2021 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD: The Brand's Three-Row Flagship Crossover

Highlight: The Highlander is available as a hybrid and a gasoline model.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $43,625 (Base MSRP: $35,785)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; all-wheel drive a vehicle stability system; a traction control system; hill start assistance; a pre collision braking system with pedestrian detection system; a lane departure alert system with steering assist; a lane tracing assist system; automatic high beams; a radar activated cruise control system; a road side assist system; a temporary spare tire; back up camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (L): 18-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; driving modes: eco, normal and sport; a fuel-efficient stop/start system; front grille in material black with silver paint surround; electronic parking brakes; rear liftgate windshield defogger; privacy rear glass; rear spoiler; a three-zone a/c system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 8 cup holders, 4 bottle holders; dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors; cloth seats; an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a power driver’s seat; bench second row seats; fold flat third row seats; 6 tie-down cargo hooks; a driver speak easy microphone; keyless front door entry system; color-keyed heated power outside mirrors; backup camera washer; and 8 passenger seating area

Standard Equipment (XLE): all-wheel drive; 18-inch wheels; a temporary spare tire/wheel; a push button ignition starter system; a 7- passenger seater; a three-zone ventilation system; power driver's seat; leather-like seats 10-way ower driver's seat; 4-way power passenger front seat; a keyless entry system; heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators; LED foglight; a height adjustable liftgate with jam protection; a power moonroof; roof rails; chrome interior door handles; and a wireless smartphone charger

Options: a navigation system and a premium audio system

Other Trim Levels:

LE

XSE

Limited

Platinum

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/SiriusXM  

Android/Apple CarPlay: Available

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder turbo/295-hp

Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/29-hwy

What’s New:  After being redesign during the 2020 model year, the Highlander XSE trim is a new addition to line up, offering a sportier look and a more engaging driving experience, according to the folks from Toyota.

Why: The brand’s fullsize crossover wears an expressive bulky, athletic look, with its bowtie grille. Personally, we weren’t a fan of the previous slanted wide mouth grille that was plastered on the fascia of last year’s model. Based on sex appeal alone, this year’s model is a standout.

The fourth generation Highlander is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. Toyota has done the unthinkable with their all-wheel drive system. This automaker offers three variations of their all-wheel drive system, depending upon trim.

And, this year’s 2020 model is available in five trims, ranging from the base L trim to the higher end Platinum. Toyota refers to them as grades, while the uniform term in the industry is trim. Our test model was the Limited trim, which was a step below the Platinum model.

Moreover, the Highlander is available in two powertrains. One can opt for an updated 4-cylinder hybrid or the standard 6-cylinder gasoline model, which produces 243-horsepower and 295-horsepower, respectively. While the model we reviewed was not outfitted with Toyota’s updated hybrid powertrain, our Highlander was outfitted with the brand’s standard stop-and start-engine system, which aids in saving fuel.

Furthermore, to enhance the driving experience, the fullsize crossover, is available in a variety of driving modes too. Those modes consist of normal, eco and sport. Added to that, for the 2021 model year, the XSE not only gives the fullsize vehicle a bolder and more aggressive design theme with its blacked-out grille, the sport-tuned suspension system also alters the driving characteristics too, with its 20-inch wheels.

Inside each Highlander, one can opt for a 7 or an 8-passenger seating arrangement, depending upon if one opts for buckets or a bench seat in the center row. With the seats, one opt for cloth, pseudo-leather or real leather.

Also based on trim, the brand's fullsize crossover can be outfitted with everything from heated and ventilated front seats to a 12-inch easy-to-use infotainment screen to a power moonroof to a panoramic moonroof to a navigation system to a 360-degree camera. In fact, the Highlander offers features to capture literally every price point in the fullsize segment.

Lastly, the Highlander has the latest safety aids to help steer this vehicle too. Some of those features consist of  a road sign assist system, automatic high beams and a land departure alert system.

But: Our major quirk with the Highlander is that the third row seats aren’t suitable for adults, especially on long trips. They seem more suitable for small kids.

Moreover, we’ve heard some buyers complain about the middle row buckets appearance wise don’t seem as durable as some of the competitors in the segment.

Lastly, the panoramic roof should be available on all of the models, not just on the premium Platinum trim.

Verdict: Toyota has done a great job in trying to meet every need and price point with their flagship crossover.  Its available in a variety of trims. The vehicle can be driven on or off road. Fuel efficiency considers to be theme even in this fullsize crossover. And pricing stars in the mid-thirties and can rise to fifty thousand based on how the Highlander is accessorized. Lastly, we can’t forget how sexy the vehicle, especially the more aggressive looking XLE trim.

Competition: Chevy Traverse; Ford Explorer Limited; Hyundai Palisade; GMC Acadia; Honda Passport; Nissan Pathfinder; Kia Sorento; and Kia Telluride