Toyota has long been synonymous with reliability and practicality, but with the 2024 Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade, they’re turning up the style quotient without sacrificing efficiency. This new edition injects a dose of sophisticated darkness into the popular Highlander Hybrid lineup, making it a compelling choice for drivers who want to stand out while saving fuel.
The Nightshade Edition, available on both LE and XLE grades of the Highlander Hybrid, is all about making a visual statement. It achieves this through a comprehensive blackout treatment that transforms the vehicle’s exterior. From the striking 18-inch black wheels to the darkened grille, mirror caps, and rear badging, the Nightshade aesthetic is undeniably sleek and modern. This isn’t just a Highlander Hybrid; it’s a Highlander Hybrid with an edge.
Nightshade Design: Blacked-Out Elegance Inside and Out
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Xle Nightshade distinguishes itself with its commitment to the dark side of design. The exterior color palette for the Nightshade models includes Cement, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl, each providing a unique canvas for the blacked-out accents. Regardless of the chosen body color, the 18-inch five-spoke wheels are finished in a gloss black paint, immediately setting the Nightshade apart from the standard Highlander Hybrid models.
The dark theme continues across various exterior elements. The grille trim, mirror caps, door handles, and rear badging are all rendered in black. Even functional components like the rear spoiler and shark fin antenna receive the blackout treatment. Exclusively for the XLE Nightshade, black roof rails are added, enhancing both the visual appeal and the vehicle’s utility.
Stepping inside the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade, the design narrative evolves to blend sporty sophistication with comfort. While the LE Nightshade features black fabric-trimmed seats, the XLE Nightshade elevates the interior with black two-toned SofTex®-trimmed seats. These seats feature unique embossed fabric inserts and silver accent stitching, adding a touch of premium detailing to the darkened cabin. Driver and front passenger heated seats are standard, along with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and comfortable captain’s chairs for the second row passengers, ensuring a pleasant experience for those in the front.
Hybrid Performance and Efficiency: The Best of Both Worlds
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade retains the core hybrid technology that makes the Highlander Hybrid so appealing. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine paired with two electric motor-generators. This system intelligently balances gasoline and electric power to deliver a combined 243 horsepower while maximizing fuel efficiency.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Highlander Hybrid is its exceptional MPG rating. The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade achieves up to a manufacturer-estimated 36 MPG combined rating, allowing drivers to minimize trips to the gas station without compromising on the space and capability of a mid-size SUV. This fuel efficiency is particularly impressive for a vehicle of this size and further enhanced by selectable driving modes, including ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences and driving conditions. An EV mode is also included for short distance, electric-only driving at lower speeds.
The hybrid powertrain seamlessly integrates with either Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD-e) options. The AWD-e system uses a separate rear-mounted electric motor to provide on-demand power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction in various driving conditions without sacrificing fuel economy.
XLE Trim Features: Comfort, Convenience, and Technology
The “XLE” designation in the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade signifies a step up in features and amenities, building upon the already well-equipped LE grade. Standard features on the XLE Nightshade include a power tilt moonroof, enhancing the cabin’s airy feel, and a hands-free power liftgate, adding convenience for loading and unloading cargo. A Qi wireless smartphone charger eliminates cable clutter, while an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener adds further convenience. Second-row sunshades are also standard, providing added comfort for rear passengers.
For in-car entertainment and connectivity, the XLE Nightshade comes standard with an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. An upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen is also available for those who desire an even more immersive multimedia experience.
The Broader Highlander Lineup: Options for Every Need
While the Nightshade Edition adds a distinctive style to the Highlander Hybrid range, the 2024 Toyota Highlander lineup as a whole offers a broad spectrum of choices to cater to diverse customer needs. Beyond the six hybrid grades, five gas-powered grades are available, offering a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as an alternative powertrain.
Across the Highlander lineup, Toyota has enhanced convenience by making the hands-free power liftgate standard on all XLE (gas, hybrid, and Nightshade) and XSE (gas) grades for the 2024 model year. This feature was previously standard only on Limited and Platinum grades, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to providing value and convenience across more trim levels.
The gas-powered Highlander models offer robust performance with their 265-horsepower turbocharged engine while still achieving respectable fuel economy. They also provide different All-Wheel Drive system options, ranging from mechanical AWD on LE and XLE grades to Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD on higher trims, catering to varying driving needs and preferences.
Safety and Technology: Peace of Mind and Connectivity
Safety is paramount in the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade and the entire Highlander family. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is also standard on LE grades and above.
The Highlander also incorporates Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, offering enhanced connectivity features and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Available Connected Services such as Drive Connect provide access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist, further enhancing the driving experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with multiple USB ports, ensure seamless integration with personal devices.
Conclusion: Style Meets Substance in the 2024 Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade successfully blends eye-catching style with the proven efficiency and practicality of the Highlander Hybrid. Its distinctive blacked-out design elements set it apart on the road, while its impressive fuel economy and array of comfort and technology features make it a smart and appealing choice for families and individuals alike. Whether you prioritize fuel savings, stylish design, or a combination of both, the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade deserves a close look in the competitive mid-size SUV market.
