The 2024 Highlander comes in five trim levels, each with different standard features and price points

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is offered in LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid Max trims. Each step up adds features like better interior materials, more technology, upgraded safety systems, and comfort options. The LE is the base model with the essentials; the Platinum is the most fully equipped gas version; and the Hybrid Max combines the hybrid powertrain with the highest feature set.

All 2024 Highlanders seat eight passengers across three rows (except some configurations that seat seven). The gas models use a 3.5-liter V6 engine, while the hybrid versions use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with electric motors. Knowing which trim fits your needs depends on what features matter most to you and your budget.

Key Takeaways

  • The LE trim is the entry point and includes standard all-wheel drive, an eight-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most 2024 models.
  • Mid-level trims (XLE and Limited) add leather seating, power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, and upgraded audio systems as you move up.
  • The Platinum trim includes premium leather, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
  • The Hybrid Max pairs the hybrid engine with the Platinum's feature set, offering better fuel economy alongside luxury appointments.
  • All trims come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and automatic emergency braking.

LE trim: What comes standard

The LE is the base configuration and includes all-wheel drive, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It has power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a backup camera. The seats are cloth, and the interior trim is basic plastic.

Safety features on the LE include Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, pre-collision system, and automatic emergency braking), eight airbags, and stability control. You also get a power liftgate, though it is not power-closing on the LE—you close it by hand after it opens.

XLE and Limited trims: Mid-range comfort and technology

The XLE adds leather-trimmed seating, a power-closing liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.5-inch touchscreen. The audio system upgrades to eight speakers. Interior trim shifts from plastic to wood-grain accents. Climate control becomes tri-zone, so rear passengers can set their own temperature.

The Limited builds on the XLE with a power-adjustable steering wheel, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The audio system becomes a nine-speaker unit. Exterior trim includes roof rails and a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. The Limited also adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to the safety suite.

Platinum trim: Premium features and materials

The Platinum is the top gas-powered configuration. It includes premium leather seating with quilted accents, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel with heating, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (a screen that replaces traditional gauges). The touchscreen is also 12.3 inches. The audio system is a 10-speaker unit with subwoofer.

Exterior features include a power sunroof, LED headlights and taillights, and a chrome grille. The Platinum adds a panoramic moonroof option and comes with all the safety features from the Limited. Parking sensors (front and rear) come standard, making tight spaces easier to navigate.

Hybrid Max trim: Fuel efficiency with luxury features

The Hybrid Max is the only hybrid configuration for 2024. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA fuel economy is roughly 36 miles per gallon combined, compared to about 24 mpg for the gas V6 models—though exact figures vary based on driving conditions and whether you have all-wheel or front-wheel drive.

The Hybrid Max includes all the Platinum's features: premium leather, ventilated seats, the 12.3-inch digital cluster, the 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the 10-speaker audio system. It also comes with all-wheel drive standard. The main trade-off is that the Hybrid Max does not offer a sunroof option, and the cargo space is slightly smaller due to the battery pack under the floor.

Powertrain and fuel economy differences

The gas models use a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is approximately 24 mpg combined for all-wheel-drive models and about 25 mpg for front-wheel-drive models, though this varies by driving habits and conditions. The V6 pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Hybrid Max uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The CVT transmission has no traditional gears. Fuel economy is roughly 36 mpg combined, making it significantly more efficient than the gas engine. The hybrid system also provides better low-end torque, which some drivers notice during acceleration from a stop.

Interior and exterior color options

Toyota offers the 2024 Highlander in eight exterior colors: Blueprint, Cavalry Blue, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Predawn Gray Mica, Salsa Red Pearl, and Silver Metallic. Some colors are limited to certain trims or may cost extra.

Interior colors vary by trim. Lower trims typically offer black or gray cloth or leather. Higher trims add options like caramel leather or two-tone leather combinations. The Platinum and Hybrid Max offer the widest range of interior color choices. Availability of specific color combinations can vary by dealer and production timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a sunroof on the Hybrid Max?

No. The Hybrid Max does not offer a sunroof or moonroof option. If a sunroof is important to you, the Platinum gas model is the highest trim that includes one.

What is the difference between the XLE and Limited in terms of safety features?

Both have Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 standard. The Limited adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which help you see vehicles beside or behind you when backing up or changing lanes. The XLE does not include these features.

Does the Hybrid Max have all-wheel drive?

Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on the Hybrid Max. Gas models offer all-wheel drive as standard on all trims, though some trims may allow you to order front-wheel drive instead.

How much cargo space does the Hybrid Max have compared to the gas models?

The Hybrid Max has slightly less cargo space behind the third row due to the battery pack mounted under the floor. With all seats in place, the difference is roughly 3 to 5 cubic feet. When you fold down the rear seats, the total cargo area is still substantial, though not quite as large as the gas models.

Is the 12.3-inch touchscreen standard on all trims?

No. The LE has an eight-inch screen, the XLE has a 10.5-inch screen, and the Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid Max all have 12.3-inch screens. All screens include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.