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What is the top tier Toyota Highlander?

The top-tier Highlander in Toyota’s lineup is the Platinum grade for the gas-powered model, with Hybrid Platinum serving as the pinnacle for the Highlander Hybrid. This article explains what that top tier includes and how the two powertrains compare.


Understanding the Highlander trim ladder


To help you navigate the lineup, here is a look at what distinguishes the top trim on the standard gas Highlander from the top trim on the hybrid version. While both aim for luxury and advanced tech, the drivetrain and some equipment can differ.


Gasoline Highlander Platinum


The Platinum grade represents the highest level of equipment for the non-hybrid Highlander. The following features are commonly included or available in most model years of this trim:



  • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • Premium leather-trim seats with power-adjustable front seats and memory for the driver

  • Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel

  • Tri-zone automatic climate control

  • Wireless smartphone charging

  • Panoramic moonroof and premium interior lighting

  • 360-degree camera system and parking sensors

  • Premium audio system (often JBL or equivalent) for enhanced sound

  • 20-inch alloy wheels and distinctive exterior styling

  • Advanced driver aids bundled in Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert)


In short, Gasoline Highlander Platinum combines luxury, technology, and a full suite of safety features to offer the most equipped non-hybrid Highlander option.


Hybrid Highlander Platinum


The Hybrid Platinum is the top trim for the Highlander Hybrid lineup, pairing the same premium features you find in the gas Platinum with a hybrid powertrain and efficiency benefits. Typical inclusions and enhancements include:



  • All Platinum-level interior and tech features from the gas model, adapted for hybrid powertrain

  • Hybrid-specific drivetrain with electric motors and an efficient ECVT for improved fuel economy

  • Standard or available all-wheel drive with electronic on-demand AWD suitable for varying road conditions

  • Similar premium amenities such as leather seating, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and wireless charging

  • Large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, possibly with enhanced audio options

  • Driver-assistance features included as part of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite


Overall, Hybrid Platinum emphasizes efficiency and refined comfort, offering the same high-end features as its gas counterpart while delivering better fuel economy with the hybrid powertrain.


Why this matters when choosing a Highlander


For buyers prioritizing luxury and tech, both Platinum trims deliver top-tier equipment. The choice between gas Platinum and Hybrid Platinum often comes down to fuel economy goals and preferred powertrain, as both offer strong feature sets and a high level of standard safety tech.


Summary


The top-tier Toyota Highlander is the Platinum grade on the gasoline model, with Hybrid Platinum as the top option for the Highlander Hybrid. Both trims pack premium interiors, advanced technology, and a comprehensive safety suite, while the hybrid version adds efficiency advantages from its powertrain. When shopping, consider your fuel economy priorities and whether you want the latest premium features carried across both powertrains.

Which Toyota Highlander is the top of the line?


The top trim for the Toyota Highlander is the Platinum, which includes features like a Panoramic View Monitor and a large panoramic glass roof. For the larger Toyota Grand Highlander, the top model is the Platinum Hybrid Max with its powerful hybrid powertrain and premium features. 
Toyota Highlander Platinum 

  • Key features: Panoramic View Monitor, panoramic glass roof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and a JBL sound system with 11 speakers. 
  • Interior: Leather-trimmed seats with heated and ventilated front seats. 
  • Drivetrain: Comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) on the regular gas model. 

You can watch this video for a review of the Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max: 59sShooting CarsYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max
  • Key features: Hybrid MAX powertrain (362 net combined horsepower), a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a power panoramic roof. 
  • Interior: Includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a power liftgate with hands-free operation. 
  • Drivetrain: Comes standard with all-wheel drive. 
  • Technology: Features a 360-degree camera, a premium JBL sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 

This video provides a detailed look at the features in the Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max interior: 56sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Sep 9, 2025



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. 



What is the luxury Toyota Highlander?


The Toyota Highlander Platinum is the highest luxury trim for the standard Highlander, while the Grand Highlander Platinum is the top luxury trim for the larger Grand Highlander model. Both offer premium features like leather-trimmed seats, a panoramic glass roof, a head-up display, and an enhanced digital instrument cluster.
 
This video reviews the luxury features of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum: 56sRedline ReviewsYouTube · Aug 28, 2025
Highlander Platinum

  • Features:
    • Leather-trimmed seats with exclusive stitching (on some models) 
    • Memory settings for the driver's seat 
    • Heated and ventilated front seats 
    • Panoramic glass roof with power tilt/slide moonroof 
    • 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster and head-up display 
    • 360-degree camera system and digital rearview mirror 
    • Heated steering wheel 
  • Powertrain (2025 Model):
    • 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine 
    • 265 horsepower with 310 lb-ft of torque 
    • Available hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter engine 

Grand Highlander Platinum 
  • Features:
    • 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and head-up display
    • Leather-trimmed and perforated seats with options like caramel, light gray, or Portobello (brown)
    • Power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
    • Panoramic glass roof with sunshade
    • Upgraded JBL audio system
    • 360-degree camera system
    • Digital rearview mirror 

You can watch this video to see the exterior features of the 2026 Toyota Highlander Platinum: 58sToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Oct 27, 2025
Key differences
  • Size: The Grand Highlander is a larger, three-row SUV, offering more passenger and cargo space, while the standard Highlander is a bit smaller. 
  • Powertrain: Both have different engine options. The Grand Highlander has a 2.4L turbo engine, while the standard Highlander also has a 2.4L turbo and an available 2.5L hybrid. 
  • Trim structure: The Grand Highlander has fewer trim levels, starting with the XLE and ending with the Platinum, while the standard Highlander has a more extensive lineup with LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. 



Which is better, Highlander XLE or XSE?


The main differences are that the Highlander XSE has a sportier design with a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, and unique interior and exterior styling, while the XLE is more luxury-oriented with a standard suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a more traditional aesthetic. The XSE is exclusively a 7-passenger vehicle with captain's chairs, whereas the XLE can be configured for 8 passengers with a second-row bench seat. Performance and features on both trims are similar, with the XSE's sport-tuned suspension providing a firmer and more responsive ride.
 
This video provides a side-by-side comparison of the Highlander XSE and XLE models: 59sToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Sep 6, 2021
Performance and handling

  • XSE: Features a sport-tuned suspension for a firmer, more responsive, and sportier driving feel. 
  • XLE: Has a standard suspension for a more traditional and comfortable ride. 

This video compares the driving experience of the Highlander XSE and XLE: 1mToyota WorldYouTube · Aug 31, 2021
Exterior and wheels
  • XSE: Includes a sportier front fascia, 20-inch black alloy wheels, black roof rails, and chrome exhaust tips.
  • XLE: Has a more conventional look with 18-inch alloy wheels and body-colored roof rails. 

Interior and seating
  • XSE: Offers a sportier interior design with ambient interior lighting, available two-tone red and black sport seats, and a black headliner. It comes exclusively with second-row captain's chairs for a 7-passenger capacity. 
  • XLE: Comes standard with a 3-seat bench in the second row for an 8-passenger capacity, although a 7-passenger option may be available. It has a more standard dashboard design and a darker/lighter interior color scheme compared to the XSE. 

Key differences at a glance
Feature Highlander XSE Highlander XLE
Suspension Sport-tuned Standard
Wheels 20-inch alloy wheels 18-inch alloy wheels
Seating 7-passenger (captain's chairs) 8-passenger (bench seat)
Exterior styling Sporty, aggressive front fascia Traditional, elegant
Interior styling Sporty with ambient lighting Standard
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Kevin's Auto

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.