2024 Toyota Highlander

Go ahead, picture a 3-row midsize family SUV in your mind. There’s a good chance that what popped up looks like a Toyota Highlander. For over two decades, the Highlander has been a go-to choice for buyers seeking a dependable, well-mannered, and highly versatile SUV with seating for up to eight. This latest generation of Toyota’s venerable midsize SUV debuted for 2020 and remains fresh and relevant in 2024. Last year saw the introduction of a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that replaced the long-used V6, plus more technology like dual 12.3-inch screens in top trims.

Also available are the efficient Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the larger Toyota Grand Highlander, both reviewed separately.

The Toyota Highlander is a benchmark, to be sure. Still, it faces formidable competitors in the midsize SUV segment, such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and the revamped-for-2024 Chevrolet Traverse.

The base Highlander L trim has been dropped for 2024.

The Highlander now has a higher starting price than rivals like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Volkswagen Atlas, Subaru Ascent, and Nissan Pathfinder. However, it aligns with them as you move up comparable trim levels. The new 2024 Mazda CX-90, with a standard turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine and a premium feel, begins at $39,595.

If you need proof that a V6 isn’t required in a modern family SUV, take a spin in the Toyota Highlander. In our time with the Highlander and its recently installed turbocharged 4-cylinder, we’ve found it potent and even a bit frisky. It has more torque than the outgoing V6, and torque is what gets you off the line.

Engine aside, the Highlander remains true to its mission, which it carries out well: Serve as a comfortable and adept family hauler. It rolls down all manner of roads with confidence in a relaxed way. Highlander XSE models, with their sport-tuned suspension, add a bit more firmness for those who like to take their corners on the faster side of speed limits.

Toyota’s tried-and-true 8-speed automatic transmission shifts with aplomb, and the Highlander is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when you check the options box for all-wheel drive (AWD). Speaking of, there are two AWD systems available in the Highlander. LE and XLE trims have a mechanical system that can send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels. In contrast, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims have the more sophisticated Dynamic Torque Vectoring system that can manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize SUVs, including the Highlander.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is one of the most efficient vehicles in its class, with front-wheel-drive models boasting a combined fuel economy rating of 25 mpg (22 city/29 highway). That’s two to three mpg better than competitors like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Nissan Pathfinder, all of which rely on bigger V6 engines. With all-wheel drive the Highlander is rated for 24 mpg (21 city/28 highway). More Toyota Highlander fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

All Toyota Highlander models have three rows and can seat seven or eight passengers. LE models come exclusively with a second-row bench and seating for eight. The XLE and Limited trims offer this setup or a 7-passenger interior that swaps the bench for two captain’s seats. This 7-seat configuration is the only choice for the XSE and Platinum trims.

We’ve found plenty of space in the first two rows. Legroom is tight in the third row, which is best left to smaller children. It’s also a significant rationale for creating the new Toyota Grand Highlander with its adult-friendly third row.

Seating material ranges from fabric in LE trims to Toyota’s SofTex faux leather or genuine leather. Standard creature comforts include a power-adjustable driver’s seat. At the same time, top trims have premium amenities such as heated and cooled front seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display (HUD). Second-row sunshades are standard beginning on the XLE trim.

Regarding cargo capacity for the strollers, groceries, sports gear, and everything else this vehicle will be tasked to carry, the Toyota Highlander has 16 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, 48.4 with them folded, and 84.3 with the second row folded. Those figures are all about mid-pack in this segment.

The Toyota Highlander’s exterior design conveys a nice balance of handsomeness and ruggedness but never goes overboard. This SUV is a family vehicle meant for family life without needing a massive grille or tons of chrome. The most flash the Highlander has had recently was last year’s Bronze edition with gold wheels, but that doesn’t appear in the cards for 2024. Now that the L trim has been dropped, all models get a height-adjustable power liftgate. In XLE trims and above, the liftgate has the additional convenience of hands-free operation. Wave a foot beneath the bumper, and the rear liftgate opens as long as the key is on you.

Power tailgate
The days of heaving and reaching to open and close the rear door of the Highlander manually are done. For 2024, all models now have power operation.

Wireless smartphone connectivity
Whether you’re team Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can use your phone’s in-vehicle capabilities without connecting a cord.

Multiple USB ports
If you want to connect devices, the option is there. All Highlander models have five USB ports throughout the cabin, plus two 12-volt power outlets to power other stuff.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
We’ve long admired that Toyota doesn’t make you pay extra for active safety and driver-assist features. The 2024 Highlander comes standard with driving aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and even blind-spot monitoring.

Dual 12.3-inch displays
These arrived last year in Limited and Platinum trims (optional in XLE). One controls infotainment functions, while the other is a digital driver display that can change with various driving modes.

14 cup holders
We’re all being told to drink more water and healthy liquids. The Toyota Highlander can hold gallons’ worth with its dozen-plus cup holders.

The Toyota Highlander uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. This engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. AWD models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is typical for this segment.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Toyota’s new-vehicle warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first, with powertrains covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This coverage is typical for the segment. Toyota includes complimentary scheduled maintenance over the first two years or 25,000 miles.

Safety

The Toyota Highlander has earned the Top Safety Pick+ honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the top 5-Star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).