The 2024 Toyota Highlander remains a top contender in the 3-row midsize SUV segment. Aside from its known reliability, the new Highlander has excellent features and a versatile interior. For the 2024 model year, the Highlander packs dual 12.3-inch displays, a 5,000-pound towing capacity, and 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. And thanks to the spacious and practical interior, the Highlander is one of the best family SUVs. There are so many cool features inside the 3-row SUV, and our 2024 Toyota Highlander review will cover everything you should know. With a starting price tag of $39,120, the 2024 Highlander SUV has style, performance, and practicality.
The 2024 Highlander highlights include the 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, multiple seating arrangements, and the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. Having test-driven the crossover in East London, Maryland, our 2024 Toyota Highlander review dives into the SUV’s key features, specs, and overall driving performance. Here’s a detailed look at what makes the 2024 Toyota Highlander stand out.
What’s New for the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
For the 2024 model year, Toyota has dropped the base L trim from the Highlander Lineup. The rest of the lineup benefits from updates introduced in previous years.
Besides dropping the L trim, the 2024 Highlander comes with a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and enhanced technology features from the outgoing model. The 2024 model is a carryover from the 2023 model, with the same features.
2024 Highlander Pricing
The 2024 Toyota Highlander starts at an MSRP price of $39,120 for the base LE model. For the 2024 model year, Toyota offers the Highlander SUV in 5 trim levels: base LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum.
Handsome Exterior Design
The 2024 Highlander has one of the best exterior designs in the mid-size SUV category. The crossover’s design balances ruggedness and elegance, giving it a more half-edged bold appearance.
Unlike most new cars, the Highlander SUV avoids excessive chrome and overly aggressive styling. The result is a more conservative style that looks handsome. It’s how you would expect a practical family vehicle to look.
All 2024 Highlander models now feature a height-adjustable power liftgate, with hands-free operation standard on XLE trims and above. Sorry, base LE.
Engine And Transmission
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is powered by a potent turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive shifts. This new and more efficient engine replaces the old gas-guzzling V6.
In our test, the Highlander’s 4-cylinder engine provided plenty of power. We particularly enjoyed the highway drive, thanks to the responsive powertrain, which delivers just the right amount of power you ask from it. And it does this for effortlessly. Buyers of the Highlander will love daily driving and highway cruising.
All-Wheel Drive Options
Unlike most 2024 SUVs, the Highlander offers two all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems available: the Mechanical AWD and the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD.
Available in the LE and the XLE trims, the mechanical AWD sends up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels. It’s worth noting that the mechanical all-wheel drive is only available on the base trims.
The XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims feature the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system. Unlike the mechanical version on the base LE and XLE, the Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive manages torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels for improved handling and stability.
Towing Capacity
When equipped with AWD, the 2024 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This high towing capacity makes the SUV suitable for hauling trailers, boats, or campers.
Fuel Economy
The 2024 Highlander is among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the 3-row midsize SUV class. Fuel economy varies on models with the FWD and AWD.
The Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Highlander models deliver a fuel economy of 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, or 25 mpg combined.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models retain a fuel consumption of 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, or 24 MPG combined.
These Highlander’s figures are impressive, especially compared to rivals like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride, which rely on less efficient V6 engines.
Interior Flexibility and Comfort
The 2024 3-row Highlander SUV’s interior offers seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. As we said before, it’s one of the best family SUVs out there. That said, be sure to check out our guide on picking the perfect vehicle for your family.
Here is a table of the Highlander’s seating configurations.
| Highlander Model | Seating Configurations |
| 2024 Highlander LE Trim | Seats eight with a second-row bench. |
| 2024 Highlander XLE and Limited Trims | Available With a Second-row bench (8 seats) or captain’s chairs (7 seats). |
| 2024 Highlander XSE and Platinum Trims | Standard with captain’s chairs (7 seats) |
The first two rows provide ample space for passengers, while the third row is best suited for children or shorter trips. Those needing more space should pick the Toyota Grand Highlander, which offers a more adult-friendly third row.
All Highlander models above the XLE trims get standard second-hand sunshades.
Cargo Capacity
There is so much cargo space in the 3-row SUV, particularly when the rear seats are not in use.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded.
Folding the second row gives you access to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is plenty of room for most hauling needs. If you need additional hauling space, might as well get yourself the Honda Pillot.
Aside from the trunk, there are lots of storage compartments inside the Highlander. One new feature is the availability of up to 14 cup holders.
Advanced Safety Features
The 2024 Highlander has a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, part of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5.
These safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Blind-Spot Monitoring.
Dual 12.3-Inch Displays
Limited and Platinum trims come with dual 12.3-inch displays—one for infotainment and the other for a digital driver display.
That’s right. Just like the new E-Class luxury sedan, the Highlander combines its displays, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system.
Warranty and Reliability
Toyota backs the 2024 Highlander with a solid warranty package:
- New-Vehicle Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: 2 years or 25,000 miles
2024 Highlander Verdict
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a well-rounded midsize SUV. There is so much to offer that it excels over its competition. The Highlander’s strongest selling points are the comfort, safety, and practicality.
The Highlander also has a good 265-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides good throttle feedback on the road. In our 2024 Toyota Highlander Review, we found the interior quite flexible, with a seating capacity of seven or eight passengers in different configurations. With a price of just under 40K, the Highlander is a top choice for families seeking a dependable and versatile vehicle.
