As the 2024 Highlander still hasn’t been launched not much information can be given about it, but it is said that there aren’t major changes for the 2024 model. So it is expected that it will boast a powerful 2.4-liter engine, while the turbocharged engine has received mixed reviews, it is capable of producing 265 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque with the 8-speed automatic transmission which is pretty quick. It may feel highly underpowered when climbing to higher speeds. This SUV comes with front-wheel-drive as standard and all-wheel-drive comes as optional for all the trims. It quickly goes from 0-60 Within 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 118 mph.
Models
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Toyota Highlander
|
Honda Pilot
|
Volkswagen Atlas
|
Ford Explorer
|
MSRP
|
$38,000
|
$37,295
|
$37,000
|
$38,355
|
Engine
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2.4-liter four cylinder
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3.5-liter V6
|
2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4
|
3.3-liter V6 Hybrid
|
Drivetrain
|
FWD
|
AWD
|
Transverse-front-wheel
|
RWD
|
Transmission
|
8-speed automatic
|
10-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
10-speed automatic transmission
|
Power (horsepower)
|
265 hp
|
285 hp
|
269 hp
|
318 hp
|
Torque
|
309 lb-ft
|
262 cubic-feet
|
273 lb-ft
|
322 lb-ft
|
0 to 60 MPH
|
7.5 seconds
|
7.8 seconds
|
7.6 seconds
|
5.5 seconds
|
Quarter Mile
|
N/A
|
15.3 seconds
|
15.8 seconds
|
14.5 seconds
|
Top Speed
|
118 mph
|
115 mph
|
115 mph
|
146 mph
|
After checking out all the information available, it can be said that the Ford Explorer takes the first place because of its powerful engine which takes off from 0-60 within just 5.5 seconds which is quite fast. The Explorer is followed by the Highlander which is also capable of reaching 118 mph. In third place stands the Volkswagen Atlas which closely follows the Highlander and at the last position is the Honda Pilot which is not comparatively the slowest as it has a similar top speed to that of the Atlas but it lacks the acceleration and power.
2024 Toyota Highlander Ride and Handling
The 2024 Highlander offers a very spacious and comfortable interior. There might be some little added features for 2024, but it can’t be confirmed as there is not much information revealed about the riding quality and the handling of the vehicle. But relying on the 2023 model’s information we can say that the compliant suspension does the work, it gives a smooth riding experience to the passengers and the driver. The Highlander handles pretty well and provides direct steering and a smooth ride.
2024 Toyota Highlander Braking Performance
The Highlander is a mid size that offers a smooth riding experience and direct steering. But, when it comes to its braking performance it may not be as strong as its competitors. In a 60-0 panic braking test that was conducted in 2023, the top model XSE did not perform as well as expected. Despite that, the Highlander handles pretty well for a large vehicle. Well-braking performance is a very important consideration for any vehicle, and the Highlander may not provide the same level of confidence in this area as some of its rivals. Overall we can see that the not-so-good braking performance gets hidden behind its comfortable riding and smooth handling.
Model
|
Toyota Highlander
|
Honda Pilot
|
Volkswagen Atlas
|
Ford Explorer
|
Brake Rotors (front) (in)
|
13.3
|
13.8
|
13.2
|
13.6
|
Brake Rotors (rear) (in)
|
13.3
|
13
|
12.2
|
12.6
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
4,199 lbs
|
3,982 lbs
|
4,663 lbs
|
4,345 lbs
|
60-0 (-ft)
|
132-feet
|
126-ft
|
165-ft
|
N/A
|
The Honda Pilot is the clear winner here, it has an impressive braking performance of stopping from 60-0 feet within just 126-feet, it is closely followed by the Toyota Highlander which is at second place and also has a very impressive braking system and performance. In third place comes the Ford Explorer which according to critics has an above-average braking system and performance. And at last, comes the heaviest of the four the Atlas which has a good baking performance but the curb weight is much more than the other SUV.