The Toyota Highlander has long been a favorite among families seeking a reliable, spacious, and capable SUV. But beyond its reputation for practicality lies a model that elevates the Highlander experience to new heights. We’ll delve into what truly constitutes the “highest end” Highlander, exploring the trim levels, features, and options that distinguish it from the rest. Prepare to uncover the pinnacle of comfort, luxury, and technology within the Highlander lineup.
Exploring the Highlander Trim Levels: A Hierarchy of Features
To understand the highest end Highlander, it’s crucial to grasp the hierarchy of trim levels. Each trim builds upon the previous, adding more features, enhanced styling, and advanced technology. While specific features may vary slightly depending on the model year, the general progression remains consistent.
The Foundation: L, LE, and XLE
The L and LE trims serve as the entry points to the Highlander family. They offer essential features like Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety technologies, along with comfortable seating and a functional interior. The XLE adds more convenience features, such as a power liftgate, upgraded upholstery, and a larger touchscreen display. These trims are perfect for buyers prioritizing value and practicality.
Stepping Up: The XSE
The XSE introduces a sportier aesthetic and driving experience. Unique exterior styling cues, including a distinctive grille and sporty suspension tuning, set it apart. Inside, the XSE boasts sport seats and other design enhancements, appealing to drivers seeking a more dynamic Highlander.
The Premium Options: Limited and Platinum
The Limited and Platinum trims represent the apex of the Highlander lineup. These models showcase the highest levels of luxury, technology, and comfort. While both offer a premium experience, the Platinum takes it a step further with exclusive features and refined details.
Dissecting the Platinum Trim: The Epitome of Highlander Luxury
The Platinum trim consistently stands as the highest-end Highlander, embodying the ultimate expression of Toyota’s SUV. Let’s explore the features that make it so desirable.
Exterior Enhancements: A Statement of Sophistication
The Platinum trim distinguishes itself with exclusive exterior elements. These often include:
- A unique front grille design, showcasing a more refined and upscale appearance.
- Premium alloy wheel designs, adding a touch of elegance to the Highlander’s stance.
- Chrome accents and badging, further enhancing the exterior’s premium aesthetic.
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers, providing added convenience in inclement weather.
Interior Opulence: Where Comfort Meets Technology
Inside the Platinum, you’ll discover a haven of comfort and advanced technology:
- Heated and ventilated front seats, ensuring optimal comfort in any climate.
- Heated second-row seats, providing added comfort for rear passengers.
- A panoramic sunroof, offering expansive views and an open-air feel.
- A premium JBL audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.
- A large touchscreen display with navigation, providing intuitive access to vehicle functions and information.
- A head-up display, projecting important information onto the windshield, allowing the driver to maintain focus on the road.
- A 360-degree view camera, offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings for enhanced maneuverability.
- Digital rearview mirror which uses a camera to provide a wide and unobstructed view to the driver.
Advanced Safety Features: Peace of Mind on Every Journey
The Platinum trim includes the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite, but often adds additional safety features:
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, helping to prevent accidents.
- Parking assist, simplifying parking maneuvers in tight spaces.
Drivetrain and Performance: Smooth and Capable
While the engine options may be the same across some trims, the Platinum often includes enhancements to the driving experience:
- An advanced all-wheel drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability in various road conditions.
- A smooth and refined suspension, delivering a comfortable ride.
Comparing the Limited and Platinum: Key Distinctions
While the Limited trim offers a luxurious experience, the Platinum elevates it further. Understanding the differences is essential when deciding which trim is right for you.
Exclusive Features: Platinum’s Added Value
The Platinum trim often includes exclusive features not found on the Limited, such as:
- A unique interior trim and color options, creating a more personalized and upscale cabin.
- A standard panoramic view monitor with parking assist.
- Heated second-row seats.
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers.
- The head-up display.
Price Point: Reflecting the Premium Features
The Platinum trim commands a higher price than the Limited, reflecting its added features and exclusivity. The price difference varies depending on the model year and options but typically reflects the additional value offered by the Platinum.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Highest End Highlander
Choosing the highest-end Highlander depends on individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
Budget: Balancing Desires with Affordability
The Platinum trim represents a significant investment. Consider your budget and determine if the added features justify the higher price.
Needs and Lifestyle: Identifying Essential Features
Assess your needs and lifestyle to determine which features are essential. If you prioritize luxury, advanced technology, and exclusive features, the Platinum is a strong contender. If you’re looking for a balance of luxury and value, the Limited may be a better choice.
Personal Preferences: Tailoring the Highlander to Your Style
Consider your personal preferences regarding styling, interior design, and available options. The Platinum offers unique features that may appeal to those seeking the ultimate Highlander experience.
The Highlander Hybrid: Efficiency Meets Luxury
It’s important to note that the Highlander is also available as a hybrid. The hybrid powertrain offers improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance or capability. The highest-end hybrid Highlander is typically the Platinum Hybrid, which combines the luxurious features of the Platinum trim with the efficiency of the hybrid system.
Platinum Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds
The Platinum Hybrid offers the same luxurious features as the standard Platinum, including:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- A panoramic sunroof
- A premium JBL audio system
- A large touchscreen display with navigation
- A head-up display
- A 360-degree view camera
In addition to these features, the Platinum Hybrid offers:
- Improved fuel economy compared to the standard Highlander
- A smooth and quiet driving experience
- The ability to drive in electric-only mode at low speeds
Maintaining Your High-End Highlander: Preserving its Value
Proper maintenance is crucial to preserving the value and longevity of your high-end Highlander.
Regular Servicing: Following the Recommended Schedule
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and prevent costly repairs. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance tasks.
Protecting the Interior: Maintaining a Pristine Cabin
Protect the interior from wear and tear by using seat covers, floor mats, and other protective accessories. Regularly clean the interior to remove dirt and debris.
Exterior Care: Preserving the Finish
Wash and wax the exterior regularly to protect the paint from the elements. Consider applying a paint sealant to further protect the finish.
Conclusion: The Toyota Highlander Platinum – A Masterpiece of Comfort and Capability
The Toyota Highlander Platinum represents the pinnacle of the Highlander lineup, offering a combination of luxury, technology, and comfort that elevates the driving experience. While other trims provide excellent value and features, the Platinum stands out with its exclusive design elements, advanced technology, and premium amenities. If you’re seeking the ultimate Highlander experience, the Platinum trim is the clear choice. Consider your budget, needs, and preferences to determine if it’s the right fit for you. Regardless of the trim you choose, the Toyota Highlander is a reliable and capable SUV that will provide years of enjoyment.
What is generally considered the highest-end Toyota Highlander trim?
The Platinum trim is typically considered the highest-end Toyota Highlander trim. It boasts the most comprehensive suite of luxury and technology features, including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and a premium JBL sound system. This trim level is designed to provide the most refined and comfortable driving experience within the Highlander lineup.
Beyond the core features, the Platinum trim often includes exclusive styling elements such as unique wheels, badging, and interior accents that set it apart from the other trim levels. These aesthetic enhancements contribute to a more upscale and sophisticated appearance, making it the clear choice for buyers seeking the most luxurious Highlander experience. The Platinum trim is often equipped with all available driver-assistance features, providing maximum safety and convenience.
What are some of the key luxury features found in the highest-end Highlander?
The highest-end Highlander trims like the Platinum are often outfitted with premium leather upholstery, providing a luxurious and comfortable seating experience. This high-quality material elevates the interior ambiance and provides a supple touch. Features like heated and ventilated front seats further enhance comfort in various weather conditions, catering to both hot and cold climates.
Advanced technology features are also hallmarks of the higher trims. These can include a large touchscreen display with navigation, a premium audio system (often from JBL), and a digital rearview mirror. Connectivity options like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also common, ensuring seamless integration with your smartphone. The culmination of these features creates a truly modern and luxurious driving environment.
What kind of infotainment system can you expect in the highest-end Highlander?
The highest-end Toyota Highlander trim typically features a large, high-resolution touchscreen display, often exceeding 12 inches in size. This large screen serves as the central hub for the vehicle’s infotainment system, offering intuitive controls and easy access to navigation, audio settings, and vehicle information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing for seamless smartphone integration.
Furthermore, these systems often include advanced features such as voice recognition, which allows drivers to control various functions without taking their hands off the wheel. A premium audio system, often a JBL system, is a common addition, providing exceptional sound quality throughout the cabin. Integration with Toyota’s connected services also adds features like remote start, vehicle health reports, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, elevating the infotainment experience.
Are there specific exterior features that distinguish the highest-end Highlander?
The highest-end Highlander trims often feature unique exterior styling elements that set them apart from lower trim levels. These can include distinct wheel designs, often larger in diameter, that enhance the vehicle’s stance and visual appeal. Chrome accents around the windows, door handles, and grille are also common, adding a touch of sophistication.
In addition to aesthetic enhancements, functional upgrades are often included. These may include features like a panoramic sunroof, which provides an open and airy feel to the cabin, and LED headlights with adaptive front lighting, which improve visibility in various driving conditions. Power-folding mirrors and a hands-free power liftgate are also common features that add convenience and luxury.
Does the highest-end Highlander come with advanced safety features?
Yes, the highest-end Toyota Highlander trims are typically equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. This often includes Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which encompasses features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and enhance driver awareness.
Beyond the standard TSS features, higher trims often include additional safety technologies such as blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist with automated braking, and a surround-view camera system. These features provide enhanced visibility and assistance in various driving situations, contributing to a safer and more confident driving experience. They are designed to mitigate potential risks and provide an extra layer of protection for occupants.
What kind of engine and performance can you expect in the highest-end Highlander?
The engine options for the highest-end Highlander trim often mirror those available across the broader model range. This typically includes a powerful and efficient gasoline engine, or a hybrid powertrain for improved fuel economy. Performance is generally strong, providing ample power for everyday driving and confident acceleration for highway merging and passing.
Regardless of the specific engine, the highest-end Highlander trims benefit from a refined driving experience. Suspension tuning is often optimized for comfort, providing a smooth and composed ride. Features like all-wheel drive are commonly available, enhancing traction and stability in various weather conditions. The focus is on delivering a balanced blend of performance, efficiency, and comfort.
What is the typical price range for the highest-end Toyota Highlander trim?
The price of the highest-end Toyota Highlander trim, such as the Platinum, varies depending on factors like location, optional equipment, and any applicable incentives. However, it generally sits at the top of the Highlander price range, reflecting its premium features and elevated level of luxury. It is typically several thousand dollars more expensive than the base trim.
Compared to other SUVs in its class, the highest-end Highlander offers a competitive value proposition. While it may be priced higher than some competitors, it provides a compelling combination of Toyota’s renowned reliability, advanced technology, and a comprehensive suite of luxury features. Prospective buyers should research current pricing and available incentives in their area to determine the exact cost.