If you are willing to spend between $40k and $50k for a big hybrid SUV, look no further than the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Japanese company set standards when the vehicle introduced a hybrid system. It was the only three-row SUV with such a configuration, and when Ford launched the Explorer hybrid, Toyota made another stunning move. Instead of a V6, a four-pot engine became the main source of power. The highlight of the new setup is the gas mileage – even smaller crossovers can’t compete with 35 mpg!
For the 2024 season the company is preparing a mid-cycle update. The design is from 2020 when the latest generation debuted. In the meantime, we saw some small changes, mostly around trim levels and equipment. There are five trim levels available. Expect at least 4 to come back. The Bronze Edition is under the question mark. Even if Toyota decides to cut it, some other special grade will join the lineup.
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Specs and Gas Mileage
Under the hood of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a system centered around a four-cylinder engine. That is a 2.5-liter unit capable of producing 243 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque. The latest generation of the SUV sacrificed a lot of power, dropping by 150 ponies. But, the new hybrid is more efficient than ever and far ahead any other big SUV. It returns 35 mpg combined. A CVT is sending power to wheels and the towing capacity of the hybrid SUV is 3,500 pounds. Well, such vehicles are not meant to haul.
Grades, Equipment and Colors
For this type of engine, the company prepared 5 trim levels. Bronze Edition might be replaced next year. LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum will be back. With the base engine, there is also the Highlander L as the entry-level model and the XSE package.
Highlights of the LE bundle are 18-inch wheels, LED lamps, a power liftgate, an 8-inch infotainment display, 6-speaker audio, 5 USB ports, and an 8-way adjustable driver’s bucket. The new infotainment system is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto services.
The XLE adds a sunroof, heated front-row seats, captain’s chairs in the middle row, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and a wireless charger.
With the Limited edition, you are getting 20-inch wheels, parking sensors, automatic parking, heated and ventilated seats, a premium JBL sound system, navigation and a heated steering wheel.
The top of the range version is the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum. It features adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, heated second-row chairs, and a 360-degree camera. Of course, the new 2024 YM will reshuffle some of the options.
Colors of the new model will be pretty much the same as before. Even the base version offers eight paintjobs. Those are Magnetic Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver, Moon Dust, Midnight Black, Ruby Flare Pearl, Wind Chill Pearl, Blueprint and Cypress. Bronze Edition offered unique color called Cement. Depending on the trim level, you will find various interior themes and schemes. Fabric is the base material, Softex is making seats more comfortable, while leather is there for the top grades.
Non-Hybrid Configuration
If you don’t want a hybrid, we have a good news – the company added a turbo-four engine to the lineup. It is creating 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The gas mileage is not as good as for the hybrid. This one returns 24-26 mpg combined. Front- and all-wheel drives are available. An 8-speed automatic is the base gearbox, while the hybrid is using a CVT. This is a better hauler. The towing capacity is increased and gets 5,000 lbs.
2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Prices
The base price of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid won’t be under 41,000 dollars, especially if the entire lineup is being redesigned. The XLE adds $3,000 and there will be another special grade between this one and the Limited trim. The price is getting closer to $50k mark. The Platinum edition is the only one that exceeds this limit. But, other grades can be there as well with all the options the company is offering. For example, a color upgrade can cost $425.
The base Highlander can save you $5,000. But, a way better gas mileage will return the investment into a hybrid engine. The same packages are approximately only $2,000 cheaper with a standard engine than the hybrid.