The Toyota Highlander is a flagship mid-size SUV known for its versatility, reliability, and luxurious features. With a wide range of trim levels and options available, the Highlander has become a popular choice among families and adventure-seekers alike. But which Toyota Highlander is the most expensive? In this article, we will delve into the world of Toyota’s premium SUVs and explore the top-of-the-line models that come with a hefty price tag.
Introduction to the Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has been in production since 2000 and has undergone several transformations over the years. The current fourth-generation model, which was introduced in 2019, boasts a sleek and modern design, a comfortable and spacious interior, and a range of powerful engine options. With its impressive towing capacity, advanced safety features, and smooth handling, the Highlander has become a favorite among SUV enthusiasts.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Toyota Highlander is available in several trim levels, each with its own unique set of features and price point. The base model L trim starts at around $32,000, while the top-of-the-line Platinum trim can cost upwards of $45,000. However, with the addition of optional features and packages, the price can quickly escalate. The most expensive Toyota Highlander model is the Platinum AWD trim with the optional Hybrid powertrain, which can cost over $50,000.
Optional Features and Packages
So, what makes the Platinum AWD trim with the Hybrid powertrain so expensive? The answer lies in the long list of optional features and packages that come with this model. Some of the notable features include:
A panoramic moonroof, a 360-degree camera system, and a premium JBL sound system. The Hybrid powertrain also adds significant cost, as it features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 243 horsepower.
The Most Expensive Toyota Highlander Models
While the Platinum AWD trim with the Hybrid powertrain is the most expensive Toyota Highlander model, there are other trim levels that come close in terms of price and features. Some of the other expensive models include:
The Limited AWD trim, which starts at around $44,000 and comes with features like a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and a premium audio system. The Hybrid Limited AWD trim, which starts at around $46,000 and adds a range of hybrid-exclusive features, including a more efficient powertrain and a unique exterior design.
Comparison of Features and Prices
To get a better understanding of the features and prices of the different Toyota Highlander models, let’s take a look at the following table:
| Trim Level | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum AWD | $45,000 – $50,000 | Panoramic moonroof, 360-degree camera system, premium JBL sound system, Hybrid powertrain |
| Limited AWD | $44,000 | Heated steering wheel, power liftgate, premium audio system |
| Hybrid Limited AWD | $46,000 | Hybrid-exclusive features, more efficient powertrain, unique exterior design |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most expensive Toyota Highlander model is the Platinum AWD trim with the optional Hybrid powertrain, which can cost over $50,000. However, other trim levels, such as the Limited AWD and Hybrid Limited AWD, also offer a range of premium features and come with a significant price tag. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious and feature-packed SUV or a more affordable and practical option, the Toyota Highlander has something to offer.
Warranty and Maintenance Costs
When purchasing a Toyota Highlander, it’s essential to consider the warranty and maintenance costs. The Toyota Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, Toyota offers a range of maintenance plans and services to help keep your vehicle in top condition.
Maintenance Schedule
To keep your Toyota Highlander running smoothly, it’s essential to follow a regular maintenance schedule. This includes:
Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements. It’s also important to keep an eye on the vehicle’s fluids, including the engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant.
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider purchasing a certified pre-owned Toyota Highlander. These vehicles have been inspected and certified by Toyota and come with a range of benefits, including a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 1-year roadside assistance.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Toyota Highlander is a versatile and luxurious SUV that offers a range of trim levels and features to suit different budgets and preferences. While the Platinum AWD trim with the Hybrid powertrain is the most expensive model, other trim levels, such as the Limited AWD and Hybrid Limited AWD, also offer a range of premium features and come with a significant price tag. By considering the warranty and maintenance costs, as well as the range of optional features and packages, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a Toyota Highlander.
The key to finding the right Toyota Highlander model is to research and compare the different trim levels and features. With its impressive towing capacity, advanced safety features, and smooth handling, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice for families and adventure-seekers alike. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious and feature-packed SUV or a more affordable and practical option, the Toyota Highlander has something to offer. By following a regular maintenance schedule and considering the warranty and maintenance costs, you can enjoy years of trouble-free driving in your Toyota Highlander.
What makes the Toyota Highlander a popular choice among mid-size SUVs?
The Toyota Highlander is a popular choice among mid-size SUVs due to its impressive combination of comfort, reliability, and versatility. With its spacious interior, ample cargo space, and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, the Highlander is an ideal vehicle for families and road trippers alike. Additionally, its strong fuel economy, smooth handling, and advanced safety features make it a practical choice for daily driving. Whether navigating city streets or tackling rugged terrain, the Highlander is well-equipped to handle a variety of driving conditions.
The Highlander’s popularity can also be attributed to its reputation for durability and low maintenance costs. Toyota is known for building long-lasting vehicles, and the Highlander is no exception. With proper care and maintenance, a Highlander can easily exceed 200,000 miles without major issues, making it a smart investment for those who plan to keep their vehicle for an extended period. Furthermore, the Highlander’s resale value is among the highest in its class, ensuring that owners can recoup a significant portion of their investment if they decide to sell or trade-in their vehicle.
What are the key features of the most expensive Toyota Highlander model?
The most expensive Toyota Highlander model is typically the Platinum trim, which comes loaded with a range of premium features and advanced technologies. Some of the key features of this model include a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, an impressive JBL surround sound system, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a large touchscreen display. The Platinum trim also boasts luxurious interior amenities like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and premium leather upholstery. Additionally, this model comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
The Platinum trim also offers a range of exclusive exterior features, including unique 20-inch chrome wheels, a distinctive front grille, and a spoiler. The vehicle’s interior is also adorned with premium materials and accents, such as wood trim and metallic finishes. Furthermore, the Platinum trim comes with a range of convenience features, including a 360-degree camera system, a heads-up display, and a wireless charging tray. With its impressive array of features and technologies, the Platinum trim represents the ultimate expression of the Toyota Highlander, offering a truly luxurious and immersive driving experience.
How does the Toyota Highlander Platinum compare to other luxury SUVs in its class?
The Toyota Highlander Platinum competes directly with other luxury SUVs in its class, including the Honda Pilot Elite, the Ford Explorer Platinum, and the Nissan Pathfinder Platinum. While these vehicles offer similar levels of comfort, technology, and refinement, the Highlander Platinum stands out for its exceptional build quality, reliability, and resale value. Additionally, the Highlander’s strong fuel economy and smooth handling make it a more practical choice for daily driving, while its advanced safety features and spacious interior provide added peace of mind for families and road trippers.
In terms of features and amenities, the Highlander Platinum is highly competitive with other luxury SUVs in its class. Its premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and panoramic moonroof are on par with those found in more expensive vehicles, while its advanced infotainment system and JBL surround sound system provide an immersive and engaging driving experience. However, the Highlander Platinum’s pricing is generally more competitive than that of its luxury counterparts, making it a more accessible and affordable option for those seeking a high-end SUV without the hefty price tag.
What kind of fuel economy can I expect from the Toyota Highlander?
The fuel economy of the Toyota Highlander varies depending on the trim level, engine, and drivetrain. The most fuel-efficient model is the front-wheel drive LE trim, which achieves an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive models, on the other hand, achieve an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The hybrid model, which combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, achieves an estimated 35 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to minimize their fuel costs.
It’s worth noting that the fuel economy of the Toyota Highlander can also be affected by a range of factors, including driving habits, road conditions, and weather. However, the Highlander’s fuel economy is generally competitive with that of other mid-size SUVs in its class. Additionally, the Highlander’s large fuel tank, which holds up to 19.2 gallons of gasoline, provides an estimated range of over 500 miles on a single tank, making it an excellent choice for road trippers and those who frequently drive long distances.
Are there any notable upgrades or options available for the Toyota Highlander?
Yes, there are several notable upgrades and options available for the Toyota Highlander, depending on the trim level and model year. Some of the most popular upgrades include a rear-seat entertainment system, a panoramic moonroof, and a 360-degree camera system. Additionally, the Highlander offers a range of premium audio systems, including a JBL surround sound system, as well as a range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Highlander also offers a range of exterior upgrades, including unique wheel designs, trim packages, and roof rack systems.
For those seeking to further enhance their Highlander’s capabilities, Toyota offers a range of optional packages, including a tow package, which increases the vehicle’s towing capacity to up to 5,000 pounds. Additionally, the Highlander offers a range of accessories, including cargo mats, roof racks, and bike racks, which can help to further enhance the vehicle’s versatility and practicality. Furthermore, the Highlander’s interior can be customized with a range of premium materials and accents, including wood trim, metallic finishes, and premium leather upholstery, allowing owners to personalize their vehicle to suit their individual tastes and preferences.
How does the Toyota Highlander’s resale value compare to other mid-size SUVs?
The Toyota Highlander’s resale value is among the highest in its class, with some models retaining up to 60% of their original value after five years. This is due in part to the Highlander’s reputation for reliability, durability, and low maintenance costs, as well as its strong demand in the used vehicle market. Additionally, the Highlander’s impressive array of standard and optional features, including its advanced safety features and premium interior amenities, helps to further enhance its resale value. The Highlander’s strong resale value makes it an excellent choice for those who plan to keep their vehicle for an extended period, as well as those who may need to sell or trade-in their vehicle in the future.
In comparison to other mid-size SUVs, the Highlander’s resale value is generally higher than that of its competitors, including the Honda Pilot, the Ford Explorer, and the Nissan Pathfinder. This is due in part to Toyota’s reputation for building long-lasting vehicles, as well as the Highlander’s exceptional build quality and attention to detail. Additionally, the Highlander’s strong resale value is also driven by its popularity and demand in the used vehicle market, with many buyers seeking out pre-owned Highlanders for their reliability, practicality, and overall value. As a result, the Highlander is an excellent choice for those seeking a mid-size SUV that will retain its value over time.
Can I customize my Toyota Highlander to suit my individual needs and preferences?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander can be customized to suit your individual needs and preferences, depending on the trim level and model year. Toyota offers a range of optional packages and accessories, including exterior upgrades, interior amenities, and advanced safety features. Additionally, the Highlander’s interior can be customized with a range of premium materials and accents, including wood trim, metallic finishes, and premium leather upholstery. Furthermore, the Highlander’s exterior can be personalized with unique wheel designs, trim packages, and roof rack systems, allowing owners to create a vehicle that reflects their individual style and preferences.
For those seeking to further enhance their Highlander’s capabilities, Toyota also offers a range of aftermarket accessories, including cargo management systems, bike racks, and trailer hitches. Additionally, the Highlander’s infotainment system can be customized with a range of apps and features, including navigation, music streaming, and voice command. Furthermore, the Highlander’s advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, can be upgraded or added to certain trim levels, providing added peace of mind and protection for drivers and passengers. By customizing their Highlander, owners can create a vehicle that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences, providing a more personalized and enjoyable driving experience.