Hey guys! Are you thinking about getting a new SUV? Let's dive into the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE! This isn't just your average family hauler; it's got some serious style and a sporty vibe that sets it apart. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its interior comfort and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What Makes the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE Stand Out?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE distinguishes itself with a unique blend of sporty aesthetics and practical functionality, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile SUV. The Highlander XSE sports a distinctive exterior design, featuring a bold front grille, aggressive front and rear bumpers, and unique rocker panels that enhance its athletic stance. These design elements give it a more dynamic and youthful appearance compared to other trims in the Highlander lineup. Beyond aesthetics, the XSE trim offers enhanced performance capabilities. It comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension that provides a more engaging driving experience. The suspension is calibrated to deliver sharper handling and reduced body roll, making it more enjoyable to drive on winding roads. The inclusion of paddle shifters further allows drivers to take control of gear changes, adding to the sporty feel. Inside, the Highlander XSE boasts unique interior styling with black SofTex-trimmed seats featuring red accents, which create a sporty and premium ambiance. The seats are not only visually appealing but also provide excellent comfort and support for long drives. The cabin is equipped with advanced technology features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Safety is also a key highlight of the Highlander XSE. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of active safety features that includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. These features provide an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for drivers and passengers. Overall, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE stands out due to its sporty design, enhanced performance, unique interior styling, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features, making it a well-rounded and attractive option in the competitive SUV market.

Performance and Handling: Is the XSE Fun to Drive?

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE offers a driving experience that sets it apart from other trims in the Highlander lineup. The heart of the Highlander XSE's performance is its robust 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising, ensuring a responsive and engaging experience. The turbocharged engine provides strong acceleration and smooth power delivery, making it easy to merge onto highways and pass other vehicles. One of the key features that enhances the driving dynamics of the Highlander XSE is its sport-tuned suspension. This suspension system is specifically calibrated to provide a firmer and more controlled ride, reducing body roll during cornering and improving overall handling. The result is a more engaging and confident driving experience, especially on winding roads. The sport-tuned suspension works in conjunction with the vehicle's chassis to provide a balanced and stable feel, enhancing the driver's connection to the road. The Highlander XSE also comes equipped with paddle shifters, allowing drivers to manually control gear changes. This feature adds an element of driver engagement, enabling them to downshift for extra power when needed or hold a gear for better control on twisty roads. The paddle shifters provide a more connected and sporty driving experience, appealing to those who enjoy being more involved in the driving process. The Highlander XSE offers different drive modes, including a Sport mode, which further enhances the vehicle's responsiveness. In Sport mode, the engine and transmission are optimized for quicker acceleration and more aggressive performance. The steering also becomes more weighted, providing a more precise and direct feel. While the Highlander XSE is not a sports car, its performance and handling characteristics make it a surprisingly fun and engaging SUV to drive. The combination of a powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and selectable drive modes creates a driving experience that is both enjoyable and practical for everyday use. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a road trip, the Highlander XSE provides a dynamic and rewarding driving experience.

Interior Comfort and Technology: What's It Like Inside?

Stepping inside the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE, you're greeted with a cabin that balances comfort, style, and technology. The interior is designed to cater to both the driver and passengers, providing a pleasant and functional environment for daily commutes and long journeys. The Highlander XSE features unique interior styling elements that set it apart from other trims. The seats are upholstered in black SofTex material with red accents, creating a sporty and premium look. The red stitching and accents add a touch of flair to the cabin, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. The seats are not only visually appealing but also offer excellent comfort and support. The front seats are well-bolstered, providing ample support during cornering, while the rear seats are spacious and comfortable, even for adult passengers. The Highlander XSE offers a range of technology features designed to enhance the driving experience. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a large touchscreen display, which provides access to navigation, audio controls, and vehicle settings. The system is intuitive and easy to use, with crisp graphics and responsive touch inputs. The Highlander XSE comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing seamless integration of smartphones. This enables drivers to access their favorite apps, make calls, send messages, and stream music directly from the infotainment system. The Highlander XSE is equipped with a premium audio system that delivers clear and immersive sound quality. The audio system provides excellent sound reproduction, making it enjoyable to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while on the road. The Highlander XSE offers a range of convenience features, including keyless entry, push-button start, and a power liftgate. These features add to the overall convenience and ease of use of the vehicle, making it a practical choice for busy families. The Highlander XSE provides a comfortable and functional interior space that is well-suited for both daily commutes and long road trips. The combination of stylish design, comfortable seating, advanced technology, and convenient features makes it a pleasant and enjoyable place to spend time.

Safety Features: How Safe Is the Highlander XSE?

Safety is a top priority for the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE, and it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. The Highlander XSE comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a suite of active safety technologies that includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. These features work together to provide an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for drivers and passengers. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection uses a combination of radar and camera technology to detect vehicles and pedestrians in front of the vehicle. If a potential collision is detected, the system provides an audible and visual warning, and if the driver does not respond, it can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid a collision. The lane departure alert with steering assist monitors the vehicle's position within its lane and provides an audible and visual warning if it detects that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane. If the driver does not respond, the system can provide gentle steering input to help keep the vehicle within its lane. The adaptive cruise control system maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance. This feature can help reduce driver fatigue on long highway drives and make it easier to maintain a consistent speed. The road sign assist system uses a camera to detect and recognize road signs, such as speed limit signs, and displays them on the instrument panel. This feature can help drivers stay aware of the current speed limit and other important road information. In addition to TSS 2.5+, the Highlander XSE comes standard with a range of passive safety features, including multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. These features work together to provide a comprehensive level of protection in the event of a collision. The Highlander XSE has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings reflect the vehicle's strong performance in crash tests and its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Overall, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE is a very safe vehicle, thanks to its comprehensive suite of advanced safety features and its excellent crash test ratings. Whether you're driving around town or embarking on a long road trip, you can have confidence in the Highlander XSE's ability to protect you and your passengers.

Fuel Economy: How Efficient Is the XSE?

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many SUV buyers, and the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE offers a competitive balance of power and efficiency. The Highlander XSE is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for most driving situations while also delivering respectable fuel economy. The Highlander XSE is rated by the EPA at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These fuel economy ratings are competitive for a midsize SUV and make the Highlander XSE a reasonable choice for those looking to balance performance and fuel efficiency. Several factors contribute to the Highlander XSE's fuel economy. The turbocharged engine is designed to provide strong power at lower RPMs, which can help improve fuel efficiency. The engine is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that is optimized for both performance and fuel economy. The Highlander XSE also features aerodynamic enhancements that help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. These enhancements include a streamlined body design and underbody panels that help smooth airflow beneath the vehicle. The Highlander XSE offers different drive modes that can be used to optimize fuel economy. The Eco mode, for example, adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. The Highlander XSE also comes standard with features such as start-stop technology, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped to save fuel. Overall, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE offers respectable fuel economy for a midsize SUV. While it's not the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, it provides a good balance of power and efficiency that should satisfy most buyers.

Pricing and Value: Is the XSE Worth the Money?

When considering the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE, pricing and value are crucial factors. The Highlander XSE is positioned as a sporty and stylish trim within the Highlander lineup, and its price reflects the additional features and enhancements it offers. The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE has a starting MSRP of around $43,000. This price is higher than the base Highlander L trim but lower than the top-of-the-line Platinum trim. The Highlander XSE offers a good balance of features and price, making it a compelling option for those looking for a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank. Several factors contribute to the Highlander XSE's value proposition. It comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling, and black SofTex-trimmed seats with red accents. These features give the Highlander XSE a more sporty and premium feel compared to other trims. The Highlander XSE also comes standard with a range of technology features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. These features enhance the overall driving experience and make the Highlander XSE a more connected and convenient vehicle. The Highlander XSE offers strong resale value, which is an important consideration for many buyers. Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability and durability, which helps them retain their value over time. The Highlander XSE also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of active safety technologies that includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features provide an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for drivers and passengers. Overall, the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE offers good value for the money. Its combination of sporty styling, enhanced performance, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features make it a compelling option in the competitive midsize SUV market. While it may not be the cheapest SUV available, its strong resale value and reputation for reliability make it a smart long-term investment.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE?

So, should you buy the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE? Let's recap. The Highlander XSE is a standout choice in the midsize SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of sporty aesthetics, enhanced performance, and practical features. It's perfect for families or individuals who want a vehicle that's both stylish and functional. If you value a more engaging driving experience, the XSE's sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters will definitely appeal to you. Plus, the unique interior and exterior styling set it apart from the more traditional Highlander trims. The Highlander XSE is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of style, performance, and practicality. If you're looking for a midsize SUV that stands out from the crowd, the Highlander XSE is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for those who want a vehicle that's both fun to drive and practical for everyday use.