What is the difference between 2024 Highlander XLE and XSE?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a popular midsize SUV that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and advanced features. Within its lineup, the XLE and XSE trims stand out as two distinct options catering to different preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between the Highlander XLE and XSE to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
1. Exterior Design and Styling
The XLE and XSE trims differ significantly in their exterior aesthetics, appealing to different tastes:
- XLE: The XLE trim has a more traditional and elegant design, featuring chrome accents and a refined appearance. It’s ideal for those who prefer a classic SUV look.
- XSE: The XSE trim, on the other hand, is sportier and more aggressive in its styling. It includes a unique mesh grille, blacked-out accents, and larger 20-inch alloy wheels, giving it a bold and dynamic presence on the road.
2. Interior Features and Comfort
Both trims offer a comfortable and well-equipped interior, but there are some differences in the details:
- XLE: The XLE focuses on luxury and practicality, featuring SofTex-trimmed seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a moonroof. It’s designed for families seeking comfort and convenience.
- XSE: The XSE adds a sporty flair to the interior with unique red or black leather-trimmed seats and contrast stitching. It also includes a sport-tuned steering wheel, enhancing the driving experience for those who enjoy a more dynamic feel.
3. Performance and Handling
Performance is another area where the XLE and XSE diverge:
- XLE: The XLE is equipped with a standard suspension system, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for daily commutes and long road trips.
- XSE: The XSE features a sport-tuned suspension, which delivers sharper handling and a more engaging driving experience. This makes it a great choice for drivers who prioritize performance.
4. Technology and Safety
Both trims come with Toyota’s advanced technology and safety features, but there are slight variations:
- XLE: The XLE includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard.
- XSE: The XSE offers the same technology suite but adds a few sporty touches, such as paddle shifters for a more interactive driving experience.
5. Price and Target Audience
The price difference between the XLE and XSE reflects their unique features and target audiences:
- XLE: The XLE is slightly more affordable and caters to families and individuals looking for a comfortable, feature-rich SUV with a classic design.
- XSE: The XSE is priced higher due to its sportier design and performance enhancements, appealing to younger drivers or those who want a more dynamic driving experience.
Conclusion
Choosing between the 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE and XSE ultimately depends on your preferences and lifestyle. If you value comfort, practicality, and a classic design, the XLE is an excellent choice. However, if you’re drawn to sporty aesthetics, enhanced performance, and a more dynamic driving experience, the XSE is the way to go. Both trims offer Toyota’s renowned reliability and advanced features, ensuring you can’t go wrong with either option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota Highlander is the top of the line?
Platinum
The Platinum sits at the top of the series of trim levels for a Toyota Highlander, where you get maximum comfort and advanced features including: LED projector headlights with Adaptive Front-Lighting System. 20-inch alloy wheels.
What is Toyota's Xse package?
The XSE model is for a driver who prioritizes premium features. The XSE technology package includes front and rear parking assist with automatic braking; a smart keys system; wireless smartphone charging; an eight-way power driver's seat with memory function; and a 12.3-inch color gauge cluster control system.
What is a Highlander XSE package?
XSE Sport-Tuned Suspension
Highlander XSE hugs the road a little tighter with its sport-tuned shock absorbers, high-rate springs and rear stabilizer bar that give you enhanced handling on the road.
What is the Xse Plus package?
XSE Plus Package. XSE Plus Package— black roof rails; 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia; 12 JBL® 3 speakers including subwoofer and amplifier.
What's better, Highlander XLE or XSE?
New to the lineup for 2021, the XSE trim sits just ahead of the XLE – and offers sporty interior and exterior upgrades like SofTex®-trimmed/leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats, an aggressive mesh front grille, and a stylized front bumper and lower spoiler.
What does XLE mean on Highlander?
Executive Luxury Edition
The XLE on the Toyota Highlander stands for Executive Luxury Edition. This acronym appears on several Toyota models and highlights a combination of standard and premium features that bring the luxuriousness you want without sacrificing the performance and practicality you expect from a Toyota model.
How much should I pay for a 2024 Toyota Highlander XLE?
2024 Toyota Highlander Price (Gas Models)
LE: $39,270* XLE: $42,420*
What does Highlander XLE stand for?
Executive Luxury Edition
The XLE on the Toyota Highlander stands for Executive Luxury Edition. This acronym appears on several Toyota models and highlights a combination of standard and premium features that bring the luxuriousness you want without sacrificing the performance and practicality you expect from a Toyota model.
What is the difference between XLE and XSE?
The 2025 Camry XLE and XSE are equipped with the same hybrid powertrain, featuring the EV Mode and other customizable driving modes. Both Toyota sedans have a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. The enhanced XSE edition also offers a sport-tuned suspension system and a rear spoiler.
What does xse mean on a Toyota Highlander?
| CE | Classic Edition |
|---|---|
| XLS | Executive Luxury Sport |
| XR | Extreme Rally |
| XRS | Extreme Rally Sport |
| XSE | Extreme Sport Edition |
