The Toyota Highlander has long been celebrated as a top-tier three-row SUV, seamlessly blending rugged capability with refined sophistication. For families and individuals alike seeking versatility without compromising on comfort and technology, the 2024 Toyota Highlander continues this legacy. Within the impressive Highlander lineup, the XLE trim stands out as a particularly compelling option, offering a harmonious balance of premium features and exceptional value.
This guide, brought to you by the experts at Miller Toyota, your trusted automotive resource, delves into the specifics of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Xle. We’ll explore why this trim level hits the sweet spot for many SUV buyers, providing a detailed look at its key features, interior comforts, technology offerings, and overall appeal. If you’re in the market for a reliable, spacious, and feature-rich SUV, the Highlander XLE deserves a closer look.
Image alt text: Sleek silver 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE showcasing its modern front grille and LED headlights.
Unpacking the 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE Trim
Building upon the solid foundation of the lower Highlander trims, the XLE elevates the driving and passenger experience with a host of upgrades focused on comfort, convenience, and style. It’s designed for those who desire more premium amenities without reaching the top-tier price points.
The 2024 Highlander XLE carries forward the robust and efficient 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers the entire non-hybrid Highlander range. This engine delivers a confident 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, ensuring ample power for daily commutes, highway cruising, and even light towing duties up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy remains respectable for a vehicle of this size, achieving an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
| Engine Specification | 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.4L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 265 HP |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft. |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. |
| MPG (City/Highway) | 22 / 29 |
Beyond performance, the XLE trim distinguishes itself through its enhanced feature set. Let’s explore some of the key highlights:
Enhanced Exterior and Practicality
The exterior of the 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE receives subtle yet significant upgrades. 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels replace the standard painted alloy wheels, adding a touch of sophistication to its stance. Roof rails are also included, increasing cargo-carrying versatility for road trips and outdoor adventures. The power moonroof, a highly desirable feature, allows natural light to flood the cabin and provides an open-air feel at the touch of a button.
Practicality is further enhanced with a height-adjustable power liftgate, making loading and unloading cargo significantly easier, especially when your hands are full. Heated, power exterior mirrors with turn signals are carried over from lower trims, but the XLE adds a blind spot warning indicator for increased safety and driver awareness during lane changes.
Image alt text: Stylish gray 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE side view emphasizing its roof rails, alloy wheels, and spacious SUV profile.
Interior Comfort and Technology Refinements
Stepping inside the 2024 Highlander XLE reveals a cabin designed for passenger comfort and convenience. SofTex®-trimmed seats replace the standard fabric, offering a premium look and feel that is also easy to clean and maintain – a boon for families. Both front seats are heated, providing welcome warmth on colder days, and the driver’s seat gains 10-way power adjustability with lumbar support, ensuring optimal driving position and comfort on long journeys. The front passenger seat is also upgraded to eight-way power adjustability.
The XLE trim maintains seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs as standard, providing easier access to the third row and a more spacious feel for second-row occupants. Second-row sunshades are a thoughtful addition, shielding rear passengers from harsh sunlight and increasing privacy.
Technology is also enhanced in the XLE. A wireless smartphone charger eliminates cable clutter and keeps devices powered up on the go. The auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal transceiver adds convenience by automatically dimming to reduce glare from headlights behind and integrating garage door opener controls.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE, like all Highlander trims, comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a comprehensive suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies. This includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps mitigate or avoid frontal collisions.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and can provide gentle steering correction.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams for optimal visibility without blinding other drivers.
- Lane Tracing Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Road Sign Assist: Detects and displays road signs information on the driver information display.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a preset speed and following distance to the vehicle ahead, even down to a complete stop.
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to vehicles in blind spots and crossing behind the vehicle when reversing. (Exclusive to LE and above trims).
In addition to TSS 2.5+, the Highlander XLE includes standard safety features such as a backup camera with projected path, the Star Safety System™, and eight airbags.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE: Smart Choice, Exceptional Value
The 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE presents a compelling proposition for SUV buyers. It builds upon the Highlander’s reputation for reliability, safety, and practicality, adding a significant layer of comfort, convenience, and technology features that elevate the overall ownership experience.
Compared to the base Highlander LE, the XLE justifies its price increase with desirable upgrades like SofTex® seats, heated front seats, a power moonroof, wireless charging, and enhanced exterior styling. While the XSE trim offers a sportier aesthetic and driving dynamics, the XLE prioritizes everyday comfort and family-friendly features, making it arguably the more versatile and broadly appealing choice for most buyers.
For those seeking a well-rounded three-row SUV that balances premium features with sensible value, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE is undoubtedly a trim level to strongly consider. Visit Miller Toyota today to explore our Highlander inventory and experience the XLE for yourself.
Image alt text: Rear angle of a 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE highlighting its LED taillights and power liftgate functionality.
