Toyota Highlander review

There are five trim levels for the Highlander and six for the Highlander hybrid due to that version getting the sharp-sounding Nightshade package. Each is available with either FWD or AWD, meaning there are 22 different models of Highlander to choose from. We were told there could be only one.

Highlander movie puns aside, The baseline price for the gas-only FWD LE starter trim Highlander vehicle is $39,120 while the most expensive of the batch is the AWD Platinum trim Highlander hybrid. The top-tier package adds a load of little conveniences over the base version like memory for seating positions, heated steering wheel, automatic rain detecting wipers, and 20in wheels over the regular 18in set. There’s also an 11-speaker JBL sound system included plus a front sunroof and a number of the camera options we mentioned earlier.

Fully loaded, the bottom line for this one lands at about $54,945, which is, frankly, a lot of cash to spend on something that’s going to be, at best, just fine. If we were putting any cash down, it would be for the hybrid and likely one of the AWD models. Trim-wise, it’s hard to choose a particular one without going line-by-line through the options list, but we can’t imagine what living with a Highlander without at least some of the more interesting conveniences.

We could do without the sunroof and JBL sound system, but we’d opt for the safety tech, 360 cameras and other conveniences. This should keep the shopping within the XLE or Nightshade trim levels, which don’t exceed $46,000, though even that’s pushing it.