Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE, a trim that injects a dose of sportiness into the ever-popular Highlander lineup. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that blends practicality with a bit of a performance edge, the XSE is definitely worth a look. We'll explore everything from its design and features to its driving experience and overall value. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE immediately stands out from the other trims, thanks to its unique and sportier design elements. Toyota has done a great job of giving the XSE a more aggressive look without sacrificing the Highlander's core functionality. The XSE trim features a distinct front fascia, with a revised grille, a more pronounced lower front spoiler, and darkened headlights. These changes give it a more assertive and planted stance on the road. The black accents, including the side mirrors, window trim, and roof rails, further enhance its sporty appeal.

One of the most eye-catching features is the exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, which are finished in a dark, sporty design. These wheels not only look great but also contribute to a firmer, more responsive ride. The XSE also gets unique badging and a sport-tuned suspension, which we'll discuss in more detail later. The rear of the Highlander XSE continues the theme with a black-painted rear bumper and dual exhaust tips, reinforcing its performance-oriented character. Overall, the exterior design of the XSE is a successful blend of style and substance. It's clear that Toyota has aimed to attract buyers who want a more dynamic and visually appealing SUV. The XSE's design manages to make it look both modern and athletic, without straying too far from the Highlander's practical roots. The design choices, from the front fascia to the wheels, work in harmony to create a cohesive and attractive package. If you're tired of SUVs that look bland and generic, the Highlander XSE is a breath of fresh air. It offers a stylish alternative that will turn heads on the road. The attention to detail is evident, with every element contributing to the overall sporty aesthetic. Whether you're a long-time Toyota fan or new to the brand, the Highlander XSE's exterior design is likely to leave a positive impression. The blacked-out accents and aggressive styling cues give the XSE a more premium and upscale feel, setting it apart from its competitors. The choice of colors also plays a role in enhancing its sporty appearance; colors like Ruby Flare Pearl or Blueprint really make the XSE pop. The combination of design elements creates an SUV that is both visually striking and functional, appealing to a wide range of buyers who want a vehicle that reflects their active lifestyle.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Moving inside the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE, you'll find a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with a focus on both practicality and technology. The XSE trim often features unique interior elements, such as sport-themed upholstery with contrasting stitching, which adds to the overall sporty feel. The seats are typically supportive and comfortable, providing good support for both short commutes and long road trips. The Highlander offers three rows of seating, making it a versatile choice for families or anyone who needs extra passenger space. The second row can be configured with either captain's chairs or a bench seat, depending on your needs. The third row, while best suited for children, adds to the Highlander's overall flexibility.

The XSE trim typically comes well-equipped with the latest technology features. A large touchscreen infotainment system is usually standard, offering access to features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system is generally user-friendly, with responsive touch controls and clear graphics. The Highlander also includes a range of driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and convenience. The interior design is functional and ergonomic, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. Toyota has a reputation for building reliable and user-friendly vehicles, and the Highlander is no exception. The materials used throughout the cabin are generally of good quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The XSE trim often adds features like ambient lighting and premium audio systems, further enhancing the overall driving experience. The infotainment system is a central hub for controlling various vehicle functions, and its seamless integration with smartphones is a major plus. The driver-assistance features provide an added layer of safety, making it easier to navigate busy streets and highways. Overall, the interior of the Highlander XSE strikes a good balance between comfort, technology, and practicality, making it a great choice for families and anyone who values a well-equipped and user-friendly SUV. The ample cargo space, combined with the flexible seating arrangements, makes the Highlander XSE a versatile vehicle that can adapt to a variety of needs. The attention to detail in the interior design, from the stitching to the materials used, demonstrates Toyota's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE distinguishes itself from other Highlander trims with its focus on a more engaging driving experience. While it shares the same powertrain as other models, the XSE gets a sport-tuned suspension, which results in tighter handling and reduced body roll. This makes it feel more responsive and agile on the road, particularly when cornering. The Highlander XSE is typically powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. This engine provides ample acceleration for everyday driving, and the XSE's sport-tuned suspension helps to put that power to good use. The steering is generally precise and provides good feedback, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The XSE also often comes with unique driving modes, which can further enhance the vehicle's performance. These modes may adjust the throttle response, shift points, and steering feel, allowing you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences. The XSE's suspension upgrades make a noticeable difference in how the vehicle handles, making it feel more composed and confident on the road. The brakes are also typically well-suited to the vehicle's performance, providing strong and consistent stopping power. The combination of the engine, suspension, and steering creates an SUV that is enjoyable to drive, even when compared to some of its competitors. The Highlander XSE is not a sports car, but its sport-tuned suspension and other performance enhancements make it a more engaging and enjoyable vehicle to drive than the standard Highlander. The driving experience is enhanced by the comfortable seats and well-designed interior, which create a pleasant environment for both the driver and passengers. The overall performance and driving experience of the Highlander XSE make it an excellent choice for those who want a more athletic and engaging SUV. The XSE's performance upgrades make it a standout in its class, offering a driving experience that is both practical and fun.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is always a key consideration for SUV buyers, and the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE delivers competitive fuel economy figures. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is designed to balance power and efficiency. You can expect to see respectable gas mileage, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and longer road trips. The exact fuel economy numbers will vary depending on driving conditions and whether you opt for all-wheel drive, but the Highlander XSE generally performs well in its class.

Toyota has a strong reputation for building fuel-efficient vehicles, and the Highlander is no exception. The XSE's fuel economy is a testament to Toyota's commitment to providing vehicles that are both powerful and efficient. This focus on fuel economy makes the Highlander XSE a cost-effective choice for those who want to minimize their fuel expenses. The Highlander XSE's fuel efficiency is also a benefit for the environment, as it helps to reduce emissions. If you're looking for an SUV that offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy, the Highlander XSE is definitely worth considering. The ability to achieve respectable gas mileage is a significant selling point, especially in today's market, where fuel prices can fluctuate. The Highlander XSE’s fuel efficiency helps to make it a practical and economical choice, without sacrificing the performance or features that you expect from a modern SUV. The blend of power and efficiency, coupled with its overall versatility, solidifies its position as a top contender in the mid-size SUV segment.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE sits in the mid-range of the Highlander trim levels, offering a compelling blend of features and value. It typically costs more than the base trims but offers a significant upgrade in terms of styling, performance, and features. The exact price will vary depending on the specific options and packages you choose, as well as your location. However, the XSE generally provides a competitive value proposition within its segment.

It is essential to compare the XSE trim to other Highlander models to understand its value. The XSE offers a sportier design, a sport-tuned suspension, and unique features that are not available on the base trims. The price difference between the XSE and the lower trims is often justified by the added features and enhanced driving experience. When comparing it to higher trims, the XSE provides a good balance between features and price, making it a smart choice for many buyers. The XSE also typically includes a comprehensive set of standard features, such as advanced safety technology, a user-friendly infotainment system, and comfortable seating. The value of the XSE lies in its ability to offer a premium driving experience without breaking the bank. The price point is often competitive with other SUVs in its class, making it a smart purchase. To get the best deal, it's always a good idea to compare prices from different dealerships and to consider any available incentives or rebates. The Highlander XSE's combination of features, performance, and value makes it a popular choice in the mid-size SUV segment. The trim offers a compelling package for those who want a sporty and well-equipped vehicle without exceeding their budget. The strategic placement of the XSE trim in the Highlander lineup demonstrates Toyota's understanding of the market, offering a variety of options to cater to various consumer preferences and budgets.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for any SUV, and the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to help protect you and your passengers. Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, is standard on the Highlander, providing a high level of protection. This suite typically includes features such as:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: This system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate an impact.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: This system maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, adjusting your speed automatically to maintain a safe following distance.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: This system warns you if you start to drift out of your lane and can even provide steering assistance to help you stay centered.
• Lane Tracing Assist: This system helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, especially on highways with clear lane markings.
• Automatic High Beams: This system automatically switches between high and low beams as needed, providing optimal visibility without blinding other drivers.
• Road Sign Assist: This system can recognize and display road signs, providing you with important information about speed limits and other regulations.

In addition to these advanced safety features, the Highlander also includes a full complement of airbags, a rearview camera, and other standard safety equipment. The Highlander has consistently earned high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, reflecting its commitment to protecting occupants. The inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense as a standard feature demonstrates Toyota's dedication to making safety a priority for all its customers. The combination of advanced technology and robust construction makes the Highlander a safe and reliable choice for families and anyone who values safety. The features work in harmony to provide a comprehensive safety net, helping to protect occupants in a variety of driving situations. Overall, the Highlander XSE offers peace of mind, knowing that you and your passengers are well-protected. The comprehensive safety package is a major selling point for the Highlander, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for a safe and reliable SUV. The emphasis on safety, combined with the other features and performance enhancements, makes the Highlander XSE a top contender in the mid-size SUV market.

Pros and Cons

To give you a complete picture, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE:

Pros:

• Sporty and stylish design with unique exterior elements.
• Sport-tuned suspension for improved handling.
• Comfortable and well-appointed interior.
• User-friendly technology features.
• Standard advanced safety features.
• Good fuel economy for its class.
• Versatile three-row seating.

Cons:

• Third-row seating is best suited for children.
• The sport-tuned suspension might result in a slightly firmer ride compared to other trims.
• The engine is not the most powerful in its class.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE is an excellent choice for those seeking a sporty and practical mid-size SUV. It offers a stylish design, enhanced driving dynamics, and a well-equipped interior, all while maintaining the Highlander's reputation for reliability and versatility. If you're looking for an SUV that stands out from the crowd and provides an engaging driving experience, the XSE is well worth considering. Be sure to test drive it to see if it meets your needs, but the Highlander XSE is a strong contender. Thanks for reading, and happy driving! Remember to always prioritize safety and enjoy the road! Before making your final decision, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a sporty driving experience, a stylish design, and a comfortable interior, the Highlander XSE is an excellent choice. Its balance of performance, features, and value makes it a compelling option in the competitive mid-size SUV market. The Highlander XSE is more than just a car; it's a statement about your lifestyle. It reflects your desire for both practicality and a touch of excitement in your daily drive. The comprehensive package, from the safety features to the design, makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers.