“Very comfortable, good handling, power and acceleration, quiet ride, Platinum trim level is worth the upgrade, and the hybrid system is great.”
2024 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2024 Toyota Highlander gets a light update rather than a redesign, led by new LE Nightshade and XLE Nightshade hybrid trims with blacked-out styling. The gas and hybrid powertrains carry over from 2023.
About the 2024 Toyota Highlander
4th generation (2020-2026), fifth model year, after the 2023 powertrain and infotainment update.
The Highlander is Toyota’s mainstream three-row family SUV for buyers who want car-like road manners, flexible seating, and an easy-to-live-with cabin rather than a truck-style feel. Toyota pitches it as a comfortable, high-tech family vehicle with room for up to eight, strong safety tech, and a choice between a turbo gas model or a more efficient hybrid. Its core appeal is balancing everyday comfort, familiar controls, and Toyota’s reputation for dependability in a midsize SUV shape.
The LE remains the practical starting point, with seating for up to eight, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. XLE adds family-friendly comforts such as heated front seats, a moonroof, and a hands-free power liftgate, while Limited and Platinum bring leather seating and 12.3-inch screens. The gas-only XSE has sportier styling and a firmer suspension, while the new Nightshade trims give hybrid shoppers a darker exterior look.
What changed, by category
Styling
LE Nightshade and XLE Nightshade hybrid trims join the lineup with blacked-out exterior details. The Bronze Edition and base L trim are dropped. On the XSE, roof rails change from standard to optional.
Tech
A hands-free power liftgate becomes standard on every XLE grade, including the hybrid and Nightshade versions, and on the gas XSE.
2024 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22–36 mpg | 22–36 mpg | 22 mpg | 22–36 mpg | 22–36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–35 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 29 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 243–265 hp | 243–265 hp | 265 hp | 243–265 hp | 243–265 hp | 243 hp | 243 hp |
| Torque | 175–310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 175–310 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in | 28 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7–8 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2024 Toyota Highlander a redesign?
No. The 2024 Highlander remains part of the fourth generation introduced for 2020 and receives only light trim and equipment updates.
What is the biggest change to the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
The biggest change is the addition of LE Nightshade and XLE Nightshade hybrid trims. Both give the Highlander Hybrid a blacked-out exterior appearance while retaining the equipment level of their respective LE or XLE base trim.
Does the 2024 Toyota Highlander have a new engine?
No. Gas models retain the 2.4-liter turbo engine introduced for 2023, while hybrid models continue with the 2.5-liter hybrid system.
Which Toyota Highlander trims were dropped for 2024?
The base L and hybrid Bronze Edition trims leave the Highlander lineup for 2024. The new LE Nightshade and XLE Nightshade trims are hybrid appearance models, not new powertrains.
Which 2024 Toyota Highlander trims have a standard hands-free power liftgate?
Every 2024 XLE grade has a standard hands-free power liftgate, including gas, hybrid, and Nightshade versions. It is also standard on the gas-powered XSE.
2024 Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2024 Toyota Highlander.
4.2
2024 Toyota Highlander
(302 reviews)
“If you want a roomy, stylish, fuel efficient, safe vehicle, this is it! Extra bonus is the brand name and history.”
“There's only one thing that I have an issue with and that is the seat is too short. Meaning the bottom of the seat (the part you sit on) does not extend out far enough. Which makes it a little uncomfortable. Other than that, it's awesome!!”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2024 Toyota Highlander
- pressroom.toyota.com — Elevate The Journey With Toyotas New Highlander Hybrid Nightshade
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2023 Toyota Highlander Revs Up Driving With New Turbocharged Engine
- pressroom.toyota.com — Celebrate The Best Of Toyota Highlander With Limited 25Th Edition Hybrid