2024 Toyota Highlander: Key Features and Updates
The 2024 Toyota Highlander remains a popular choice among family SUVs, offering a stylish exterior, spacious interior, advanced safety features, and impressive performance. With a competitive starting price of $39,270, it combines comfort, technology, and reliability. Innovations like wireless connectivity, dual 12.3-inch displays, and comprehensive driver-assist features make it a standout in its segment. Ideal for those seeking a versatile and safe vehicle, the Highlander continues to lead with its balanced blend of style and practicality.
Since its introduction over twenty years ago, the Toyota Highlander has maintained strong sales figures. This midsize SUV with three rows of seats consistently surpasses many competitors that may have higher rankings on paper. It features an eye-catching exterior, a comfortable interior, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring a connected and safe driving experience. With a starting price of $39,270, it remains competitively priced within its segment.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The 2024 Highlander offers a smooth and pleasant ride thanks to its well-tuned suspension that absorbs road imperfections effectively. Passengers stay comfortable whether traveling short distances or long road trips, with supportive front seats and second-row captain’s chairs. Features like a tri-zone climate control system ensure optimal comfort, and noise levels are minimal, even at highway speeds.
Visibility remains excellent with thin front pillars and a sharp surround-view camera for ease of maneuvering. The rear-view mirror adapts to cargo load, enhancing rear visibility. Inside, the cabin’s spaciousness and intuitive technology make every drive enjoyable, though some menu navigation may require a learning curve.
Performance and Handling
Equipped with a capable four-cylinder engine, the Highlander delivers adequate torque at low RPMs, making city driving smooth. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 7.4 seconds, outperforming many rivals. The vehicle’s confident braking capabilities and agility through turns are impressive, with seamless body roll. An available AWD torque-vectoring system enhances handling by distributing engine power to the rear wheels, contributing to a refined ride experience.
Driving the 2024 Highlander feels effortless, thanks to its technological enhancements that balance elegance and practicality.
Interior Design and Space
Both front and second-row seats provide ample space, allowing drivers to find a comfortable position easily. Taller passengers may prefer a slightly longer reach for the telescoping steering wheel. The Highlander is praised for its excellent outward visibility, with slim A-pillars and a rearview system that adapts to cargo load. The surround-view camera system offers a clear, rotatable display for better situational awareness; however, some interface menus might feel complex to some users.
Exterior Design
The SUV’s exterior exudes a balanced mix of ruggedness and style without excessive chrome or bold grilles. All trims include LED lighting, foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a height-adjustable power liftgate. Additional features like rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding side mirrors, and a dual-tip exhaust enhance convenience and aesthetics. The available hands-free liftgate allows effortless access to the cargo area using foot motion when the key fob is nearby.
Technology Features
The Highlander is equipped with advanced tech to stand out, including:
Power tailgate: Opens and closes effortlessly via electronic operation.
Wireless smartphone integration: Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for cable-free connectivity.
Multiple USB ports: Five USB ports and two 120V outlets for device charging and power needs.
Dual 12.3-inch displays: Available on higher trims, these feature a driver display and infotainment controls, enhancing user interaction.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Toyota offers a comprehensive suite of safety features at no extra cost, including blind spot monitoring, lane-tracing assist, and adaptive cruise control. Standard airbags comprise dual front-impact, side-impact, knee, and overhead configurations. Additional safety systems include pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, child safety locks, traction and stability control, and full-speed radar cruise control, ensuring maximum protection for passengers.
Pricing and Market Value
Starting at $39,270, the 2024 Highlander’s price has increased slightly due to the removal of the base L trim, with the LE trim now being the starting point. This represents an increase of approximately $250 compared to 2023, with most dealerships ready to offer competitive deals. Overall, the Highlander continues to be a top choice for families seeking a reliable, well-equipped, and stylish SUV, combining power, efficiency, and advanced technology.
