2024 Toyota Highlander SUV

　　

2024 Toyota Highlander Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar., rating written byJosh JacquotDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　As three-row family vehicles go, Toyota's Highlander is among the most practical and easiest to drive. It's easy to see out of and comfortable for both city driving and long highway trips. High fuel economy for a conventionally powered SUV is another draw. And if you want a more efficient or bigger Highlander, there's always the gas/electric Hybrid or the supersized Grand Highlander to consider.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Toyota Highlander LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$152/mo  for Highlander LE

　　Highlander LE

　　LE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,120 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,720 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,270 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,870 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,865 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $45,815 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,375 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $48,325 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,575 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $51,525 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Credit for Highlander's above-average fuel economy goes to its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is an unconventional choice in this class. Most midsize three-row SUVs use bigger V6 engines, many of which are more powerful. The Highlander's four-cylinder is noisier and a bit rougher in operation than the many competitors' V6s, but overall we still like its powertrain. The Highlander's eight-speed automatic responds quickly and is a good pairing with the turbo-four's power delivery. The Highlander is available in front- or all-wheel drive.

　　We also like the Highlander's generous allocation of features across its many trims. Premium features like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a power liftgate are available in the midlevel trims. And wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard across all trims.

　　On the downside, the Highlander's third-row seats are pretty cramped, and there's not much space behind that row for storage. Other rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas provide more room. But overall, we think the 2023 Highlander is a likable enough SUV to warrant consideration.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Highlander drive? The Highlander's four-cylinder makes plenty of torque at low rpm, and that helps make the Highlander pleasant to drive around town. At the zzdcar test track, our all-wheel-drive Highlander test vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which is a bit quicker than most V6-equipped three-row midsize SUVs.

　　The Highlander's ability to stop quickly and confidently as well as negotiate a twisty road is solid. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system also helps by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance. (It also has the usual benefit of extra traction in slick conditions.) All of this advanced technology helps the Highlander feel more nimble than the average midsize SUV. Overall, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or vague at higher speeds. The front seats are comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs (which our test Highlander had) provide nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a narrow space and a cushion mounted low to the floor make the third row ill-suited for adults.

　　The climate controls are easy to use, and the standard tri-zone system provides ample heating and cooling capacity, which helps make up for the mildly effective seat heat and ventilation. The only area we think the four-cylinder falls short of the V6 is sound. You don't really hear much of it when cruising along, but a request for substantial acceleration reveals the four-cylinder's less refined soundtrack. Otherwise, our complaints are few. There are no vibrations, squeaks or wind noise to speak of, even at higher highway speeds. Road noise is minimal.

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