Toyota Highlander 2024 Specs
2024 Toyota Highlander Review and Reliability
The 2024 Toyota Highlander remains a top choice in the midsize SUV category due to its blend of reliability, comfort, and versatility. Whether you’re considering it for family use, commuting, or road trips, the Highlander continues to impress with its strong safety ratings, advanced technology, and fuel-efficient hybrid options.
Review
Performance
- Turbocharged Gas Engine: The switch to the 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 provides a smoother torque curve than the outgoing V6, delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It ensures brisk acceleration and improved towing capability of up to 5,000 pounds.
- Hybrid Powertrain: The 2.5L hybrid system shines with excellent fuel economy (up to 36 MPG combined) while maintaining sufficient power for daily driving. The hybrid AWD system adds traction without significant loss in efficiency.
- Driving Dynamics: The Highlander prioritizes comfort over sporty handling, with a quiet cabin and well-damped ride quality ideal for long-distance cruising.
Interior and Features
- The cabin offers ample space for up to 8 passengers, though the third row is best suited for children or shorter adults.
- Premium trims, like the Limited and Platinum, include leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and a panoramic moonroof.
- The infotainment system is intuitive, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Safety and Technology
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist.
- Additional features like a 360-degree camera system and parking sensors enhance safety on higher trims.
Reliability
Toyota is renowned for its dependability, and the Highlander is no exception. The following factors contribute to its reliability:
- Proven Platforms:
- The Highlander shares its architecture and components with other reliable Toyota models, ensuring consistent performance.
- The hybrid system is based on Toyota’s long-standing Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, known for durability.
- Resale Value:
- Highlanders historically retain high resale values, a testament to their build quality and long-term reliability.
- Maintenance Costs:
- Routine maintenance and repair costs are below average for the class, supported by Toyota’s extensive dealer network.
- Warranty:
- Standard warranty coverage includes 3 years/36,000 miles for basic coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Hybrid components have an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty (or 10 years/150,000 miles in some states).
Strengths
- Class-leading reliability and durability.
- Excellent fuel economy in hybrid models.
- Advanced standard safety features.
- Smooth ride and quiet cabin.
Areas for Improvement
- Cramped third-row seating compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot.
- The transition to a turbocharged engine might not appeal to traditionalists who preferred the V6.
- Higher trims can be pricey, nearing luxury SUV territory.
Opinion
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a reliable and family-friendly SUV with a well-rounded offering of comfort, technology, and efficiency. Its hybrid option is particularly attractive for those seeking eco-friendly commuting without sacrificing utility. While the third row may not be as spacious as some rivals, the Highlander’s superior reliability and Toyota’s strong reputation make it a dependable long-term investment.
Would you like to compare the Highlander with specific competitors or explore pricing details?
2024 Toyota Highlander Specifications
Powertrains
- Gasoline Engine:
- Engine Type: 2.4L turbocharged inline-4
- Horsepower: 265 hp
- Torque: 310 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Hybrid Engine:
- Engine Type: 2.5L 4-cylinder with Hybrid Synergy Drive
- Combined Horsepower: 243 hp
- Drivetrain: AWD available
Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated)
- Gasoline Engine: 22-25 MPG combined
- Hybrid Engine: 35-36 MPG combined
Interior Dimensions
- Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 passengers (depending on trim and configuration)
- Cargo Space: 16 cubic feet (behind 3rd row), expandable up to 84 cubic feet
Key Features
- Infotainment:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard on most trims)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional 11-speaker JBL premium audio system
- Comfort & Convenience:
- Tri-zone climate control
- Panoramic moonroof (available)
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Safety (Toyota Safety Sense 3.0):
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Trim Levels
- Gasoline: L, LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum
- Hybrid: LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, Limited Hybrid, Platinum Hybrid