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 comfort features, safety technology, and interior upgrades. The LE is the base model with the essentials for a three-row family SUV. The XLE adds convenience features like power liftgate and upgraded upholstery. The Limited includes leather seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum brings premium materials and advanced driver information systems. The Hybrid Max combines the hybrid powertrain with the highest level of appointments.
All 2024 Highlanders seat eight passengers across three rows, except for models with captain's chairs in the middle row, which seat seven. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower. The hybrid version uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with electric motors for better fuel economy. Both powertrains come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.
Key Takeaways
- The LE trim is the most affordable starting point and includes essential safety features like Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which combines adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking.
- Moving from LE to XLE adds a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- The Limited and Platinum trims include leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded audio systems, with Platinum adding a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- The Hybrid Max trim offers the same hybrid powertrain across all configurations and delivers better fuel economy than the standard V6 engine.
- All 2024 Highlanders include all-wheel drive, a backup camera, and multiple USB ports as standard equipment.
Engine and powertrain options for each trim
The standard powertrain across LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims is the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All models come with all-wheel drive as the only drivetrain option—front-wheel drive is not offered on the 2024 model year.
The hybrid option is available on all trims and uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors. The hybrid system produces 243 horsepower total. The Hybrid Max trim is exclusively hybrid and cannot be ordered with the V6 engine. Hybrid models use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) rather than a traditional automatic.
Fuel economy varies between powertrains. The V6 models typically achieve around 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway, though actual mileage depends on driving conditions and habits. Hybrid models generally deliver better highway fuel economy, though EPA ratings vary by trim and drivetrain configuration.
Interior and comfort features by trim level
The LE trim includes cloth upholstery, a 60/40 split-folding third row, and a 6-speaker audio system. The second row has a 40/20/40 split design that allows flexible seating arrangements. An 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard on all trims.
The XLE adds SofTex synthetic leather on the front seats, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. The Limited upgrades to genuine leather upholstery throughout the cabin, adds a panoramic sunroof, and includes a premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers. Heated second-row seats also come on the Limited.
The Platinum trim features semi-aniline leather, a power-adjustable steering wheel with memory settings, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Hybrid Max includes all Platinum features plus hybrid-specific gauges and displays. All trims offer multiple storage compartments, including under-seat storage in the second row and a large cargo area behind the third row.
Safety technology and driver information systems
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 is standard on all 2024 Highlander trims. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering information, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping information. The system uses a camera mounted on the windshield to monitor the road and surrounding vehicles.
Higher trims add additional safety features. The Limited and Platinum trims include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you when vehicles approach from the sides or rear. Eight airbags are standard across all trims, including front, side, and curtain airbags for all three rows.
All 2024 Highlanders include a backup camera as standard. The Limited and Platinum trims offer a panoramic camera system that provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle when backing up or parking. This system displays on the touchscreen and helps you see obstacles you might otherwise miss.
Technology and infotainment differences across trims
Every 2024 Highlander includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to mirror your smartphone for navigation, music, and messaging apps. The system supports voice commands through Siri or Google Assistant depending on your phone type.
The XLE and higher trims add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you do not need to plug in a cable. The Limited and Platinum trims upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with a higher resolution display. These trims also include a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones located in the center console.
The Platinum trim adds a premium JBL audio system with 11 speakers and a subwoofer, compared to the standard 6-speaker system on the LE. The Limited and Platinum trims include a power moonroof that opens and closes electronically, and the Platinum adds a panoramic sunroof that spans a larger portion of the roof.
Seating configurations and cargo space
All 2024 Highlanders come with three rows of seating. The standard configuration seats eight passengers with a bench seat in the second row. The second row can be ordered with captain's chairs instead, which reduces seating to seven but provides more space between passengers and easier access to the third row.
The third row is designed for children or shorter adults on shorter trips. It folds flat into the floor when not in use, creating a large cargo area. With the third row folded, you have 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. With both the second and third rows folded, cargo space expands to 84.3 cubic feet. The cargo area includes tie-down points and a power liftgate on XLE and higher trims.
The second row slides forward and backward to balance passenger comfort with cargo needs. On Limited and Platinum trims, the second row includes heated seats. All trims offer multiple cup holders, door pockets, and a center console with storage compartments throughout the cabin.
Exterior styling and color options
The 2024 Highlander maintains Toyota's three-row SUV design with a bold front grille and LED headlights on all trims. The LE and XLE trims feature standard halogen headlights, while the Limited and Platinum trims include LED headlights with automatic on/off functionality. The Platinum trim adds LED daytime running lights and a more aggressive front bumper design.
All trims come with 18-inch wheels as standard. The XLE and higher trims offer 20-inch wheel options. The Platinum trim includes unique 20-inch wheels with a premium finish. Roof rails are standard on all trims and can accommodate roof racks for additional storage.
The 2024 Highlander is offered in multiple exterior colors including Blueprint, Cavalry Blue, Magnetic Gray, Pearl White, Midnight Black, and Cavalry Blue Metallic. Some colors may carry an upcharge. The paint options remain consistent across all trim levels, though availability may vary by region and dealer inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get front-wheel drive on the 2024 Highlander?
No. All 2024 Highlanders come with all-wheel drive as the only drivetrain option. Toyota discontinued the front-wheel drive option for this model year. If front-wheel drive is important to you, you may want to explore other three-row SUVs or look at previous model years through used vehicle listings.
What is the difference between the V6 and hybrid powertrains?
The V6 engine produces more horsepower (295 versus 243) and may feel more responsive during acceleration. The hybrid prioritizes fuel economy and produces less engine noise during city driving. The hybrid uses a CVT transmission instead of a traditional automatic. Both powertrains come with all-wheel drive and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Do all trims include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2024 Highlander includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LE and XLE require a cable connection, while the XLE and higher trims offer wireless connectivity. The Limited and Platinum trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen with higher resolution.
Is the third row suitable for adults on long trips?
The third row is designed primarily for children or shorter trips. Legroom is limited compared to the first and second rows. If you regularly need to seat adults in the third row for long distances, you may find the seating cramped. Test-driving the vehicle with your family can help you determine if the third-row space meets your needs.
What warranty coverage comes with the 2024 Highlander?
Toyota includes a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on all new 2024 Highlanders. Hybrid models include an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the hybrid battery and related components. Your dealer can provide complete warranty details when you purchase.