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What are the different levels of Toyota Highlanders?

In short, the Highlander's current lineup includes five gasoline trims—L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum—and corresponding Hybrid trims with "Hybrid" appended to the trim name (LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, Limited Hybrid, Platinum Hybrid). Availability varies by model year and market, and special editions appear occasionally.

Current gasoline trim levels

These are the standard gasoline-powered versions of the Highlander in most markets today. Each level adds more features and comfort over the base model.

L — Base trim with essential features; optional all-wheel drive; good value.

LE — Adds more convenience and tech, larger wheels, and driver assists; available with AWD.

XLE — Mid-range with upgraded materials, power liftgate, and more comfort amenities.

Limited — Higher-end features, leather seating, advanced multimedia, and enhanced safety tech.

Platinum — Top-tier trim with premium materials, advanced comfort and technology features (availability varies).

Note: Availability of features and drivetrain (FWD/AWD) varies by year and market. Always check the latest Toyota configuration for your region.

Hybrid trim levels

Hybrid Highlanders use the same tier names with "Hybrid" appended to indicate the hybrid powertrain. The hybrid lineup delivers greater fuel efficiency while preserving seating and cargo capacity.

LE Hybrid — Hybrid version of the LE trim offering improved efficiency with mid-range features.

XLE Hybrid — Hybrid version of XLE with added luxury and tech.

Limited Hybrid — Higher luxury level with hybrid powertrain and premium features.

Platinum Hybrid — The most premium hybrid, with top materials and tech.

As with gasoline models, exact features and availability can vary by model year and region.

Special editions and market variations

Over the years Toyota has released special editions of the Highlander and the lineup can vary by country or region. These editions typically focus on styling packages or content tweaks rather than introducing a new base trim.

Notes on regional differences

Trim names, available features, and powertrain options can vary by country and model year. If you’re shopping, confirm current trim levels with a local Toyota dealer or configuration tool.

How to choose the right level

Start with your priorities: if you want the best value with essential features, L or LE is a solid choice; if you want more comfort and luxury, XLE or Limited is a better fit; for maximum luxury and efficiency, Platinum or Platinum Hybrid is ideal. If fuel economy is a priority, consider a Hybrid trim, keeping in mind that availability of all-wheel drive and other options can differ by trim and year.

Summary

The Toyota Highlander presents a clear tiered approach to features, luxury, and efficiency. Gasoline trims range from L to Platinum, while Hybrid variants mirror those levels with Hybrid designation. Always verify current offerings for your market, as trims and features can change by year.

What are the different grades of Toyota Highlanders?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is available in five main trim levels: LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. These grades offer increasing levels of features, with the LE being the base model and the Platinum including the most premium options like advanced safety, enhanced comfort, and a panoramic view. Both gas and hybrid powertrains are offered across several of these trims.

You can watch this video to learn about the differences between Highlander trims: 55sZakk is BackYouTube · Jun 12, 2024

LE: The base model with standard features.
XLE: Adds features like a moonroof, heated front seats, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
XSE: Includes sporty design elements.
Limited: Features upgraded materials such as leather seating, a more premium audio system, and ventilated front seats.
Platinum: The highest trim, offering the most premium features, including enhanced comfort, advanced safety, and a panoramic view.

Which is better, Highlander Limited or XLE?

The main differences are that the Highlander Limited includes more luxury and convenience features than the XLE, such as real leather-trimmed seats, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and heated/ventilated front seats with a memory function. The XLE has a good set of premium features like a sunroof and heated front seats, but the Limited builds on this with additional comforts and higher-end materials.

You can watch this video to see a comparison of the 2023 Highlander XLE and Limited models: 59sToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Nov 22, 2022
Highlander XLE

Seating: Standard features include SofTex synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats.
Infotainment: Includes an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Convenience: Features like a power sunroof, second-row sunshades, and a wireless charging pad are standard.
Driver's Seat: A 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat is standard.

Highlander Limited

Seating: Upgrades to real leather-trimmed seats for both front and second rows.
Infotainment: Features a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Convenience: Includes a hands-free power liftgate and heated, ventilated front seats with driver's seat memory function.
Driver's Seat: The driver's seat has a memory function, and the steering wheel is leather-wrapped and heated.
Interior Trim: Adds upscale touches like a faux wood-grain dash and ambient interior lighting.
Audio: Upgrades to an 11-speaker JBL® premium audio system.

This video highlights the features of the 2023 Highlander XLE: 0:59KazvlogzYouTube · Jun 21, 2023

Which version of Highlander is best?

The "best" version of Highlander depends on whether you're referring to the film franchise or the Toyota SUV. For the film, the original 1986 movie is widely considered the best. For the Toyota SUV, the best version is the Grand Highlander Platinum trim for its top-tier features, or the Highlander Hybrid Limited if prioritizing a blend of fuel economy and family-friendly features in the regular-sized SUV.

This video discusses the different trim levels of the Highlander and which one to choose: 59sTop TrimsYouTube · Oct 16, 2025
For the Highlander film franchise

Best film: The original 1986 movie starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery is considered the best entry in the franchise by many fans.
Best fan-made version: The fan-made "Extended Zeist Edition" is mentioned as the best version for fans of the original film.

For the Toyota SUV

Best overall SUV: The Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum is the top-tier, most premium version of the three-row SUV, offering the most features.
Best regular-sized Highlander: The Hybrid Limited trim is a strong contender for the standard Highlander, balancing family-friendly features with the fuel efficiency of the hybrid powertrain.
Best for performance: The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max powertrain is the performance-oriented option for those who want instant power and acceleration, though it is less fuel-efficient.

Which Toyota Highlander to stay away from?

You should avoid the 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2015 model years of the Toyota Highlander due to common issues like engine problems in the 2003, and transmission glitches in the 2008 and 2015 models. Other years to be cautious with are 2009, 2010, and 2020, which had a higher number of recalls or transmission and software issues.

This video discusses common problems with Toyota Highlanders from 2020 to 2025: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Years to avoid

2003: Engine overheating and the possibility of needing a costly engine block swap.
2008: Significant issues with the braking system and a high number of recalls and complaints.
2009 and 2010: A high number of recalls and complaints, particularly concerning the braking system.
2014 and 2015: These years had early issues with transmission glitches and technology problems.
2020: This model year experienced some transmission and software problems.

Other considerations

2021: Reports of transmission failures.
2023: In the non-hybrid, the turbocharged engine had issues with acceleration and the infotainment system could be unreliable.
2024: Reports of issues with the infotainment system, a noisy engine, and hesitation.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.