I had an amazing time driving the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE All-Wheel Drive, a spacious and comfortable 7-passenger SUV that’s perfect for family adventures. My drives took me all around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, from navigating the Beltway on I-495 to cruising westward on I-270 and I-70 through the scenic Appalachian hills, even reaching the northeastern parts of West Virginia on I-81.
The Highlander XSE AWD provides a luxurious feel, with high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish throughout the interior. Under the hood, it’s powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that offers a solid balance of power and efficiency. With an impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity, this SUV can handle family trips and even tow a small boat or trailer, making it highly versatile.
In terms of technology, the Highlander XSE comes well-equipped. The standard model includes an 8-inch multimedia display, but the vehicle I drove featured an upgraded 12.3-inch Toyota multimedia system paired with 11 JBL speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier. This setup offered incredible sound quality, especially when I listened to music I created in the Carnegie Mellon music department for our STEAM learning video game. The immersive audio experience is a testament to Toyota’s attention to detail in providing both comfort and technology.
Safety and convenience features also stand out in the Highlander XSE. With Toyota Safety Sense, features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking are included, providing peace of mind on long trips. The SUV’s auto-hold feature, premium seating, and bold exterior styling add to its appeal. I’m looking forward to trying the upcoming Grand Highlander, but the Highlander XSE proved to be an exceptional choice for a week-long drive around the D.C. area.
The base price of the Toyota Highlander XSE I drove is $45,850. With options like the premium multimedia sound system and delivery fees, the total came to approximately $48,185. For more information, visit www.toyota.com