The sportier XSE trim begins at $42,000, while the XLE model starts at $40,405. The Limited model starts at $44,360, and the Platinum model starts at $47,560 for the more opulent trimmings.
In This Article...
Is 2016 a good year for the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander from 2016 is a top-notch midsize SUV. It boasts plenty of usual high-tech amenities, including a 6.1-inch touch screen and Bluetooth for phone calls and music streaming, and it has a ton of capacity for both passengers and baggage. There are also several safety features available.
What distinguishes the Highlander XLE from the XLE?
The base price of the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is $42,205. Over the LE, it costs $4,600 more. What do customers receive for an additional $4,600?
The seats is the first significant distinction between the two trims. Toyota’s SofTex material is seen in the XLE model. The center and front rows have SofTex-trimmed seats. The XLE variant also has heated front seats. The LE has eight seats, whilst the XLE has seven. Instead of bench seats, the second-row captain’s chairs on the more expensive variant. Additionally, second-row sunshades are included.
There is a larger 7.0-inch multi-information display in the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE. It also has HomeLink, which enables users to access garage doors with a single push of a button on the rearview mirror. It also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additionally, the midsize SUV has a smartphone charging port.
Added exterior features like mudguards, roof rails, and a one-touch power sunroof are included with the Highlander XLE. Although there is a significant price difference between the two versions, the Japanese carmaker obviously adds value as prices rise.
Which Highlander model is superior, SE or XLE?
The appeal of a capacious, mid-size SUV is difficult to dispute. In fact, it appears that there are so many of them on the market. It has even gotten to the point where some automakers are getting rid of some of their sedan models in favor of their SUV lineups.
Toyota seems to recognize that more consumers are switching to SUVs even if it is unlikely that the Camry or Prius will be discontinued anytime near. The Highlander in the middle of the Highlander lineup is the one that larger families are most interested in. The Highlander is a desirable investment due to its plethora of cutting-edge standard safety features, superior fuel efficiency provided by the strong V6 engine, and exciting ride quality.
Of course, not everyone will enjoy the Highlander. The Highlander simply does not have that much space in the back for those who require comfortable third-row seating, so they will need to search elsewhere. Additionally, for some strange reason, none of the Toyota Highlander model levels have smartphone app connectivity through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It makes little sense that this isn’t included as it has become a widely wanted standard feature (or at least an optional one) on the majority of new automobiles.
How are you meant to decide which 2019 Toyota Highlander would best suit the specific requirements of your family when there are five trim levels (three of which provide hybrid variants)? Does one trim level stick out more than the others? Let’s compare the specifications offered by each trim level in more detail.
Compare the 2019 Toyota Highlander LE vs LE Plus Trim Levels. What is the difference?
The 2019 Toyota Highlander LE features a lot of customization options for its lowest model. First off, you may upgrade to the 3.5-L V6 if you want something more potent than the standard 2.7-L 4-cylinder engine (which is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission). The 8-speed automatic transmission is mated to the V6. Additionally, the V6 engine may be fitted with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, unlike the 2.7-L engine.
Standard safety measures are fairly well-stocked in the LE. Each trim level includes the Safety Sense collection of active driver assistance systems from Toyota. This means that features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automated braking are included in the price of the car, in contrast to other rivals who have made these options optional or excluded them totally from their cheapest trims.
The remainder of the LE’s stock gear is also rather adequate. The car has five USB ports in total, a 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display, heated mirrors, air conditioning for the back seats, and a rearview camera (two of which can be located in the rear seats).
The V6 is a better option even if the LE’s base 4-cylinder engine provides an adequate amount of power. Additionally, since the 3.5-L V6 engine is standard on higher trim levels, you might want to upgrade if the V6 is what you’re after. You would assume that the LE Plus has much more to offer than the LE trim given that its beginning MSRP is nearly $5,000 greater than the LE’s. In actuality, it only really adds the bare minimum.
In addition to the regular V6 engine, the LE Plus has updated inside trimmings and upholstery as well as integrated fog lights, a blind spot monitoring system, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and these features. Toyota uses a sort of synthetic leather called SofTex for their seats, which is blended with the fabric upholstery. As opposed to the LE trim’s six-way adjustable driver’s seat, this trim’s driver’s seat is power-adjustable ten different ways.
The improvements to creature comforts don’t end there. The steering wheel has a stylish leather covering in addition to the synthetic leather used for the seats. Numerous controls, such as those for Bluetooth, voice command, and multimedia settings, are located on the wheel itself. Additionally, the LE Plus boasts a three-zone automatic climate control system with separate temperature controls for the driver, front passenger, and backseat passengers.
Compare the 2019 Highlander LE Plus vs XLE Trims. What is the difference?
The XLE is the following trim level up for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. This mid-range trim adds more features to the LE Plus’s many standard equipment to give the car a more opulent appearance. Although it is undoubtedly not the line’s top trim, it offers a superb blend of practicality, luxury, and cost.
The XLE’s third row of seats is covered in SofTex, while the first and second rows have leather trim. You can substitute the second row bench seat for these captain’s chairs if you prefer them. Numerous other material improvements have been made to the cabin, such as matte chrome door handles in place of the standard black ones found on lesser trim levels.
Everything about the vehicle’s mechanics is practically the same between the XLE and the LE Plus. With the exception of one notable innovation, the majority of the safety features are also the same. The engine immobilizer and anti-theft alarm are both standard on the XLE (as well as the LE Plus). Other than that, upgrading to the XLE is primarily about paying for cosmetic changes and a few extra or improved functionality. But it offers a decent compromise between the base and top-of-the-line trim levels.
Compare the Highlander XLE vs SE Trim Levels. What is the difference?
The mid-sized SUV segment’s car lineups must include a sports-oriented variation. Of course, you should reasonably anticipate a performance improvement when you purchase a sport vehicle. Despite Toyota switching the standard MacPherson strut front suspension system for the sport-tuned version, that is simply not what you get on the Highlander SE. The SE’s 3.5-L V6 engine and brake system are identical to those found in the XLE, and both vehicles are powered by them.
Given how strikingly similar the fundamentals are, the SE’s cosmetic upgrades are once again what you pay for. The SE has 19-inch wheels with a black finish, black LED fog lights that are also integrated into the headlights, black sport headlights, integrated LED daytime running lights, and integrated LED daytime running lights. There are also some observable alterations in the SE’s interior. The cabin is adorned with blue LED ambient lighting, and the upper door trim has a distinctive design.
Apart from those modifications, the SE is essentially just an XLE with a sportier exterior and a higher price. The XLE offers more value per dollar spent than the SE because it has almost all of the same safety and technological features. The Highlander SE definitely won’t be your top pick if you’re actually looking for a sports car.
Compare the Highlander XLE vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?
The most changes are made by Toyota in the top-of-the-line Limited model. Mechanically speaking, everything is the same as it was with the XLE. The Platinum Package can, however, be added to either the FWD or AWD. A heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic moonroof are all included in the Platinum Package, which is essentially a collection of luxury items. The Limited has wooden accent trims throughout the cabin as opposed to the metallic ones you’ll find in the XLE, and it rides on improved 19-inch alloy wheels.
The Safety Connect system is a significant addition for the Limited trim. Despite the fact that you must pay for a yearly subscription once the free trial period has over, this suite does come with a ton of useful supplementary functions. Roadside help, emergency assistance, and a capability to locate stolen vehicles are all a part of Safety Connect. Although these amenities can undoubtedly help you when you need them, many drivers might feel that they are squandering their money and raising the price of an already pricey trim.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Which Trim Level to Choose?
Let’s face it, the 2019 Toyota Highlander lineup isn’t the most mechanically varied you’ll discover. In actuality, it is a long way from deserving that moniker. The cosmetic distinctions between the trim levels predominate. With the exception of a few black-finished components, even the sport variant, the SE, is not significantly different from the other mid-level trims.
Concentrate on the XLE if you are intent on purchasing a Highlander. Overall, it appears to offer the most value for your money. It comes with a ton of standard amenities and the same potent engine as the line-topping Limited grade. Of course, the entire lineup is missing a number of essential capabilities, with smartphone app connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto being the most noticeable example. That might be sufficient to discourage some tech-savvy shoppers on its own.
Are Toyota Highlanders still worth anything?
KBB data indicates that the Highlander keeps 60.2 percent of its value 36 months after purchase. It still has 46.3 percent of its worth after 60 months.
What issues do Toyota Highlanders have?
Similar problems with the motorized tailgate and air conditioning system plagued the Toyota Highlander’s previous version from 2008 to 2013. A few owners have also complained of oil leaks from the engine and clunking sounds they hear when rotating the steering wheel.
How durable is a 2016 Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander can run for up to 300,000 miles, or almost 20 years, according to statistics. Although that is a long time to own any vehicle, Highlander owners appear to be happy with their purchase. 12.4 percent of Highlander owners, or twice as many as the average SUV owner, keep their vehicles for more than 15 years, according to iSeeCars.
Cities like Jacksonville, Florida, saw percentages up to 17% higher than that. The lifespan of a 300,000-mile SUV is also longer than that of most other SUVs. Competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder typically have a 250,000-mile lifespan.
The outstanding dependability of the Toyota Highlander is supported by Consumer Reports as well. Since 2001, the Highlander has received an excellent or nearly excellent overall reliability rating. Over the years, owners have reported a few issues with their Highlanders, but the most are easily rectified. Toyota frequently paid owners back for the cost of repairs when there was a recall, for example.
Although Highlanders rarely draw criticism, certain model years are worse than others. Because of its defective brakes and engine block bolts, the 2003 model is often regarded as being the worst. The 2015 Highlander’s unpleasant seats are another reason why it isn’t a popular with buyers.
Are there any 2016 Toyota Highlander recalls?
Some 2016 Highlander models built between May 26 and September 16 are being recalled by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota). The wire harness of the brake fluid level sensor might not be attached, which would prevent the sensor from detecting the amount of braking fluid.
What distinguishes the Highlander Limited from the XLE?
Keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, second-row window sunshades, a 110-volt power outlet, Driver Easy talk technology, a navigation system, and other equipment are all standard across both versions. The 295-hp, 3.5-liter V6 is a standard feature in both the XLE and Limited variants, and all-wheel drive is an option.
The amenities and seating options offered by the two versions may be their biggest point of distinction. The second row of seats in the eight-seat 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE can be converted to captain’s chairs, bringing the total number of seats down to seven. On the other hand, the Limited trim is only offered with the captain’s seats in a seven-seat layout.
All of the XLE’s features are carried over to the Limited trim, which also adds a number of new innovations not seen on the XLE. These include rear parking sensors for the rearview camera for increased functionality and LED running lights. Additional features include a rear cargo cover, heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system.
We encourage you to take a new Highlander for a test drive right away to learn more about all of its features and capabilities. Our distinguished staff is here to address any inquiries you may have and assist you in selecting the ideal car. Come by and say hello!
The Toyota Highlander XLE has what features?
On the XLE, these features come as standard:
- headlights with LEDs
- drivers seat with power adjustment.
- Push-button start with a smart key system.
- automated three-zone climate control.
- Compatibility with Android AutoTM, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa.
- Five USB ports altogether.
Exactly which Highlander is the best?
Highlander Platinum Toyota The most expensive Platinum trim includes heated second-row seats, a 12.3-inch touch screen, a panoramic moonroof, a camera in the rearview mirror, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, and a surround-view parking camera system. It also costs $47,760.