Test-Driving The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE

The Toyota Highlander consistently ranks among the top-selling crossover SUVs in the United States, having sold over 171,000 units in 2023 alone, prized for its affordability and reliability, typical of the Toyota brand. Amongst the trims, one that stands out as a popular choice is the sportier Highlander XSE, which sits third across the range after the Highlander LE and XLE. Let’s explore the key factors behind its popularity.

Reliability And Efficiency Ensuring You Can Take Your Adventures Further

Under the hood, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE gets the same base turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder pushing out 265 horsepower and 310 lb.ft of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission as with the base spec Highlander LE. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) available at roughly $2,000 extra. Being a sportier trim, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE suspension gets recalibrated shock absorbers, high-rate springs, and a rear stabilizer bar, resulting in enhanced control on the road.

Setting aside its power specs, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE impresses with an estimated combined fuel economy of up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, a notable achievement for a mid-size SUV, regardless of whether it’s equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). In terms of towing capacity, the Highlander XSE can handle up to 5,000 pounds, suitable for hauling smaller trailers or recreational equipment. However, in practical terms, it’s best not to exceed 3,000 pounds when towing with the Highlander. While the 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, though not lacking for the segment, falls short of 300 horsepower. Considering the vehicle’s weight of just over 4,000 pounds, a bit more power under the hood would be appreciated. Despite the Highlander XSE’s commendable on-road dynamics, including responsive steering, minimal body roll, and torque-vectoring AWD, the powertrain can leave something to be desired when you push the car or accelerate onto the highway with a vehicle full of people.

Sporiter In Appearance

The Highlander XSE comes standard in a sleek Midnight Black Metallic, perfectly complementing its sporty features like 20-inch black alloy wheels, black headlight inserts, black roof rails, and a blacked-out grille. Want something different? Celestial Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Blueprint (Blue) are available at no extra cost. While the Highlander won’t win any design competitions, one car appreciates the rear-deck which features a wide to thin LED taillight design. The rest of the exterior gets curvy body panels and the front facial sees well placed LED headlight accent lights.

A Practical Cabin Tailored For Life’s Adventures

Like the previous generation Highlander, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE retains a flexible three-row layout, seating up to eight passengers. This allows you the flexibility to adapt to changing needs, whether it’s carpooling with neighbors to a local soccer match or taking the family on a road trip. However, third-row legroom in the Highlander XSE will be cramped for tall passengers, thus making it only ideal for occasional use. The seats are lined with SofTex synthetic leather as standard, but Toyota allows you to upgrade to first and second-row full leather seats while the third seats remain standard. Exclusive to the Highlander XSE are half-red leather seats that can be optioned with all exterior color options except Ruby Flare Pearl.

For 2024, Toyota upgraded the infotainment display in the Highlander XSE from an 8.0-inch screen to a 12.3-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also provides intuitive access to some of the car’s features, such as the three-zone automatic climate control, SiriusXM satellite radio, and onboard navigation. The standard sound system can be upgraded to an 11-speaker JBL audio system for a more immersive sound experience essential for those long upcountry trips. The JBL system really is quite good and worth the upgrade.

Verdict

The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE is a well-rounded choice for buyers seeking a mid-size SUV with sporty aesthetics, versatility and practicality. However, at this price point ($45,000), there are a lot of excellent options like the KIA Telluride and my personal favorite the Mazda CX-90. Both offer a higher quality interior, better styling and in the case of the CX-90, far superior driving dynamics. Yet one can’t deny Toyota’s reliability and longevity.