2024 Toyota Highlander XSE: Sporty Style & Tech

Hey guys! Let's talk about a ride that's been turning heads and making families happy – the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that doesn't just haul people but does it with a serious dose of sporty style and smart tech, then you've landed in the right spot. The XSE trim level is specifically designed for those who want their family hauler to have a bit more oomph and a more aggressive look, separating it from the more conventionally styled trims. Toyota really nailed it with this version, offering a package that balances practicality with a touch of flair that many competitors struggle to match. We're talking about a vehicle that’s ready for the weekly school run, the grocery store hustle, and those weekend road trips, all while looking good doing it. The Highlander has always been a solid choice for families, known for its reliability and comfortable ride, but the XSE cranks it up a notch, giving you a sportier suspension, unique exterior accents, and a more premium interior feel. So, buckle up as we dive deep into what makes the 2024 Highlander XSE a standout option in the crowded SUV segment. Get ready to explore its design, performance, interior features, and the overall value it brings to the table.

Dynamic Design: The XSE's Standout Look

The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE isn't just another SUV; it’s a statement. From the moment you lay eyes on it, you can tell this trim is different. Toyota designers have really dialed up the sportiness here, making it the most visually aggressive option in the Highlander lineup. We're talking about a more aggressive front fascia, a distinctive grille pattern, and sleek, dark-finished exterior accents that scream 'look at me.' The XSE package also includes unique badging, dark-colored wheels (often 20-inch alloys), and a sport-tuned suspension that not only enhances handling but also gives the vehicle a more planted, athletic stance. The side profile is enhanced with body-colored lower trim and mirror caps, further distinguishing it from other trims. Even the rear gets some love with a dual-tip exhaust and a more sculpted bumper. This isn't just about slapping on some sporty trim pieces; it's a cohesive design effort that makes the Highlander XSE look genuinely athletic and more upscale. For guys who want their SUV to look as good as it performs, the XSE delivers. It’s the kind of vehicle that you don’t mind parking front and center, whether you’re at a car show or just picking up the kids. The attention to detail, like the LED lighting elements and the specific wheel designs, adds to its premium feel. This aggressive styling is a key selling point, attracting buyers who might otherwise look at more performance-oriented brands but still need the practicality of a three-row SUV. It proves that a family vehicle doesn't have to be boring, offering a perfect blend of form and function that appeals to a wide range of drivers.

Under the Hood: Performance and Handling

When you hear 'XSE,' you expect a bit more pep, right? The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE delivers. Underneath its sporty exterior lies a robust powertrain designed to provide a confident and engaging driving experience. The standard engine for the Highlander lineup, including the XSE, is a potent 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine puts out a healthy 265 horsepower and a stout 310 lb-ft of torque. Now, that might not sound like a race car on paper, but trust me, the torque delivery is where it shines. It offers significantly more low-end grunt compared to the outgoing V6, making for quicker acceleration from a stop and more effortless passing maneuvers on the highway. This is crucial when you've got a car full of passengers and gear. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s smooth and responsive, keeping the power delivery refined. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on the XSE, and it’s highly recommended for those who deal with varying weather conditions or simply want that extra bit of traction and stability. The XSE trim also benefits from a sport-tuned suspension. This means the springs and shock absorbers are calibrated to reduce body roll during cornering and provide a more connected feel to the road. While it’s sportier, it doesn't completely sacrifice comfort; Toyota has found a good balance, so you still get a compliant ride suitable for longer journeys. Steering is also precise and well-weighted, adding to the overall confidence drivers feel behind the wheel. Whether you're navigating city streets, cruising on the open road, or tackling some winding country lanes, the Highlander XSE feels planted and capable. It’s a powertrain and chassis combination that proves family SUVs can be both practical and enjoyable to drive.

Inside the Cabin: Comfort, Tech, and Space

Stepping inside the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE, you'll find a cabin that perfectly blends upscale comfort with cutting-edge technology, all wrapped in a practical package for families. The XSE trim often comes with unique interior accents, like special stitching on the seats, unique trim materials, and sometimes even ambient lighting, that set it apart. You'll immediately notice the comfortable seating for up to eight passengers (or seven with the optional captain's chairs in the second row), a huge plus for larger families or carpooling duties. The front seats are supportive and offer plenty of adjustments, making long drives a breeze. The second row is equally accommodating, offering generous legroom and headroom, and it slides and tilts for easier access to the third row. Speaking of the third row, it’s best suited for children or shorter adults on shorter trips, which is typical for this segment, but it’s there when you need it. Material quality throughout the cabin is excellent, with soft-touch surfaces in all the key areas, giving it a premium feel. The dashboard is logically laid out, putting all the controls within easy reach of the driver. When it comes to tech, Toyota has equipped the Highlander XSE with a user-friendly infotainment system. You get a standard 8-inch touchscreen, but the XSE often upgrades to a larger, more vibrant 12.3-inch display, which is absolutely stunning. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. Other standard tech features usually include a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB ports throughout all three rows (essential for keeping everyone's devices charged!), and a suite of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking – all part of Toyota Safety Sense. Higher trims might offer a premium audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and a panoramic moonroof to enhance the cabin experience even further. It’s a space that’s designed to be both a comfortable sanctuary and a connected hub for your family's adventures.

Safety First: Toyota's Commitment to Protection

When you're looking at family vehicles, safety is non-negotiable, and the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE is a prime example of Toyota's unwavering commitment to keeping you and your loved ones protected. Every Highlander, including the XSE trim, comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense. This is Toyota's comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, and it’s a real game-changer for peace of mind on the road. We're talking about features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which can help mitigate or even avoid frontal collisions. Then there’s Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), which is an adaptive cruise control system that automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist helps you stay within your lane markings, and Lane Tracing Assist provides subtle steering input to keep you centered. Automatic High Beams switch between high and low beams automatically, enhancing visibility without dazzling other drivers. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also typically available or standard on XSE, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. Beyond these active safety systems, the Highlander is built on a strong chassis designed to absorb and dissipate crash energy effectively. Multiple airbags are strategically placed throughout the cabin to provide maximum protection in the event of a collision. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) consistently give the Highlander high ratings, underscoring its excellent safety credentials. Choosing the Highlander XSE means you’re not just getting a stylish and capable SUV; you’re investing in a vehicle that prioritizes your safety with a robust array of standard and available features. It’s this dedication to safety that makes the Highlander a trusted choice for families year after year.

Why Choose the XSE Trim?

So, why go for the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE over other trims? It really comes down to what you value most in your daily driver. If you appreciate a vehicle that looks as good as it performs, the XSE is your clear winner. Its aggressive styling, unique wheels, and sportier stance give it a commanding presence that the other trims just don't have. It’s for the buyer who wants their SUV to have a bit of personality and stand out from the crowd. Performance-wise, the XSE’s sport-tuned suspension offers a more engaging driving dynamic without sacrificing the comfort that Highlander is known for. It feels more responsive in corners and more planted on the highway, making your commutes and road trips more enjoyable. Inside, the XSE often includes premium touches and the larger infotainment screen, elevating the overall cabin experience. While many of the core features are shared across the Highlander lineup, the XSE wraps them in a package that feels more exclusive and sporty. It’s the perfect middle ground – you get the enhanced aesthetics and driving feel without venturing into luxury price territory. Think of it as the Highlander that’s ready to have a bit more fun. If you’re someone who likes the idea of a reliable, spacious, and safe three-row SUV but wants it to have a bit of an edge, the 2024 Highlander XSE is purpose-built for you. It’s the smart choice for those who want a little extra style and sportiness injected into their family adventures.