Digging Into The Two Flavors Of Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s Highlander has come a long way since its debut in the year 2000 as a boxy-looking bore, and is now a stylish best-selling SUV model in its fourth generation. The Highlander now comes in two different wheelbase and drivetrain configurations. Right now Toyota has a number of great incentives on the Highlander. See why the Highlander continues to top sales charts in a crowded segment.
Toyota cars and SUVs continue to offer Americans of all classes some of the most reliable transportation on the market. From their entry to America in 1957 to game-changing models like the Corolla and the Camry, Toyota is now the best selling car brand in America, usurping the throne from General Motors in 2021. Sales of the Highlander decreased from 2022 to 2023, so you may now be able to get an excellent deal on these reliable SUV models as the Highlander enters its fifth model year of the current iteration.
Highlander comes with a turbocharged engine that has a none-too-shabby 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Its eight speed automatic transmission ensures excellent freeway gas mileage, getting up to 29 MPG highway and 25 MPG combined. It has either front or all wheel drive depending on your need to traverse winter-covered roads or sunny pavement in Florida.
An optional Hybrid Max powertrain propels the Highlander along even faster than the regular model, with a combined 362 horsepower. Highlander Hybrid starts at $40,970 msrp and gets 36mpg combined MPG, an insane fuel economy rating for a 3-row SUV. Right now Toyota is offering attractive lease deals on Highlander Hybrid.
The “regular” Highlander is a mid-size SUV with a spacious and quiet cabin. It comes in several trims, including LE ($39,270 msrp), XLE ($42,420 msrp), XSE ($44,015 msrp), Limited ($46,525 msrp), and Platinum ($49,725 msrp). Some standard features include Toyota Safety Sense, a panoramic view monitor, eight inch stereo, power driver’s seat, three-zone climate control, leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel, a 7 inch LCD info display, and a backup camera. The XLE trim adds a hands-free power liftgate, leather-trimmed seats, and a wireless charging pad. Highlander Hybrid has all the same trims as well as the Nightshade trim ($41,970 msrp), which is not available on the regular Highlander.
If the normal Highlander is too small for your needs, fear not – Toyota has the new Grand Highlander in store, starting at $43,320 msrp for entry-level XLE trim. It has a third row seat and more cargo room, also offering a hybrid option. Taking on the likes of other “Grand” options like Jeep’s Grand Cherokee, the Grand Highlander offers a more affordable approach to the 7 passenger SUV, with better reliability to boot
Right now Toyota has a number of incentives to on the Highlander. These include lease deals on both Highlander and the larger Grand Highlander, which lease for surprisingly similar amounts. There are Toyota Financial Services offers available on both Highlander and Grand Highlander. Lastly Toyota has rebates available for college students and military members. Be sure to consult local dealers for current offers on Highlander and Grand Highlander models as they may vary by region.
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