Toyota Highlander entered the 2024 model year with modest updates, but has increased noticeably in price

The starting price tag of a crossover in the American market has increased significantly (by 2.7 thousand dollars) due to the fact that it was deprived basic configuration.

The current fourth-generation three-row Toyota Highlander crossover was introduced in 2019. For the current model year, the SUV has been updated quite noticeably, in particular, the V6 engine has been replaced by a 2.4-liter T24S series turbo-four. Its output is 269 hp and maximum torque is 419 Nm. Now Highlander has reached the 2024 model year, this time its technology was not touched.

In the photo: Toyota Highlander 2024 model year in the Nightshade version

The refreshed crossover, like a number of other models of the Japanese brand, has acquired a Nightshade version. This trim is available on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in LE and XLE trims. Such cars are distinguished by a number of darkened elements: nameplates located at the rear, side mirror housings, radiator grille, as well as 18-inch wheels with five spokes, a spoiler and a shark fin antenna, and in the XLE configuration the roof rails are also darkened . Inside, the dark trim is emphasized by black seats (the XLE version has silver inserts). The 2024 model year crossover in the Nightshade version in the US can be purchased for a minimum of $41,720.

Note that the “darkened” finish has replaced the Bronze Edition, which the refreshed SUVs will not have. Another important change for the 2024 model year was the absence of the basic L configuration. Moreover, nothing was selected to replace this option. Its price tag for the 2023 model year crossover in the American market was $36,420.

This means that the LE is now the launch version of the Toyota Highlander. The cost of such a crossover for the new model year is $39,120, which is $300 more than the same version for 2023. However, due to the absence of the former base L variant, the starting price tag of the refreshed Highlander increased sharply by $2,700. 1/2 2/2

The list of available body colors includes Cement, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black and Ruby Flare Pearl. The XLE and XSE now come standard with a power liftgate for hands-free operation.

In the photo: the interior of the 2024 Toyota Highlander in the Nightshade version

As we have already emphasized, the technology of the three-row crossover remains the same. The model can have either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while for simpler versions a transmission with a clutch on the rear axle was provided, and more expensive versions were equipped with a Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system with individual clutches for connecting the rear wheels. The 2024 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a 269-horsepower turbo-four paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

< p>The second version of the “filling” is a hybrid installation, which is based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, which works in tandem with two electric motors and a battery located under the rear seats. The total output of this system in the crossover is 246 hp.