What is the XLE package on a Toyota Highlander?
The XLE is Toyota’s mid-range Highlander trim that adds comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury beyond the base LE. It sits between LE and Limited in the lineup and is offered on both gasoline and hybrid Highlander models.
In today’s Highlander lineup, the XLE emphasizes upgraded interior materials, more convenient features, and enhanced tech while keeping value in mind. Because features can change with model years and regions, it’s important to read the window sticker for the exact configuration on any given vehicle.
What the XLE trim offers
Below is a representative look at common features you’ll find on most XLE Highlanders. Exact items can vary by model year and market.
Core features you can typically expect
- Leather-trimmed or SofTex seating (fabric upgrades from LE) for a more premium feel
- Heated front seats for added winter comfort
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat, often with memory on select years
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power moonroof/sunroof for an open-air feel
- 18-inch alloy wheels with a more upscale appearance
- Power liftgate for easy access to cargo space
- Smart Key System with push-button start
- Enhanced infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; navigation often available as an option
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ or newer, providing features like pre-collision, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more
These components illustrate the XLE’s role as a balance between daily comfort and everyday practicality, offering nicer interior materials and conveniences without stepping up to the top-tier Limited.
How the XLE compares with LE and Limited
Understanding where XLE sits in the hierarchy helps buyers gauge value and feature trade-offs. The following outlines the general distinctions you’ll see across trims.
- LE vs XLE: LE is the base level, typically with cloth seating and fewer premium conveniences. XLE adds leather or SofTex seating, heated front seats, a larger suite of comfort features, and more convenience equipment.
- XLE vs Limited: Limited ramps up luxury and tech, often including premium seating (higher-grade leather), ventilated front seats, larger or additional displays, more advanced audio, and sometimes more aggressive exterior styling. XLE remains a step below Limited in overall luxury and technology in most model years.
- Powertrain options: Both gas and hybrid XLE models exist. The core difference between trims is generally interior and feature content, with the powertrain offering the primary performance and efficiency distinction between gas and hybrid variants.
In short, XLE is the prudent choice for buyers who want more comfort and modern features than the base model but don’t need the extra luxury and tech found on Limited.
XLE Hybrid: powertrain and features
The XLE trim is also available in a hybrid configuration, mirroring much of the interior equipment of the gas XLE while pairing Toyota’s hybrid system for improved efficiency. This section explains what changes when you choose the XLE Hybrid.
Below is a general overview of how the Hybrid version commonly differs from its gas counterpart. Exact equipment can vary by year and market.
- Hybrid powertrain: Combines a petrol engine with electric motors for improved fuel economy and smoother operation; all-wheel drive is available in hybrid forms
- Interior and convenience: The Hybrid XLE typically shares the same interior features as the gas XLE (seating material, heated seats, power adjustability, etc.), with the main advantage being efficiency rather than a wholesale change in luxury content
- Fuel economy: Expect notably higher EPA-rated efficiency compared with the gas XLE, with mpg/preferences varying by year and drivetrain configuration
Shoppers should note that while the Hybrid XLE offers the same level of comfort and tech as the gas XLE, its performance and economy will reflect Toyota’s hybrid engineering and the specific year’s powertrain setup.
Shopping considerations and tips
When evaluating a Highlander XLE, use this checklist to verify features and avoid surprises at delivery or on a test drive.
- Confirm whether the vehicle is XLE (gas) or XLE Hybrid on the window sticker and badge
- Check seat material: SofTex vs leather; ensure heated seats are present and operational
- Inspect the power features: driver’s seat memory, power liftgate, and power moonroof
- Verify infotainment: display size, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and any navigation options
- Review safety and driver-assistance: ensure Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is included and functioning
- Assess wheels and exterior trim to confirm the intended upscale look (18-inch wheels are common on XLE)
- Test drive both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations if available to feel handling and braking
Because configurations shift with model-year updates, always check the current window sticker and dealership inventory to understand exactly what’s included on a given XLE Highlander.
Summary
The XLE package on the Toyota Highlander represents a well-balanced mid-range option that elevates comfort, convenience, and tech beyond the base LE while staying below the higher luxury emphasis of the Limited. It is available in both gasoline and hybrid forms, with features that typically include upgraded seating materials, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a larger touchscreen setup, a power liftgate, and comprehensive safety systems. As with any model year, details can vary, so prospective buyers should review the window sticker and take a test drive to confirm the exact configuration.
