2024 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD: The Brand’s Three-Row Crossover

 

Highlight: Toyota offers a Grand Highlander Hybrid. The vehicle boasts more horsepower and interior space than the stand Highlander.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $55,478 (Base Model – LE): $42,115 (front wheel drive)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8, depending upon trim

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a blind spot monitor; a pre-collision safety system; a lane departure warning system; a radar activated cruise control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (LE): 18-inch wheels; fabric trim; a power driver’s seat; a 7-inch driver information system; an automatic climate control system; an 8-inch infotainment system; and a keyless entry system

Standard Equipment (Platinum): 20-inch alloy wheels; leather seats; front power seats; heated/ventilated front seats; a hands free power liftgate; a wireless smart charger; an auto dimming rearview mirror; second row sunshades; roof rails; a 12-inch infotainment system; an 11-speaker JBL audio system; heated power outside mirror with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators; a chrome plate front grille; a panoramic glass moonroof with sunshade; a heads up display (HUD); an adaptive front lighting system; daytime running light; rain-sensing washer wiper; illuminated front doorsill metal scuff plates; and a digital rearview mirror

Options: carpet floor mats; cargo mat; and cargo cross bar

Other Trim Levels:

XLE

Nightshade

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

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

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: a 2.5-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine/186-horsepower

Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 35-city/35-hwy (AWD)

What’s New: For the 2024 model year, a new Nightshade edition joins the line up.

Why:

Five trims available: LE, XLE, Nightshade, Limited & Platinum

Hybrid has more MPG than the gasoline model

A variety of driving modes (depending on terrain)

AWD or front wheel drive configuration

20-inch optional wheels

Front seats offer individual armrests regardless, if center console is open or close

Ventilated/Heated front and second row seats available

Leather seats available

A panoramic sunroof available

A standard list of safety driving aids

A traffic jam assist radar cruise control steering assist system for stop-and-go traffic

Wireless charging available

A premium JBL 11-speaker audio system with SiriusXM on higher level trims

A 360-degree panoramic camera available

But: 

The navigation system is subscription based

Must rely on a finicky voice activated system to control the infotainment system

The hybrid model feels underpowered

Limited access to third row

Verdict: At a base price of $42,115, Toyota’s flagship three-row crossover is available in both a standard and extended version. Apart from the rear-wheel-drive Ford Explorer, Toyota mirrors every other vehicle in the segment offering a front wheel drive or an AWD configuration.

The car-like riding Highlander is available in a variety of trims and powertrains. As more consumers are seeking an alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles, Toyota has provided the perfect alternative for those who aren’t quite ready to go all-electric. Yet, they are looking to maximize their MPG with the brand's hybrid powertrains.

Depending upon the trim, one can opt for leather seats, bucket second row seats, a panoramic moonroof and wireless charging.

And new for this year, for those seeking more cargo space, expanded legroom in third third row and maximum horsepower, they can opt for the all-new Grand Highlander. The all-new Grand Highlander, which we reviewed earlier this year, was added to the brand’s portfolio during the 2024 model year.

While this segment is hyper competitive, with such brand as Chevy and Kia targeting those seeking vehicles with athletic styling and capabilities and Mazda tipping more moving upscale, Toyota has opted to stay down the middle of the road. With the Highlander, the folks at Toyota have opted to focus on families seeking function and MPG with their hybrids over adventure. No other brand in this segment outside of Toyota has gotten in the hybrid game.

Competition: Buick Enclave; Chevy Traverse; Ford Explorer; GMC Acadia; Honda Pilot; Hyundai Palisade; Kia Telluride; Mazda CX-90; Nissan Pathfinder; and Subaru Ascent