AZ Toyota dealership.