The Advantages and Excitement of the 2024 Toyota Highlander
November 08 2024 - Benjamin Kettle
A grey 2024 Toyota Highlander parked in a parking garage and angled left.

When it comes to practical vehicles that offer exceptional fuel economy, style, and the latest items that enhance the overall driving experience, Toyota is the brand many continue to look to. With the SUV being the most popular vehicle class among consumers, demand for a model that offers them everything they want is higher than ever. As such, the 2024 Toyota Highlander brings excellent excitement and practicality.

Family-oriented drivers who want an SUV with three rows of seating and plenty of storage will be pleased with what the 2024 Highlander offers. In addition to its spacious cabin, the Highlander provides efficient performance and plenty of technology that offers entertainment and oversight. There are plenty of SUVs on the market, but only one Highlander.

Practical Performance

With hybrid and traditional gasoline engines available, there is a version of the 2024 Toyota Highlander that is suited for you. Drivers looking for performance for activities such as camping and off-roading can opt for the base gasoline-powered engine. This turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine propels the Highlander forward with 265 hp and can generate 310 lb-ft of torque.

Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for those who enjoy their adventures off the pavement. The Highlander can pull up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, making it a reliable and competent workhorse. The front-wheel drive version of the 2024 Highlander offers remarkable fuel economy for a three-row SUV, with an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG combined.

The Highlander Hybrid is just as adept in terms of performance. It uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with electrical motors to provide 243 hp. The Hybrid Highlander is suited for drivers who place fuel consumption as a top priority. The front-wheel drive version achieves an EPA-estimated 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. With two engine options for economy and performance, either version of the 2024 Toyota Highlander can provide you with the experience behind the wheel you’ve been waiting for.

Storage and Seating

Three-row SUVs are a practical means of transportation because of their comfortable seating and plentiful storage space. The Toyota Highlander is exceptional in both of these categories. The base trims offer comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, while the upper trims offer second-row captain’s chairs for a more refined experience for seven passengers. Heated and ventilated seats are available for year-round comfort.

The Highlander provides storage for any occasion, whether you are hauling groceries, sports equipment, furniture, or anything else. Even when all three rows of seats are fully occupied, it has 16 cu.ft. of cargo space, which is more than the average trunk size of a midsize sedan. Folding down the Highlander’s third row opens up a cargo area that measures out to 48.4 cu.ft., and for those occasions that require the most room possible, 84.3 cu.ft. of cargo space is available behind the front row. With seating options that can be tailored to your desired level of comfort and cargo space that allows you to haul a broader range of items, the 2024 Toyota Highlander is the vehicle that will enable you to take it all with you.

Side angle view of a black and red interior cabin and steering wheel of a 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE.

Exceptional Infotainment

Besides offering economical performance and seating for seven or eight passengers, the 2024 Toyota Highlander also provides access to the technologies that modern drivers use daily. Infotainment is always an exciting aspect of any vehicle purchase, and Toyota has made great strides in providing the means to stay informed and entertained on the road. Base trims of the Highlander come with an eight-inch infotainment screen that provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a free trial of SiriusXM. Pristine audio quality is guaranteed thanks to a six-speaker stereo system.

Upper Highlander trims are granted access to a larger 12.3-inch screen that builds on the features included with the smaller screen, including hands-free phone connectivity and wireless audio streaming through Bluetooth. For the discerning audiophile who wants superior sound, an eleven-speaker setup from JBL delivers the goods with the assistance of a subwoofer and amplifier. Depending on your desire for technology and how advanced you want your information and entertainment to be, Toyota offers you access to exceptional sound and tech-savviness.

Safety and Driving Assistance Features

Many factors go into selecting the ideal means of transportation. Some drivers favor performance, and others are drawn to pricing or practicality. Still, there’s nothing more important than the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected behind the wheel. As one of the leading manufacturers worldwide, Toyota’s reputation for safety is well-established, and the features of the 2024 Highlander are certainly no exception.

The 2024 Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard across all trims. This comprehensive suite of features is a package deal that checks all the boxes regarding a safe experience behind the wheel and the ability to drive with peace of mind. With many standard safety features, Toyota emphasizes giving customers the equipment needed for a safe commute, no matter where their travels take them.

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Maintaining focus on your surroundings is a critical aspect of safe and defensive driving. This is especially true when it comes to keeping an eye on the other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists with whom we share the road. This system alerts you to their presence and applies baking if necessary.
  • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Sometimes referred to by its more common name, adaptive cruise control, Toyota’s technology is designed to operate at speeds over 20 mph. Radar monitors traffic patterns and adjusts the speed of your vehicle accordingly, preserving reaction time by following at a safe distance.
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Another technology designed to benefit highway driving, this system uses cameras to detect road markings and helps you maintain your lane when you’re on the road. Corrective steering takes over to provide additional help if you begin to veer.
  • Lane Tracing Assist: Used in conjunction with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, this feature monitors the road you’re traveling on to help you stay centered in your lane. This takes some of the burden off the driver turning long drives.
  • Road Sign Assist: This camera-based technology displays warning signs and speed limits on the Highlander’s instrument cluster screen to keep you informed. This helps you avoid accidentally speeding when you miss a sign or forget what the limit is.
  • Automatic High Beams: Visibility is essential when driving, and darkness and bad weather can hide hazards. This feature will automatically engage your high beams when needed and disengage them in the presence of oncoming traffic.
A white 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE driving in a desert.

The Ideal SUV for the Modern Driver

Regardless of what you might be looking for in your next SUV, the capability, safety, and comfort you get with the 2024 Toyota Highlander is nothing short of remarkable. In an age where competition among the different manufacturers is fierce, Toyota once again proves why so many consumers have continued to choose it as the most trusted brand in the industry. The 2024 Highlander stands out in the crowd by providing drivers with exactly what they are looking for to travel comfortably and safely, no matter their destinations.