The Toyota Highlander has long been a reliable and popular choice for families needing a spacious and dependable SUV. Known for its practicality and longevity, the Highlander has, however, often been perceived as somewhat bland in the style department. Enter the XSE trim, a new variant aiming to inject some excitement into the Highlander lineup. But does the 2021 Toyota Highlander Xse deliver more than just sporty aesthetics? Let’s dive into a detailed review.
Toyota Highlander XSE front exterior showcasing sporty grille and black accents
Sharpened Style: The XSE’s Exterior Appeal
One thing is immediately clear: the Toyota Highlander XSE is a significant step up in visual appeal compared to its more conservatively styled siblings. The most striking difference is at the front, where the XSE sports a bolder, more aggressive grille. Gone is the somewhat awkward silver band that frames the Toyota logo on other Highlander trims. In its place, a wide, blacked-out grille commands attention, giving the XSE a much more assertive face. This darker theme continues with black exterior trim replacing the usual chrome accents, contributing to a sportier and more modern look. The attractive, model-specific wheels further enhance the XSE’s dynamic styling. While the standard Highlander might blend into the background, the XSE trim is designed to stand out.
Side view of the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE highlighting its sporty silhouette
Familiar Comfort and Practicality Inside
Beneath the sporty veneer, the Toyota Highlander XSE retains all the core strengths that have made the Highlander a family favorite. This means you can expect a well-built, practical, and spacious SUV designed for years of reliable service. The Highlander XSE is generously equipped even in its base configuration, boasting a comprehensive suite of safety features. Inside, the cabin prioritizes comfort and space, especially in the first and second rows. Passengers will find ample room to stretch out and relax. While a third row is present, it’s best suited for children or shorter journeys, a common trait in this vehicle class. The front seats offer good support for longer drives, and the cabin remains impressively quiet, even at highway speeds, contributing to a comfortable and refined driving experience. For those seeking a bolder interior aesthetic, a red interior option is also available.
Spacious and comfortable interior of the Toyota Highlander XSE
Cabin Quietness and Ride Comfort
The Highlander XSE excels in providing a comfortable and composed ride. It tracks straight and true on the freeway, requiring minimal steering input and resisting wandering. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, delivering a smooth and comfortable ride quality that is ideal for daily driving and long road trips.
Third-Row and Cargo Space
While the third row is functional for occasional use, it is not the Highlander’s strongest suit. Legroom is limited, making it less comfortable for adults on longer trips. However, for families with younger children, it can be a useful feature. Cargo space behind the third row is also modest, but folding down the third row expands the cargo area significantly, offering ample room for luggage and gear.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty Looks, Not Sporty Performance
Despite its sporty aspirations and enhanced aesthetics, the Toyota Highlander XSE doesn’t bring about any changes to the fundamental driving experience. Those hoping for a more engaging or performance-oriented SUV will likely be disappointed. The XSE utilizes the same 3.5-liter V6 engine found in other Highlander models, producing 295 horsepower. While this engine offers adequate power for most driving situations, it lacks low-end grunt and needs to be revved to deliver its best performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, can sometimes feel a bit hesitant to downshift, further contributing to the engine’s lack of immediate responsiveness.
Toyota Highlander XSE dashboard and interior trim details
In terms of handling, the Highlander XSE is competent and predictable, but not particularly engaging or fun to drive. It prioritizes comfort and stability over sporty handling dynamics. While it can handle corners adequately, it lacks the agility and responsiveness of some competitors. For drivers seeking a truly sporty SUV driving experience, alternatives like the Mazda CX-9 might be a more compelling choice, offering more engaging handling and a turbocharged engine with greater low-end torque.
What Could Be Better? XSE Trim Drawbacks
While the XSE trim enhances the Highlander’s appeal in many ways, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The most significant is the lack of any performance upgrades to match its sporty styling. The driving experience remains essentially unchanged from other V6-powered Highlanders. Furthermore, the XSE trim cannot be combined with the more luxurious interior features found in the Limited and Platinum models. This means that while you get the sportier exterior of the XSE, you miss out on the upgraded interior materials and features available in higher trims.
Infotainment System
Another area where the Highlander XSE falls short is its infotainment system. The standard Entune system feels dated in terms of graphics and user interface compared to systems offered by competitors and even in higher Toyota trims. While functional, it lacks the modern look and feel of more contemporary infotainment systems.
Price Point and Value
The Toyota Highlander XSE also comes with a significant price tag. At over $46,000 as tested, it’s not an inexpensive option. When considering the price, it’s worth noting that competitors like the Kia Telluride, known for its spaciousness and feature-richness, can be had fully loaded for a similar price. For those prioritizing luxury within the Toyota Highlander lineup, stepping up to the Limited trim might offer a better value proposition, albeit without the XSE’s sporty styling.
Verdict: The XSE – Style Over Sport
The 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE is an interesting addition to the Highlander family. It successfully addresses the aesthetic shortcomings of previous models, bringing a much-needed dose of sporty style to the popular SUV. However, it’s crucial to understand that the XSE is primarily an appearance package. It doesn’t transform the Highlander into a sportier-driving SUV. If you are drawn to the Toyota Highlander for its renowned reliability, practicality, and comfortable ride, and desire a more visually exciting exterior, the XSE trim is definitely worth considering. Just don’t expect a sportier driving experience to accompany its enhanced looks. The Highlander XSE is best viewed as the most stylish Highlander currently available, appealing to buyers who prioritize aesthetics in their family SUV.
2021 Toyota Highlander XSE V6 AWD
Price as-tested: $46,806
Pros: XSE trim brings a welcome aesthetic upgrade; spacious and comfortable interior.
Cons: ‘Sporty’ XSE drives no different than other Highlanders; infotainment system feels outdated; not as luxurious as higher trims for the price.
Verdict: A stylish trim that enhances the Highlander’s looks, but doesn’t alter the driving experience. Choose the XSE for its aesthetics, not for sporty performance.
