2024 Toyota Highlander

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Rating7.4
Write Review
$50,000
Estimated Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Very comfortable riding experience

A minimal amount of space in the third row

Base L trim has been discontinued

Minimal road noise inside the cabin

Not much space for the cargo behind the third row

Bronze Edition is replaced by Nightshade trims

Good fuel efficiency for a three-seater SUV

Standard hands-free power tailgate on higher trims

Specs & Features

$50,000

price

TBD

horsepower

TBD

torque

TBD

transmission

NULL 1A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2024 Toyota Highlander gets minimal changes this year and continues to be a strong offering in the mid-size three-row SUV segment. The base L trim has been discontinued and the XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims now get a powered tailgate as standard. The Bronze editions for the Highlander hybrid are also replaced with Nightshade trims. Check out the video below by "Autotrader" and find out which Highlander trim suits you the best. 

The 2024 Toyota Highlander price starts at $39,120 and is available for sale in 7 varied trim configurations. The 2023 model received a powertrain update that replaced the V6 with a turbo-4 motor, and this year sees a price hike of $2,500 due to the elimination of the base trim. The release date of the 2024 Highlander was announced for summer 2023 and is already available in all dealerships across the country alongside the larger Toyota Grand Highlander. 

Highlander 2024 gets a 2.4L turbo-4 engine that produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft that is capable of doing the 0-60 MPH sprint in 8.3 seconds with a 118 MPH top speed. The Highlander also gets an option for an AWD drivetrain and is rated to return 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highways. In the midsize SUV, the Highlander goes head to head against the Ford ExplorerHonda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-90

Buying Advice

We recommend opting for the 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE for a starting price of $42,270. For an added sum of $3,150 over the LE trim, the XLE trim adds quite a few creature comforts to the mix.

These include heated front seats, powered passenger seat, SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, second-row sunshades, sunroof, roof rails, auto-dimming mirror, and second-row captain's chairs. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2024 Highlander is expected to make its way into the market in late fall, with production commencing in September. Given that the 2024 model won’t come with any significant changes and the price of it is also expected to remain the same. The pricing of this SUV is also likely to be the same as the current model, the pricing of it is expected to start at $38,000 and with the higher end of the range reaching around $50,410. Most of the mid size SUVs in this range come with bigger V6 engines, and many of which are even more powerful. The Highlander’s four-cylinder is noisier and also a bit rougher in operation. This massive SUV boasts of three rows of seats which is perfectly suitable for adults, kids, cargo, and whatnot. However, the steering in this vehicle is too light, and some critics have found the Highlander to be an underpowered SUV while others found the SUV to be peepier than ever. The acceleration in this SUV is quite adequate even when it is loaded with passengers and cargo. There are many SUVs in the market that offer much more powerful powertrains. Also, the Highlander offers six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum.

Features
8.0/10

The Highlander is expected to launch with three trims, including the XLE, Limited and the Platinum edition. All of the models of this come with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine which produces around 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is also available in all of the trims as an option. Most of the trims will have a very minimal amount of changes. And not much can be written about it as it still has not launched. But based on the last year’s model this SUV is a pretty above-average one at this price range.

Trim

2024 Toyota Highlander

MSRP

$38,000

Key Features

Turbocharged four-cylinder engine

 

8-speed automatic transmission

 

Wireless connectivity Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support

 

Toyota Safety Sense is available with all the trims.

 

20-inch alloy wheels

 

11-speaker JBL audio system

 

Leather upholstery

 

12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen

 

Panoramic sunroof

Packages

Still not announced.

We recommend

Not much information has been released by Toyota for the 2024 Highlander, but based on the 2023 model, the XLE will be the best trim out of all and will be worth the money. And it is reasonably more premium than the other trims because of the several features that it comes with such as heated front seats, premium leather upholstery, a wireless charging pad, and second-row sunshades.

Engine and Performance
7.0/10

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

Toyota Highlander

Honda Pilot

Volkswagen Atlas

Ford Explorer

MSRP

$38,000

$37,295

$37,000

$38,355

Engine

2.4-liter four cylinder

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.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The 2024 Highlander offers fairly impressive fuel efficiency for a SUV with three rows. The fully gas-powered model offers up to 21 MPG in the city, 29 on highways, and a combined of 25 MPG. However, the hybrid model offers a better fuel economy of around 36 MPG combined. And this means that the 2024 Highlander can provide a lingerie driving range on a single tank of gas. It is very much compatible with long road trips or even daily commutes. The main reason behind this SUV’s fuel efficiency is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine under its hood which serves ample power while maintaining an impressive fuel economy.

Models

Toyota Highlander

Honda Pilot

Volkswagen Atlas

Ford Explorer

MPGe (City)

21

18

19

21

MPG e(Highway)

29

23

25

28

MPGe (Combined)

25

22

21

24

Driving Range (Miles)

393.80/519.10

351.50/499.50

353.40/465

375.90/501.20

The Highlander is the winner when it comes to fuel economy because of its very impressive driving range and also the fuel economy in general. At second position is the Fords Explorer which also has quite a good driving range and also a good fuel economy. Third is the Honda Pilot which closely follows the Explorer and at the last position is the Toyota Atlas, which has a good fuel economy but lacks behind the other when it comes to driving range.

Interior
7.0/10

The interior of the 2024 model remains the same as the 2023 model, with some minor tweaks about which there is no information as of now, but if we talk a look at the 2023 model we can see that the interior of the Highlander is both elegant and practical with roomy and comfortable first two rows. The third row doesn’t come with that much space and is more suitable for children. The front seats of this car also come as heated and ventilated. The cabin is quite spacious and it can easily accommodate 8 people. But it is important to note that all the trims of this vehicle do not offer a second-row bench seat for eight occupants. 

Models

Toyota Highlander

Honda Pilot

Volkswagen Atlas

Ford Explorer

Seating Capacity

8

8

7

7

First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

39.9/59/42

40.5/61.9/41

41.3/61.5/41.7

40.7/61.8/43

Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

39.4/58.7/38.7

40.2/61.7/40.8

40.4/60.8/37.6

40.5/61.9/39

Third Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

36.1/55/28

39.3/59.5/32.5

38.3/54.9/33.7

38.9/54.6/32.2

Trunk Capacity (cu.-ft)

16 

18.6

21.6 

18.2

In first place is the Ford Explorer because of the humongous interior space that it offers, the third seat is spacious enough for adults to sit but not too comfortably. Now second is the Honda Pilot which is also pretty spacious from the inside and not too far behind the Explorer in terms of numbers. The third place is acquired by the Atlas which is also a 7 seater like the Explorer, but has a quite spacious interior with modern-ish touches. And the Highlander takes the last place because it offers the least amount of cabin space although it is filled with features it lacks space.

Standout interior features:

  • 18/20 inch alloy wheels (depending on the trim)
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Heated front seats
  • Interior ambient lighting
  • Folding 60/40 seats(2nd and 3rd row)
  • Leather upholstery
  • Wireless charging pad

2024 Toyota Highlander Infotainment 

Toyota had given the Highlander’s infotainment a sleek and modern overhaul in 2023 and will be in 2024 as well. Many features that were made standard in the 2023 model are also available for the 2024 Highlander, some of the new standard features include wireless integration with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM Satellite radio. While most of the Highlander’s trims come with an 8-inch infotainment system, the Limited and the Platinum trim come with a 12.3-inch display and also a secondary 12.3-inch display which basically serves as the digital cluster of the vehicle. The mid-range XLE and XSE also have the option to upgrade to the larger 12.3-inch display but there are no secondary 12.3-inch display options available.

Standout infotainment system:

  • 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display
  • 11-speaker JBL sound system
  • Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
  • Amazon Alexa smartphone integration
  • 7-inch instrument digital panel display
  • Onboard Wi-fi hotspot

Exterior
7.0/10

The 2024 Highlander mostly remains the same with minor expected design changes. Still, it boasts an exterior design with an overall length of 194.9 inches and it could extend up to 197.4 for the XSE trim. The wheelbase measures the same across all the trims of this model. The front grille design simply draws designs from the Lexus, with the L, LE, and XLE coming with black grilles with painted surrounding, In contrast to that, the Limited and the Platinum trims come with chrome plated surrounds. And the XSE trim stands out with its black mesh front grille and lower front spoiler. Also, all of the models are equipped with LED projector lights. High-end trims ride on 20-inch alloy wheels while the low-end ones ride on 18-inch ones.

Models

Toyota Highlander

Honda Pilot

Volkswagen Atlas

Ford Explorer

Curb Weight (lbs)

4,199 lbs

3,982 lbs

4,663 lbs

4,345 lbs

Length(inches)

194.9

199.9

200.7

198.8

Width(inches)

76

78.5

78.3

78.9

Height(inches)

68.1

71

70.1

70.2

Wheelbase (inches)

112

113.8

117.3

119.1

The Volkswagen Atlas easily comes at first place because of its size and weight which create a gap and the other SUVs, it is followed by the Honda Pilot which is at the second position and is not much smaller than the Atlas. The third place is taken by the Ford Explorer which is quite a heavy and large SUV, also even though this vehicle is quite big but falls behind the first two big ones. And last, is the smallest one of all the Highlander, also quite a noticeable difference can be seen between the first positioned Atlas and the Highlander.

Safety
9.0/10

This mid-size SUV offers a comprehensive suite of safety features that are designed to provide the driver and the passenger peace of mind while traveling. It comes equipped with all the necessary traditional safety features such as eight airbags, one of which is the driver's knee bag, traction, stability control, a reverse camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are also present in this vehicle. And additionally, you can find the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ feature. There is also an advanced safety feature that package that comes with features like Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Pre-Collision with pedestrian detection. All of these features including the ones in the advanced safety package enhance the protection and awareness on the road and also helps to prevent accidents.

Safety features include

  • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
  • Full-range dynamic radar control
  • Lane departure alert with steering assist
  • Automatic high beams
  • Road sign assist
  • Lane tracing assist

Competition

2024 Toyota Highlander vs. 2024 Honda Pilot

Both the 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Honda Pilot are highly regarded three-row SUVs which offer various similar features and qualities in the areas of safety. technology, controls and driving dynamics. And as both of the vehicles are aggressively priced, they are not kept with limited features rather these two SUVs are filled with various features. But when it comes to choosing one of these vehicles then the suggestable one will be the Honda Pilot because this vehicle exceeds the Highlander in some crucial areas.

2024 Toyota Highlander vs. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

In the market of three-row midsize both the 2024 Highlander and the 2024 Atlas are strong contenders. Both of these vehicles have aggressive pricing and these two offer a similar range of features. The Atlas offers two types of engines while the Highlander offers only one, the interior of the Highlander is much more spacious and comfortable than the Atlas even though it's bigger from the outside. So here the Highlander would be the better choice.

2024 Toyota Highlander vs. 2024 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Highlander and the 2024 Explorer are both quite popular three-row midsize SUVs, both these vehicle’s starting prices are quite similar to one another just like some range of features these SUVs offer. The Explorer comes with three engine options while the Highlander comes with only one, and the Highlander offers a more spacious interior as usual. But choosing one will be hard but still, the overall performance and other aspects of the Ford Explorer are much better than that of the Highlander.

Final Verdict

The 2024 Highlander still has not been released in the market, the information is limited to the current time. But if we consider the 2023 model then we will suggest you to go for it cause first of all it is a very efficient vehicle and other than that the interior of it is quite spacious, well better than most of its rivals. The XSE trims will be the best one to go for because of it being the best trims of the model. With more money will come more features, riding comfort, and safety.

Trims

    Base
    $50,000 Est. onwards
    • Engine: NULL 1A
    • Horsepower: TBD hp
    • Torque: TBD
    • 0-60 mph: 7.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 113 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -

Compare to similar cars

Price

$50,000

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.38

Horsepower

265 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

310 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

Capacity

8

Read Review

$33,995

Gasoline

7.36

-

-

-

Read Review

$36,650- $53,850

Gasoline

7.71

291 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

8

Read Review

$36,190- $53,385

Gasoline

7.91

291 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

8

Read Review

$28,895- $42,795

Gasoline

7.19

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

178 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$35,400- $45,700

Gasoline

7

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,100- $28,700

Gasoline

5.8

155 hp @ 5600 rpm

174 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$43,900

Gasoline

7.46

295 hp @ 6400 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

7

Read Review

$38,090

Gasoline

6.94

260 hp @ 6000 rpm

240 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$40,705- $55,170

Gasoline

7.71

270 hp @ 5600 rpm

278 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

7

Read Review

2024 Toyota Highlander vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8 sec16.1 sec-
    6.4 sec14.9 sec112 mph
    6.5 sec15 sec112 mph
    6.6 sec15.2 sec119 mph
    6.6 sec15 sec-
    6.6 sec15 sec131 mph

    2024 Toyota Highlander vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg17.9 gal.- -
      29 mpg31 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.-
      26 mpg32 mpg28 mpg18.5 gal.-
      22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg19.4 gal.-
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg17.9 gal.-
      21 mpg28 mpg23 mpg18.5 gal.388.5/518.0 mi.

      2024 Toyota Highlander vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        194.9 in.76 in.68.1 in.-112.2 in. -

        2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

        Ranked #1

        204.9 in.84.6 in.71.5 in.8.5 in.121.7 in. -
        199.9 in.78.5 in.70.9 in.-113.8 in. -
        198.8 in.89.3 in.69.9 in.8.2 in.119.1 in. -
        198.8 in.77.9 in.73.7 in.7.7 in.114.2 in. -
        196.9 in.78.3 in.68.9 in.8 in.114.2 in. -

        2024 Toyota Highlander vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          16 cu.ft.141.8 cu.ft.84.3 cu.ft. -
          41.2 cu.ft.114.9 cu.ft.100.8 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.-89.7 cu.ft.
          18.2 cu.ft.152.7 cu.ft.87.8 cu.ft.
          18.6 cu.ft.158.4 cu.ft.87 cu.ft.
          21 cu.ft.157.1 cu.ft.87 cu.ft.

          2024 Toyota Highlander vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            84.3 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.84.3 cu.ft. -
            80.5 cu.ft.16.6 cu.ft.80.5 cu.ft.
            86.4 cu.ft.18 cu.ft.86.4 cu.ft.
            70.8 cu.ft.37.7 cu.ft.70.8 cu.ft. -
            87 cu.ft.21 cu.ft.87 cu.ft.
            73.4 cu.ft.39.2 cu.ft.73.4 cu.ft.

            2024 Toyota Highlander vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              5000 lbs.1685 lbs.4155 lbs. -
              6200 lbs.1280 lbs.4238 lbs. -
              6000 lbs.1295 lbs.4605 lbs.
              5300 lbs.1425 lbs.4345 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1561 lbs.4171 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1700 lbs.4400 lbs.

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