SUV Review: 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2024)

It’s fair to say that the 2024 Toyota Highlander has missed the spotlight lately. You can thank the media, as critics have fallen for the

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and

. Toyota’s recent launch of the bigger

also makes it hard to focus on the older model.

However, talk to neighbours or colleagues about the many options in the world of three-row crossovers, and the conversation will naturally flow towards the Toyota Highlander. After testing it out for a week, it becomes easy to understand why.

What’s so special about the 2024 Toyota Highlander?

In 2024, the Highlander lacks the visual allure that the other three-row crossovers exhibit. There’s no swoopy profile like with the

, and it is softer looking than the tough Kia Telluride or

. The Toyota is somewhere on the same page as the

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: not too boxy, not too fancy and looks like a family hauler without looking like a minivan.

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Our tester features the optional Nightshade package, a half-hearted effort to try and spruce up its curb appeal. It has black mirror caps, door handles, wheels and badges. However, eagle-eyed car watchers will notice the blue Toyota badges, which denote that this tester is a hybrid model.

The Toyota Highlanders gas-electric powertrain used to be the most noteworthy thing about it, dating back to around 2006, but since then, the competition has caught up. The new

offers a hybrid, along with the Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer. What used to be the standout feature for Toyota is mainstream and no longer exclusive to the Japanese three-row.

• Long-term test intro: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max
• 2023 Toyota Highlander vs Kia Telluride | SUV Comparison

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How practical is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

That’s not the only thing that feels unloved about the Highlander. Consider that Toyota recently released a Grand Highlander with more passenger and cargo room. There are 453 litres of cargo room behind the third row of this non-grand unit, which is 130L less than the Grand Highlander, so drivers that need space for six or more passengers and their cargo will want to skip this model entirely.

Instead, this car makes more sense for a family of four or five that are on the go with stuff like a stroller, hockey bags and/or groceries. There are 1,370L of space behind the second row of seats and 2,387L with both rows folded down.

How’s the interior of the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

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Accessing the third row isn’t graceful, proving why the automaker has a new, larger crossover above the Highlander. It’s not very accommodating, especially for adults. However, the second row is much easier to get into and is more comfortable. The appointments in this XLE model are a bit dull, and you miss all the cool features other three-row SUVs have, including a cabin PA system or in-cabin camera for checking in on the kids.

The good news is that this model has rear sunshades and three-zone climate control. This model also includes a heated steering wheel, along with heated front seats, but ventilated seats are on Limited trim models. If you want heated rear seats, consider the Limited trim and Platinum package, which feels like a decision that needs a financial advisor.

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While the second row is on the average side, the front seats are much nicer. The highlight here is the at-hand storage space. Items can be stowed under the console or in the armrest, which is helpful for families on the go.

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The touchscreen infotainment system on this Highlander is pretty average, measuring eight inches across. It’s not only small, but the user interface is a bit clumsy, with small icons that take some exploring to understand. Limited trim level models include a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 1,200-watt JBL branded sound system. Fortunately, there is a wireless phone charger in this XLE and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

What powers the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

While there are several trim levels of the Highlander, there are just two powertrains, though they both feature all-wheel-drive. Gas-powered models feature a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This setup gets an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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Our hybrid tester uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and three electric motors for a combined output of 243 hp. While it is down on power compared to the gas-only option, the hybrid is a must-have for anyone considering a new Highlander. Not only is it responsive, but it’s incredibly fuel efficient, delivering around 7 L/100 km during our test. That’s compact car territory consumption, but with the seats to carry six or more.

What’s it like to drive the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Completing a pass on the go is easy, but the eCVT can ramp up the rpm on the gas side of this powertrain to an uncomfortably loud level. It’s a temporary buzz, and the motor gets quiet when you reach your desired speed. Otherwise, whenever it’s not pushing things on the highway, the Highlander is very quiet.

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Steering is fairly responsive, with a limited road feel, leaving the wheel to feel smooth and comfortable in your hands. The ride is also well sorted as the Highlander doesn’t feel like a large lumbering SUV. It can soak up loads of kilometres with a cushy demeanour.

How safe is the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

In addition to the hybrid powertrain and quiet ride, the Highlander also comes with plenty of safety equipment. The Toyota Highlander was recently rated a Top Safety Pick award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the safety technology found on most models is all-encompassing. The adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and blind spot monitoring feel pretty natural to use as well.

There were times when I would have liked better cameras. Parking a three-row can feel a little clumsy, especially in tight spots, and I wish there were better cameras to make this task easier. At least outward visibility is excellent in this crossover.

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2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid competitors

Last year, we compared the

and found the Kia to be the better buy. That still makes sense since most buyers are looking for the most bang for their buck, which they’ll get from the Kia. The

is almost mechanically identical to the

, so that’s also a smart choice in this class. Other options include the

, the

, the

and the

.

However, Toyota has earned its reputation for building dependable cars, while other automakers (especially the Koreans) can be hit or miss in terms of reliability. If you value that reputation, then it makes sense to lean towards a Toyota, even if it’s not the flashiest car on the road or the most value-packed.

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2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Canadian pricing

This 2024 Toyota Highlander starts at $49,850 for a gas-powered LE AWD model, while Highlander Hybrids start at $52,850, or about $3,000 more than the gas-equivalent model. Our Highlander XLE Hybrid tester includes the Nightshade package for about $57,280. That XLE model was missing some key features, but the fully loaded Highlander Hybrid Limited with the Platinum package costs almost $63,000, which feels pretty steep. At that price, you need to ensure you won’t need the extra size afforded by the Grand Highlander, which costs between $53,000 and $68,000.

Final thoughts

The 2024 Toyota Highlander proves that three-row crossovers don’t need to be fancy or all-new. They just need to get the job done. The Japanese family hauler does that, so long as you opt for that hybrid powertrain, which is super efficient and still responsive. Despite struggling in head-to-head matchups that emphasize features, style and value, the Highlander has a reputation for reliability to go along with its fuel-efficient nature. Now it makes sense why it’s still so popular despite all the new players in the segment.