Does the Toyota Highlander have daytime running lights?
Yes. In modern Highlander models, daytime running lights (DRLs) are standard equipment, with the exact appearance and availability varying by year and trim. Older generations did not universally include DRLs, and regional differences can apply.
DRLs by Highlander generation
Below is a generation-by-generation snapshot that shows how daytime running lights evolved across the Highlander lineup and how standardization has shifted toward broader availability in recent years.
- First generation (2001–2007): Daytime running lights were not universally standard. Availability depended on market and trim; some regions did not offer DRLs as a built-in feature.
- Second generation (2008–2013): DRLs were still not a universal standard across all trims or markets, with some configurations offering DRLs through optional packages or varying by region.
- Third generation (2014–2019): DRLs became more common and were offered on a broader range of trims. Higher trims often featured LED or more prominent DRLs as part of upgraded lighting packages.
- Fourth generation (2020–present): DRLs are standard on most or all trims in many markets, with LED daytime running lights integrated into the headlamps on newer models and higher trims.
Across these generations, the trend has been toward greater standardization of DRLs, especially as regulatory and safety expectations have increased and as Toyota redesigned the Highlander’s lighting system.
Current model specifics
For the current-generation Highlander (2020 model year and newer), daytime running lights are typically standard across the lineup in the United States and many other markets. The DRLs are generally integrated into the headlight assembly, often as LED strips, with higher trims offering more advanced LED headlamp configurations. Exact details can vary by year, trim level, and region, so checking the official specifications for a given model is recommended.
By market considerations
Regional lighting requirements and trim levels can influence how DRLs are implemented. In regions with strict lighting regulations, DRLs are often standard across all Highlander variants, while in other markets they may appear primarily on higher trims or specific packages.
- United States: DRLs are standard on modern Highlanders, with LED daytime running lights on higher trims and LED headlights on top grades.
- Europe and other regions: DRLs are commonly required by regulation, so newer Highlander models typically include standard DRLs across trims.
In practice, if you’re shopping for a Highlander and DRLs are important to you, verify the lighting configuration in the exact model year and trim you’re considering, as there can be variations by market and option packages.
Summary
Daytime running lights are a standard feature on most contemporary Toyota Highlanders, especially in the current generation. While older generations did not always include DRLs by default, modern Highlander models routinely offer DRLs as part of standard or widely available lighting packages. Always check the specific year and trim to confirm the DRL setup for a given vehicle.
