The Toyota Highlander is a popular three-row SUV, known for its reliability, family-friendly features, and capable performance. If you’re in the market for a Highlander, you’ll quickly discover that Toyota offers it in a range of trim levels, each with its own set of features and price point. Understanding the differences between these trims – L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum – is crucial to making the right choice for your needs and budget. This guide will break down each 2023 Toyota Highlander model, allowing you to compare them directly and confidently choose the perfect SUV for you and your family.
Toyota Highlander Trim Level Comparison: Key Features and Differences
All 2023 Toyota Highlander gas models are equipped with a robust 2.4L 4-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth and efficient driving. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard across the lineup, while All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available on L, LE, and XLE trims. For enhanced handling and control, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive is featured on the XSE, Limited, and Platinum models. Let’s delve into the specifics of each trim to highlight their unique offerings.
Highlander L: The Essentials and Value
The Toyota Highlander L serves as the entry point to the lineup, but it’s far from basic. It provides a strong foundation of essential features, ensuring comfort, convenience, and safety. Standard features on the Highlander L include:
- Exterior Lighting: Equipped with LED projector headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED taillights for enhanced visibility and a modern look.
- Wheels: Rides on durable 18-inch painted alloy wheels.
- Climate Control: Enjoy the comfort of three-zone automatic climate control, keeping all passengers comfortable.
- Seating: Features fabric-trimmed seats, offering a comfortable and practical interior.
- Driver’s Seat Adjustability: An 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat allows you to find your perfect driving position.
- Connectivity: Stay connected with five USB ports and two 12V outlets throughout the cabin.
- Information Display: A 7-inch Multi-Information Display keeps you informed about vehicle status and driving data.
- Smart Key System: Keyless entry and Push Button Start add convenience to your daily drives.
- Infotainment: An 8.0-inch touchscreen display with six speakers provides access to entertainment and vehicle controls.
- Smartphone Integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility for seamless smartphone integration.
- Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+: Comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features.
The Highlander L is an excellent choice for buyers prioritizing value and essential features in a three-row SUV.
Highlander LE: Upgrading Comfort and Convenience
Stepping up to the Toyota Highlander LE trim adds several upgrades focused on enhancing comfort and convenience, making everyday driving more enjoyable. Building upon the L trim, the LE includes:
- Heated Side Mirrors: Heated power outside mirrors with blind spot warning indicators improve visibility in colder climates and enhance safety.
- Fog Lights: LED fog lights provide improved visibility in foggy or low-visibility conditions.
- Power Liftgate: A height-adjustable power liftgate adds convenience for loading and unloading cargo.
- Leather Accents: Leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel add a touch of refinement to the interior.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) enhances safety by alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots and when reversing.
The Highlander LE is ideal for those seeking added comfort and safety features beyond the base model, representing a great balance of value and features.
Highlander XLE: Enhanced Features and Refinement
The Toyota Highlander XLE trim takes comfort and convenience to the next level, offering a more refined and feature-rich experience. In addition to the features of the LE trim, the XLE includes:
- Upgraded Wheels: 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels provide a stylish exterior upgrade.
- Moonroof: A power tilt/slide moonroof brings natural light and fresh air into the cabin.
- SofTex® Seating: SofTex®-trimmed seats offer a premium look and feel, while being easy to clean and maintain.
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat: An 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat complements the driver’s seat for personalized comfort.
- Wireless Charging: Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging eliminates cable clutter.
- Auto-Dimming Mirror: An auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® adds convenience and reduces nighttime glare.
The Highlander XLE is a popular choice for families seeking a comfortable and well-equipped SUV with a touch of luxury and advanced convenience features.
Highlander XSE: Sporty Styling and Performance
For drivers wanting a more dynamic and sporty SUV, the Toyota Highlander XSE is the answer. This trim level emphasizes sporty styling and handling enhancements, setting it apart from the other trims. Key features of the XSE include:
- Sport-Tuned Suspension: A sport-tuned suspension provides a more engaging and responsive driving experience.
- Sporty Exterior Accents: LED projector headlights with black accents, color-keyed side rocker panels with chrome-finished lower trim, and black roof rails create a unique and aggressive look.
- Larger Wheels: Upgraded to 20-inch machined-finish black wheels for a bolder stance.
- Exhaust: Twin-tip exhaust adds to the sporty aesthetic.
- Ambient Lighting: Ambient interior lighting creates a stylish and inviting atmosphere.
The Highlander XSE appeals to drivers who prioritize sporty styling and a more engaging driving experience in their three-row SUV.
Highlander Limited: Premium Luxury and Technology
The Toyota Highlander Limited trim elevates the Highlander experience to a realm of premium luxury and advanced technology. Building upon the XLE trim, the Limited offers:
- Premium Mirrors: Heated power-folding outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and puddle lights, offer enhanced functionality and style.
- Chrome Wheels: Distinctive 20-inch chrome-finished wheels add a touch of elegance.
- High-Output Fog Lights: High-output LED fog lights provide superior visibility.
- Hands-Free Liftgate: A height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate further enhances cargo loading convenience.
- Leather Seating: Leather-trimmed seats provide a luxurious and comfortable interior.
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: Heated and ventilated front seats ensure year-round comfort.
- Seat Memory: Driver’s seat memory function remembers your preferred seating position.
- Digital Gauge Cluster: A large 12.3-inch gauge cluster provides a modern and informative display.
- Heated Steering Wheel: A heated steering wheel adds warmth and comfort in cold weather.
- Power Outlet: One 120V outlet provides convenient power for devices.
- Upgraded Infotainment: A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display and an 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system deliver an immersive entertainment experience.
The Highlander Limited is designed for buyers seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced SUV packed with premium features.
Highlander Platinum: The Pinnacle of Highlander Refinement
At the top of the Toyota Highlander trim hierarchy sits the Platinum, representing the ultimate in Highlander refinement, luxury, and advanced features. Expanding on the Limited trim, the Platinum includes:
- Advanced Headlights: LED projector headlights with Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) enhance nighttime visibility and safety.
- Unique Wheels: Distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels set the Platinum apart.
- Rain-Sensing Wipers: Rain-sensing windshield wipers automatically adjust wiper speed based on precipitation.
- Panoramic Moonroof: A Power Panoramic View Moonroof expands the sense of openness in the cabin.
- Premium Leather Seating: Leather-trimmed seats with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain’s chairs maximize passenger comfort.
- Head-Up Display: A 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) projects essential driving information onto the windshield.
- Panoramic View Monitor: Panoramic View Monitor provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle for enhanced maneuverability.
- Digital Rearview Mirror: Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink® offers an unobstructed rear view and integrated home automation controls.
The Highlander Platinum is the ultimate expression of the Toyota Highlander, offering every available luxury, technology, and convenience feature.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Models: Efficiency Without Compromise
For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander is also available in hybrid models. These models combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver impressive fuel economy without sacrificing performance or space. Hybrid trims include:
- Highlander Hybrid LE
- Highlander Hybrid XLE
- Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition
- Highlander Hybrid Limited
- Highlander Hybrid Platinum
Hybrid models offer similar features to their gasoline counterparts within each trim level, but with the added benefit of enhanced fuel efficiency.
Choosing the Right Toyota Highlander Model for You
Comparing Toyota Highlander models reveals a diverse lineup designed to meet various needs and preferences. From the value-packed L to the luxurious Platinum, each trim offers a unique blend of features and capabilities. To determine the best Highlander model for you, consider your budget, desired features, and driving style.
We encourage you to schedule a test drive at your local Toyota dealer to experience the different Highlander trims firsthand. Exploring each model in person will allow you to truly appreciate the nuances and choose the perfect Toyota Highlander to elevate your driving experience.
Want to see how the Highlander stacks up against the competition? [Explore a Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot comparison here!] (https://www.darcarstoyota.com/toyota-highlander-vs-honda-pilot)
Frequently Asked Questions About Toyota Highlander Trims
What are the different trim levels for the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander trim levels include the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Hybrid versions are also available in LE, XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims.
Is the Highlander Limited a significant upgrade over the Highlander XLE?
Yes, the Highlander Limited represents a notable step up from the XLE, adding premium features like leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a larger touchscreen, JBL audio, and more advanced driver-assistance technologies. While both are excellent trims, the Limited offers a more luxurious and feature-rich experience.
Which Toyota Highlander trim is the highest or most luxurious?
The Toyota Highlander Platinum is the highest and most luxurious trim level. It includes all the features of the Limited trim and adds even more premium amenities like a panoramic moonroof, Head-Up Display, Panoramic View Monitor, and more refined interior details.
