Whats the difference between Toyota Highlander LE and XLE?
The Highlander LE and XLE share the same powertrain and overall size, but the XLE adds interior upgrades and convenience features that make daily driving more comfortable. In short, LE is the budget-friendly base trim, while XLE offers more premium touches without jumping to a top-tier level.
The following breakdown explains how the two trims differ in practice, with a focus on interior comfort, tech, seating options, and pricing. Availability can vary by model year and market, so it’s wise to verify exact features for the year you’re considering.
Key differences in interior and technology
Here are the features most commonly upgraded when moving from LE to XLE in recent Highlander models.
- Upholstery: LE generally uses fabric seats, while XLE typically adds SofTex leatherette seating for a more premium feel.
- Driver’s seat: LE usually has manual adjustment, whereas XLE often includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- Front-seat comfort: Heated front seats are standard on XLE, while LE may require optional packages or be non-standard depending on year.
- Sunroof: XLE commonly includes a power tilt/slide moonroof; LE may not include one as standard.
- Cargo area convenience: XLE often includes a power liftgate; LE may have a manual liftgate or require an option.
- Key and entry: XLE frequently adds a smart key system with push-button start, whereas LE may rely on standard key entry depending on year and region.
- Infotainment and navigation: XLE can offer upgraded infotainment features (such as larger screens or enhanced audio) depending on year, while LE sticks to the base setup.
- Seating configuration: XLE is more likely to offer optional 7-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, while LE is commonly configured as 8-passenger with a 3-person second-row bench (availability varies by year).
Note: Feature availability can vary by model year and market. Always check the exact specifications for the year you’re evaluating.
Pricing and value considerations
Price differences reflect the upgrade in comfort and features, but the exact gap changes with year and options.
- Typical price premium: XLE generally costs a few thousand dollars more than LE, with the exact amount differing by year and packages.
- Everyday usability: If you value a more premium interior, heated seats, and additional convenience features, XLE tends to feel noticeably more upscale in daily use.
- Resale and ownership: Both trims hold their value well; XLE-equipped models with popular options can retain value slightly better in some markets.
Because MSRP and option packages shift over time, check the latest price sheets and dealer inventories to get exact figures for your year and region.
Which Highlander trim is right for you?
Choosing between LE and XLE comes down to how much you prize interior comfort, technology, and convenience versus keeping the sticker price lower. If you spend a lot of time in the cabin and want extra luxury without moving to higher trims, XLE is typically the best balance. If you’re prioritizing budget and straightforward features, LE remains a solid value.
Practical considerations by use case
Important questions to ask during your comparison: Do you need the captain’s chairs in the second row (7-passenger) or is a bench seat (8-passenger) acceptable? Is heated seating or a larger touchscreen a must-have? Do you value a power liftgate or a moonroof? Answering these will guide your decision.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander LE is the value-oriented base trim, while the XLE adds several comfort, convenience, and upscale interior features that enhance daily driving. The core powertrain remains the same, so the choice largely hinges on how much you want to pay for premium seating, climate comfort, and tech upgrades. Always verify the exact equipment for the model year you’re considering, as features can vary by year and market.
Which Highlander to stay away from?
The Toyota Highlander has several troubled years to avoid: 2001–2003, 2005–2007, 2008–2010, 2014–2015, and 2017–2019. Common issues include transmission failures, brake defects, engine problems, electrical faults, and water leaks. Knowing these problem years helps buyers make smarter choices.
Is Toyota LE better than XLE?
The main difference is that the XLE trim adds comfort, convenience, and some advanced safety features over the base LE trim. Key upgrades include a power driver's seat, smart key with push-button start, alloy wheels, and dual-zone climate control in the XLE. The XLE also adds advanced safety features like Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
XLE vs. LE: Key differences
| Feature | LE Trim | XLE Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Key Access & Starting | Traditional key and ignition | Smart key with push-button start and auto-lock/unlock |
| Seating | 6-way manual-adjustable driver's seat | 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support |
| Wheels | Steel wheels with wheel covers | Alloy wheels |
| Climate Control | Single-zone climate control | Dual-zone automatic climate control |
| Exterior | Integrated side mirror turn signals are often not standard | Integrated side mirror turn signals are standard |
| Advanced Safety | Standard Toyota Safety Sense | Includes standard features plus Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert |
| Optional Features | Limited options | More options, such as a sunroof, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and power liftgate are available |
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Which is right for you?
- Choose the LE if: You want a reliable and affordable base model that still offers core features and technology, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Choose the XLE if: You prioritize added comfort, convenience, and a more premium feel. The upgrades like the power driver's seat, push-button start, alloy wheels, and additional safety features are worth the extra cost for you.
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 difference between Toyota Highlander LE and XLE?
The main differences between the Toyota Highlander LE and XLE are the XLE's upgraded interior, including SofTex®-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs (instead of the LE's cloth seats and bench seat). Other key additions to the XLE are a hands-free power liftgate, power tilt/slide moonroof, and a wireless charging pad. Both trims come standard with safety features like Toyota Safety Sense.
This video shows a side-by-side comparison of the interior of the Toyota Highlander LE and XLE: 58sKazvlogzYouTube · Jun 21, 2023
Toyota Highlander LE
- Seating: Cloth-trimmed seats and a second-row bench seat for seating up to eight passengers.
- Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch multi-information display.
- Convenience: Manual liftgate and a standard 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
Toyota Highlander XLE
- Seating: SofTex®-trimmed seats and a second-row bench seat for seating up to eight passengers, or an available second-row bench seat with captain's chairs for seven-passenger seating.
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and an available 12.3-inch color digital gauge cluster.
- Convenience: Heated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, a power tilt/slide moonroof, and a wireless charging pad.
- Power adjustments: A 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support and an 8-way power front passenger seat.
