The starting price of the crossover on the American market has noticeably increased (by $2,700) because it has been deprived of its base trim.
The current-generation three-row crossover, the Toyota Highlander, was introduced in 2019. For the current model year, the SUV received quite significant updates, including the replacement of the V6 engine with a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four from the T24S series. It produces 269 horsepower and a maximum torque of 419 Nm. Now, the Highlander has reached the 2024 model year, and this time, there have been no changes to its technology.
The refreshed crossover, like several other models from the Japanese brand, has introduced a Nightshade edition. This trim is available for the hybrid Toyota Highlander in the LE and XLE versions. These vehicles stand out with a series of darkened elements, including badges located on the rear, side mirror housings, radiator grille, as well as 18-inch five-spoke wheels, a spoiler, and a shark-fin antenna. In the XLE configuration, the roof rails are also darkened. Inside, the dark theme is complemented by black seats (with silver accents in the XLE variant). The 2024 model year crossover in the Nightshade version can be purchased in the USA for a minimum of $41,720.
It’s worth noting that the “darkened” Nightshade trim has replaced the Bronze Edition, which will not be available for the refreshed SUVs. Another important change for the 2024 model year is the absence of the base L trim. Interestingly, no replacement has been offered for this variant. The 2023 model year crossover in the American market had a price tag of $36,420 for the L trim.
This means that the starting version of the Toyota Highlander is now the LE. The cost of this new model year crossover is $39,120, which is $300 more than the same trim in the 2023 model. However, due to the absence of the former base L variant, the starting price of the refreshed Highlander has sharply increased by $2,700.
In the list of available body colors, you can find Cement, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black, and Ruby Flare Pearl. Additionally, the standard equipment for the XLE and XSE versions now includes a power liftgate, which allows you to open it without using your hands.
As we have already emphasized, the technology of the three-row crossover remains unchanged. The model can have either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For the simpler variants, a rear axle disconnect clutch is provided, while the more expensive versions are equipped with the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system with individual rear wheel engagement clutches. The 2024 Toyota Highlander is powered by a 269-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The second option for the powertrain is the hybrid setup, which is based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine working in tandem with two electric motors and a battery located under the rear seats. The total output of this system for the crossover is 246 horsepower.
