2024 Toyota Highlander

2024 Toyota Highlander Highlights

The 2024 Toyota Highlander carries over mostly unchanged from the 2023 model year. Most significantly, the base L trim has been discontinued for the 2024 model year, making the LE the new entry-level Highlander. With seating for up to eight passengers, an efficient powertrain, and a wealth of standard safety features, the Highlander remains a popular choice for families and those seeking a well-rounded vehicle. The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, as well as the larger Toyota Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid, are covered separately as distinct models.

Key Details

• Midsize crossover SUV body style
• Three-row, seven- or eight-passenger seating
• Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (265 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)

Benefits

• Spacious and versatile interior with ample cargo room
• Efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver assistance features
• Available all-wheel drive
• Upscale features and amenities in higher trims
• 5,000-pound towing capacity
• Strong resale value

Learn More: Here Are The Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid

2024 Toyota Highlander Overview

Performance

Toyota dropped the V6 from the Highlander’s engine bay in 2023, but most drivers won’t notice as the replacement turbo four-cylinder is more than up to the task. Making 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the 2024 Highlander’s sole powerplant (the Highlander Hybrid uses a different setup) easily handles highway merging and passing. In fact, the new engine has more torque than its predecessor, making the 2024 Highlander peppier off the line.

Everything else that makes the Highlander go is equally predictable. The eight-speed automatic transmission smoothly manages power, whether it’s going only to the front wheels or all four corners. When properly equipped, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it capable of hauling small boats or trailers.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the 2024 Toyota Highlander a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also named the Highlander a Top Safety Pick, the organization's second-highest accolade.

The 2024 Highlander has Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a standard suite of advanced driver assistance features, including:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane tracing assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beams
• Road sign assist

Additional safety technologies, like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, are available on higher trims or as part of optional packages.

Driving

Even with a four-cylinder engine under the hood, the 2024 Highlander conveys confidence. Much of this feeling comes from the powerplant’s torque, but there’s something to be said for a commanding view of the road ahead and minimal blind spots behind.

At the same time, the Highlander delivers a pleasant blend of smoothness and responsiveness. It’s far from a performance or luxury SUV, but the tuned suspension easily absorbs road imperfections. Calling the Highlander a no surprise ride’ is appropriate.

However, it’s important to realize that the Highlander is not a small ride. The light steering makes tight-space maneuvers effortless, but caution is still required about the surroundings. A surround-view monitor, which is included with the Platinum and optional in the Limited, makes this task easier.

Interior

The 2024 Toyota Highlander's interior is spacious, well-designed, and crafted with quality materials. The cabin offers passengers a quiet and comfortable environment, with ample head and legroom in the first two rows. The 28 inches of legroom in the third row can make for tight quarters for taller passengers, making this space best used by children and smaller adults. Those needing a more versatile space in the back may want to consider the Toyota Grand Highlander, which adds over five inches of third-row legroom.

The Highlander's versatile seating configurations allow for various passenger and cargo arrangements. With the third row folded down, the Highlander provides 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

2024 Highlander interior features include:

• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Fabric, SofTex leatherette, or leather-trimmed seating
• Heated and ventilated front seats (available)
• Second-row captain's chairs (available)
• Panoramic moonroof (available)

Technology

The 2024 Toyota Highlander offers a range of advanced technology features designed to keep occupants engaged. The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system.

Higher trims offer upgrades such as:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen display
• 11-speaker JBL premium audio system
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Integrated navigation
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Head-up display

Fuel Economy

Top Highlander fuel economy comes from the hybrid edition, but the version with the conventional powerplant is still efficient for a vehicle of this size. The ratings dip only slightly for AWD-equipped Highlanders. EPA ratings for the 2024 Highlander are as follows:

2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined

2024 Toyota Highlander Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book for the 2024 Toyota Highlander have an average rating of 4.0 out of 5. Owners praise this crossover’s reliability, quality, and comfort. However, scores are modestly less positive about value.

Reasons to Buy It

• Flexible cabin for up to eight passengers
• Zippy turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Standard advanced driver aids
• 5,000-pounds towing capacity

Problems

• Third-row seating may be tight for adults on longer trips
• Fuel economy, while competitive, may not match some rivals
• Higher trims can be pricey compared to some competitors

Explore: Toyota Highlander Resale Value: Do They Hold Their Value? What To Know

CoPilot's Take

The three-row midsize SUV segment is crowded, as most mainstream automakers have competitive offerings. These include the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. Nonetheless, the Highlander holds its own, as evidenced by its strong sales (except for the Explorer, which outsold the competition in 2023).

Most buyers in this category aren’t looking for an SUV that excels in just one area. Instead, they want something that’s a ‘good’ performer across the board. This has been the Highlander’s formula for success since the beginning.

But this approach has drawbacks. The Highlander isn’t as engaging to drive as the Pilot or Explorer; it’s also less spacious than the Traverse. In addition, the Palisade and Telluride offer a more upscale cabin.

It comes down to choosing a vehicle that’s competent in just about everything (the Highlander) or picking a family hauler that leads in one particular area (the competition).

2024 Toyota Highlander FAQs

What is the difference between the 2024 Highlander Limited and the Platinum?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum is the top-of-the-line trim, offering additional luxury features and amenities over the Limited trim. Some of the key differences include:

• Head-up display (Platinum)
• Surround-view monitor (Platinum)
• Digital rearview mirror (Platinum)
• Panoramic moonroof (Platinum) vs. regular moonroof (Limited)
• Available eight-passenger seat (second-row bench seat) (Limited)

What Is the MPG for the Toyota Highlander 2024?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander's fuel economy varies depending on the drivetrain configuration:

• FWD (mpg): 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined

What is the most common problem with a 2024 Toyota Highlander?

It’s too early to get a clear picture of any issues affecting the 2024 Toyota Highlander, as few complaints are on file with NHTSA and CarComplaints.com. This may change as more 2024 Highlanders hit the road and owners drive more miles.

What trims are available for the 2024 Toyota Highlander?

Toyota offers the 2024 Highlander in five trims:

• 2024 Toyota Highlander LE
• 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE
• 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE
• 2024 Toyota Highlander Limited
• 2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum

Check Out: Which Years Of Used Toyota Highlanders Are Most Reliable?