Will the 2024 Highlander have a V6 engine?
No. The 2024 Highlander does not offer a V6 engine; Toyota relies on a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder for gasoline power, with a 2.5-liter hybrid option as well.
The shift reflects Toyota's broader push toward more efficient powertrains, prioritizing fuel economy and lower emissions while preserving everyday practicality for a three-row SUV. Here's a closer look at what that means for the 2024 Highlander lineup.
Engine options for the 2024 Highlander
Here are the engine choices available for the 2024 Highlander.
- 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine: approximately 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque; paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; available with front- or all-wheel drive.
- 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid powertrain: combined output around 243 horsepower; uses electric motors and an eCVT; typically paired with all-wheel drive as part of the Hybrid configuration.
In short, there is no V6 option offered for the 2024 Highlander.
Performance, efficiency and practicality
What this means for drivers and families, in practical terms, is a balance between brisk on-road performance and fuel-saving benefits, along with towing considerations.
- Acceleration and power delivery: The 2.4-liter turbo engine delivers stronger passing power and quicker highway starts, while the Hybrid prioritizes smoothness and efficiency with more modest acceleration.
- Towing capacity: Gasoline-powered Highlanders with the turbo-four can tow up to about 5,000 pounds, whereas Hybrid models typically top out around 3,500 pounds.
- Fuel economy: The turbo-four offers competitive fuel economy for a three-row SUV, typically in the low-to-mid 20s mpg in city driving and upper 20s to around 30 mpg on the highway; the Hybrid delivers substantially higher efficiency, often in the mid-30s mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.
For most buyers, the absence of a V6 does not meaningfully limit capability, given the strong turbo-four performance and the efficiency gains of the hybrid option.
Summary
The 2024 Toyota Highlander does not include a V6 engine. It is powered by a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 2.5L hybrid option, reflecting Toyota's shift toward smaller, more efficient powertrains while preserving the three-row SUV’s versatility and towing potential. Buyers should weigh the turbo-four's extra power against the hybrid's superior fuel economy and its lower towing rating when choosing a configuration.
