Does the Highlander have ambient lighting?
Yes. Ambient lighting is available on the Toyota Highlander, especially on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims; base L and LE typically do not include it.
Ambient interior lighting refers to the soft LED illumination placed along the cabin—such as door panels, the console, and footwells—that can be adjusted for color and brightness to enhance mood and night visibility.
Trim-by-trim availability
The following trims commonly include interior ambient lighting on recent Highlander models. Availability can vary by model year and market, so verify with the dealer for your exact configuration.
- XLE
- Limited
- Platinum
In some markets or model years, ambient lighting may be included as part of an interior package or offered as an option on lower trims. Always confirm the feature on the specific vehicle you’re considering.
What ambient lighting covers
Ambient lighting in the Highlander typically consists of LED strips or panels that illuminate areas such as the doors, center console, and footwells. Higher trims usually offer multiple color options and adjustable brightness to suit personal preference.
Color options and control
On supported trims and model years, you can usually choose among several color tones and adjust brightness through the vehicle’s settings menu. The exact options and controls can vary by year and infotainment system version.
Practical benefits
Beyond aesthetics, ambient lighting helps with cabin orientation at night, reduces glare, and contributes to a more refined, premium feel inside the vehicle.
Model-year notes and updates
Toyota has progressively refined interior lighting across the Highlander lineup. For model years from around 2020 onward, ambient lighting has been standard or readily available on mid- to high-tier trims (XLE and above) in many markets, with variations by year and region. If ambient lighting is a priority, check the exact feature list for the year you’re considering.
Summary
If ambient lighting matters to you, target the Highlander’s XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, where it is commonly included. The base L and LE trims are less likely to include it, though packages or regional variations may differ. Always confirm the feature set on the specific vehicle through the dealer or official specifications for the model year you’re interested in.
What year to stay away from a Toyota Highlander?
Years to avoid in the Toyota Highlander include 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2020 due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and technology glitches. Other problematic years to consider are 2001-2007 (engine and climate control issues) and 2016-2019 (varying issues including potential oil leaks in some models).
This video discusses problems with the Toyota Highlander from 2020 to 2025, including paint issues: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Toyota Highlander years to avoid
- 2001–2007: Prone to engine overheating, head gasket failures, and climate control issues like AC compressor and blower motor problems.
- 2003: A big year for issues, particularly engine oil sludge buildup and premature transmission wear, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch.
- 2008: A redesigned model that experienced oil cooler line leaks, which can cause engine damage if not addressed, and lower-quality interior components.
- 2014: A recall was issued for the second-row seat assembly that may not lock correctly into the seat track, and there were also reports of issues that might be linked to the transmission, says Clutch and Reddit users.
- 2015: Experienced growing pains from its redesign, with various reports of growing issues, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch.
- 2020: Experienced early transmission and software problems, say Clutch and Reddit users.
You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander: 51sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025
Does the Toyota Highlander have ambient lighting?
Which Toyota models have Ambient Lighting available? In cabin Ambient Lighting is available on most Toyota models including Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, Camry, Prius, RAV4, Highlander, Grand Highlander, Sienna, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra.
How to change ambient lighting in Toyota Highlander?
In order to customize. Your lights both headlights. And interior lights in the Toyota. You're going to go from any screen.
Do Toyotas have ambient lighting?
Yes, many modern Toyotas have ambient lighting, though the availability, features, and control methods vary by model and trim level. Some vehicles include it as a factory-installed feature on higher trims, while others offer it as a dealer-installed accessory or as part of an optional package.
This video explains how to adjust interior ambient lighting in a Toyota Tundra: 40sToyota USAYouTube · Apr 25, 2025
How to get ambient lighting in a Toyota
- As a factory-installed option: Some higher trim levels, like the XLE and XSE on models such as the Camry, come standard with LED ambient lighting. Other models, including the RAV4, may offer it as part of a premium package.
- As a dealer-installed accessory: In some regions, Toyota offers a "SmartLED Ambient Lighting" accessory that can be installed by a dealer. This often includes features like color selection via a smartphone app.
- As an aftermarket option: There are also aftermarket kits available that can be installed in many Toyota models to add ambient lighting.
How it works
- Factory lighting: Ambient lighting that comes from the factory is often integrated into the vehicle's controls, and its settings may be found in the infotainment system under vehicle customization menus.
- Accessory lighting: Ambient lighting from accessories like "SmartLED" can often be controlled through a dedicated smartphone app, allowing for color selection and brightness adjustments directly from your phone.
This video shows how to add ambient lighting to your Toyota with the SmartLED accessory: 1mToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Mar 11, 2023
