The current Toyota Highlander has been on sale for a number of years now, launched in very late 2019 as a 2020 model year. All Toyota Highlander generations follow a similar brief, and clearly target families as their main demographic. In short, it’s a stylish three-row SUV, packed full of cool tech, innovative safety features, and a selection of varied powertrain options – both gas and hybrid.
Toyota Highlanders have always been a sensible choice for families, offering space for up to eight, plenty of luggage capacity, and even a decent towing/hauling capacity for the sector too. However, while many have separated the various trim levels by what gadgets and extras they provide, we have decided to compare all Toyota Highlander trim levels by a different metric – just the visuals.
In total, the 2024 Toyota Highlander is currently offered in 11 different trims. However, visually, a number of them look identical to others, as they are just hybrid versions. So, for this article, which focuses solely on the visual comparison between Highlander trim levels, we have decided to omit the hybrid trims. The two exceptions to that rule are the Hybrid LE Nightshade and Hybrid XLE Nightshade, as those hybrid trims actually do provide owners with unique cosmetic tweaks, over the counterpart solely gas-powered Toyota Highlander trims.
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Toyota Highlander Trims Comparison
Trim
Starting Price
Positioning
LE
$39,270
The cheap and cheerful entry-level Highlander trim, and the only way to snag one for below $40,000.
Hybrid LE Nightshade
$41,970
A hybrid version of the LE, with a plethora of darkened accents throughout.
XLE
$42,420
A cut above the LE, XLE is equipped with machine-finished alloy wheels, and more tech inside.
Hybrid XLE Nightshade
$45,120
Once again, simply a hybrid version with darkened accents, this time, for the XLE.
XSE
$44,015
Arguably the sweet spot of the range, with sportier esthetics in addition to more tech and luxury inside.
Limited
$46,525
The Limited is packed full of tech, such as a 12.3-inch media screen and JBL speakers.
Platinum
$49,725
For those who need it all – Platinum boasts a panoramic roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated seats and so much more.
The Highlander’s Front Fascia Is A Lesson In Understatement
From Left To Right: LE, Hybrid LE Nightshade, XLE, Hybrid XLE Nightshade, XSE, Limited, and Platinum
At first glance, there is little to separate all Highlander trims – even the range-topping Platinum looks barely indistinguishable from the entry-level, and $10,000 cheaper, LE. However, look closer, and details do show through. The base LE trim is void of any add-ons, whereas just jump up one trim, and you’ll notice differences right away; the XLE sports aluminum roof bars, a change which is reflected from LE to XLE in Hybrid and Nightshade trims, too.
Perhaps most obviously different is the XSE; it sports a wide lower grille and low-slung bumper, portraying an aggressive and sporty stance. Much like the XSE, both Hybrid Nightshade trims are equipped with menacing blacked-out grilles and badge surrounds.
The keenest of eyes may be able to pick out an extra dazzle in the Limited and Platinum’s headlights, as these Highlander trims boast LED projector headlights, which are auto-dimming, and coupled with high-output LED fog lights below. In addition, the Platinum has an adaptive front-lighting system. Across the entire range, the 2024 Toyota Highlander impresses with a familiar and aggressive presence up-front, which isn’t too busy nor crammed with excessive fake grilles, unnecessary badges, or anything else of the sort.
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Wheels And Tires: Simple And Stylish, Or A Flashy Statement?
From Left To Right: LE, Hybrid LE Nightshade, XLE, Hybrid XLE Nightshade, XSE, Limited, and Platinum
Ask anyone who modifies their car: what’s the easiest way to mix up the style of a car? The answer is always wheels.
Designers have kept true to the nature of the 2024 Toyota Highlander in this department, and (thankfully) avoided offering trims with garish oversize alloys, or anything too sporty or adventurous. The lowest trim, the LE, is equipped with a fairly standard set of silver five-spoke alloys, very in-keeping with the base trims of most Toyota models. Spend just a touch more, though, on the XLE, and Toyota will reward you with a dazzling set of machine-finished 18-inch alloys, which compliment the darkness of the privacy glass well.
If darkness is your thing, Toyota has you covered with both the Hybrid Nightshade trims, and the XSE. All three of these Toyota Highlanders come as standard with black alloys, but if size matters, go for the XSE, as these multi-spoke items are an impressive 20 inches in size. Trims above this point, namely the Limited and Platinum, also come as standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, although in a much brighter finish.
An Interior To Suit Just About Everyone
From Left To Right: LE, Hybrid LE Nightshade, XLE, Hybrid XLE Nightshade, XSE, Limited, and Platinum
Almost like a game of spot the difference, the interior does actually differ in every single trim, although the standard monotone color scheme does do well to hide this fact. Cloth seats dominate most trims, although the pricier XSE, Limited, and Platinum Highlander trims do come with leather. For those who prefer it, synthetic leather upholstery is standard on the XLE and XSE, as opposed to real leather. This upholstery is known as SofTex, and you can brighten the mood by opting for colors like Graphite or Harvest Beige. The Hybrid XLE Nightshade also gets SofTex upholstery but with a different, sportier pattern.
While Highlander’s new design will turn heads everywhere it goes, it’s also highly functional.
While these range-topping trims may suit those with a taste of luxury, it’s the cheaper trims that provide more versatility. Much like the higher trims, these are just as practical for fitting in family and friends, with space for up to seven or eight, depending on the configuration. However, the cheaper cloth may prove harder wearing for work or leisure use also; it would be a shame to see rips in that premium leather finish. Sure, the Highlander isn’t primarily designed as a work tool, but it’s worth noting if you’re the type to be carrying tools, or muddy football boots, perhaps.
Unusually, the Nightshade trims do not sport dark headlining, although the XSE does, which promotes an air of luxury, and also should make the cabin feel a little cozier.
Tech: From Daily Essentials Through To Flagship Luxury
From Left To Right: LE, Hybrid LE Nightshade, XLE, Hybrid XLE Nightshade, XSE, Limited, and Platinum
The most important thing about tech is how easy it is to use, what functions and features are available, and how quick or reliable it is. Having said that, it’s 2024, and there is just no excuse for poor esthetics at the expense of impressive gadgets anymore, so how it all looks is just as significant really.
Fortunately, across all Toyota Highlander models, the visuals are as pleasing as the tech itself. Both Limited and Platinum trims are equipped with digital displays for the driver, in addition to larger 12.3-inch infotainment displays. The Platinum model also comes as standard with darker trim pieces too, providing an up-market feel inside the cabin.
The LE trims are distinctly lacking in comparison to other trims, which have the gauge cluster and infotainment screen outlined in an aluminum-colored highlight. This highlight works well in brightening up the cabin. Still, a pleasing mix of physical and digital controls works in cohesion to ensure the tech on display looks complete and organized. All too often, base models can look as though they are missing features. Thankfully, this is not the case with Toyota’s Highlander, as even the cheapest model at least has an eight-inch touchscreen display.
Standing Out From The Crowd: Platinum
It may come as no surprise that, on a purely visual level, the range-topping Platinum is the most desirable Toyota Highlander trim. The panoramic glass roof, silver-accented front and rear bumpers, bright 20-inch alloy wheels, and tech-laden interior impress on every level.
Furthermore, with extras and accessories hanging off of the Highlander from every angle, it’s easy to see where the extra money has been spent. Toyota really does cram this thing full of extras, and for just around $10,000 over the base trim, it actually seems to be pretty good value, still coming in at under $50,000.
Summary: The Toyota Highlander Can Do It All
Unlike other Toyota models, the Highlander makes use of the exact same engine and transmission throughout all trims, which means there is less to separate lower trim levels from flagship versions. So, due to this, the visual differences arguably play a bigger role.
Fortunately, the Highlander is a handsome SUV in any guise, so if you’re a cost-conscious buyer, the LE and XLE trims look just as great as higher trims. For a sportier or more aggressive finish, it’s certainly worth considering the extra cost of a Nightshade trim, especially if you see value in the hybrid drivetrain.
Boasting flashy wheels and more to play with inside, the Limited and Platinum trims are visually hard to find fault with. They do everything the cheaper trims do, but offer a luxurious touch too, which is always welcome, especially at a reasonably affordable price point. Arguably, though, it’s the XSE that offers the greatest value and most visual satisfaction, with sports-tuned suspension and deep bumpers. It’s a far cry from a sports SUV, but it has just enough flair about it to look genuinely exciting.