2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD - POV Review and Driving Impressions

[@schwabfamily]

- Remote start always shuts off when door is unlocked/opened with all Toyota’s that have a key fob, it’s a safety function to prevent car theft. - Lane departure assist is just that, it’s an assistant to keep you in your lane should you start to sway or get distracted. It is not an autonomous driving feature. - EV mode is not intended to be for daily driving or at faster speeds, it’s meant to help in situations such as traffic jams. If you want EV mode to run at higher speeds, buy an electric car. - I have owned 5 different Toyota hybrids and never had issues with the brake, not sure why you are. All in all, good video. I just thought the points that were misrepresented needed to be corrected (at least in the comments) as this vehicle really is the best thing since sliced bread! ❤

[@MainDadster]

My brakes on my Prius were inconsistent on bumpy roads.

[@jxmar_]

If your Toyota has TSS 3.0 the remote start won’t turn off when you unlock it.

[@Calventius]

I went to a Lexus dealer in Indianapolis and ended up buying a black toyota highlander platiniun with glazed carmel interior. Better than any used Lexus cars from 2017 to 2023. Mine tows 5000 lbs.

[@americandude3825]

Agreed. Went and looked at the TX - not impressed at all. Looked at the NX - very very nice but not $54k nice. Looked at some used Lexus cars. Decided to go back to Toyota. Either will be a crown insignia or Highlander hybrid AWD.

[@mkenney99]

Thanks for the great detailed review! This exact model is high on my list, and after watching your video I'm really hoping to be able to test drive one soon. Not too many on the lots around here at the moment to actually test drive!

[@bigdealwhocares]

Hi Paul. Nice review. Went to school where you started out and ended with this review, thought it looked familiar lol. Still live in the area.

[@PaulsPlace]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@bigdealwhocares]

​@@PaulsPlacewe've just started looking for a new vehicle. Have driven a Honda CRX hybrid and a Mazda CX-50 hybrid. Was hoping I'd like the CX-50 (I have a 2017 6, my second), but the Honda rides better, quieter, and cabin feels roomier. Haven't tested anything larger yet.

[@bigdealwhocares]

Paul, just throwing a couple ideas out there... My wife and I are in our mid 60s and our bodies don't function as well as they used to. So we're interested in things like how easy it is to get in and out of vehicles; how well the interior and dash work at night (mainly from a visibility standpoint); how well the headlights work (especially in the rain), and things like when you push a door open from the inside, does it open then bounce back closed or partially closed, or does it stay open? That last one really gets to my wife. I point this out because it could be something you offer with your reviews that no one else does. Enjoying your channel!

[@christopherrichards7486]

Hi guys i had a drive in the Toyota Highlander It is very nice and it is very Comfortable and it's like Limo and it's nice and Comfortable to drive and it drive's very good

[@joepoe2056]

I got this same vehicle (color and Trim), 7/2/2024. I love it!!

[@novus6625]

Exactly I got mine last year 29/10/2023 its amazing ❤

[@paulstein9258]

Added comment. The bench seats in my Limited are spacious, extremely comfortable.

[@TadDanley]

Thank you for the detailed review - can't wait to get mine!

[@terriimel2682]

Plan on doing some traveling/camping in mine.

[@tonycadiz891]

Nice video!

[@ahmedsaid203]

I brought this last month, this is the greatest fuel efficient SUV that exists. So far no problems with it except for the sound of the CVT engine which I think is sometimes annoying

[@curyllo]

Well, matter of taste - I like the sound. Reminds me of tank engine :-)

[@fr0103]

It's an E-CVT transmission. An E-CVT does not use belts and chains like a conventional CVT. They also fail after only 100,000 miles and cost $3K+ to replace. I, myself, wouldn't buy any newer Toyota or Honda that houses CVT / E-CVT transmissions. Stick with gears and gas engines, they last the longest and go the most miles over time.

[@terriimel2682]

Great to know! I just ordered a 25 model. Can't wait to get it.

[@lcrlights.camera.reaction2907]

the 25 model has not yet released, how did you order it?

[@terriimel2682]

@@lcrlights.camera.reaction2907 at the Toyota dealership

[@oldsnwbrdr]

FYI, lane trace assist works great in my Crown XLE. I'm interested in this Highlander hybrid for my wife so it's something we'll look for.

[@curt5802]

did you try the Crown Signia...? how does it compare, if so?

[@batmama4242]

This is my huge unanswered question. I’m waiting to hear with bells on.🎉

[@dehab1]

Volume knob is for the passenger also the platinum has the heads up display

[@paulstein9258]

My remote start. Kept on when I unlocked and entered the car but immediately shut off when I put it in reverse. Can’t drive the car without your fob. That’s bad. Got stranded in my Venza when my fob battery failed without warning. That’s why I tested the remote start to see if I could drive it with a dead fob. Nope.

[@StefanMihoc]

Currently torn between this, top trim, and an XC90 which is about 15000 EUR more for the same equipment. I do consider the XC90 being more upmarket, more luxurious, but I hate the fact that they say that this lineup of ICE engines will be their last, they turned off all development of them. I do need the 7 seats, having 4 children.

[@PaulsPlace]

I’d recommend test driving both of them! I was very surprised with the Highlander.

[@StefanMihoc]

@@PaulsPlace By the way, I would have liked if you also tested the Highlander’s third row. Subbed and liked anyway. I cannot test drive the Highlander, and to test a XC90 I have to drive several hours from here.

[@StefanMihoc]

I would actually really like an honest opinion from you on this: Toyota Highlander Luxury (Platinum equivalent here), with all the options - 58500 EUR - Good enough I think for my family of 6, more reliable potentially. Volvo XC90 B5 (petrol or diesel) Ultimate with Air Suspension and 360 cameras as extra options - 74000 EUR - The T8 is out of reach, 7000 more, with 74000 already being a huge stretch. I would have to go for Ultimate, some 4000 over the base of 70000 (Plus, with air s.) which I would consider the min, because only the Ultimate here has the Climate package, with air vents for the third row of which I think is really needed. Toyota has everything I would say, the only thing truly missing in my opinion is the Air Suspension.

[@PaulsPlace]

I actually have reviews on my channel for the XC90 and a Highlander XLE where I climbed in the third row! Feel free to check those out. The XC90 had the air suspension and I think the Toyota has the exact same ride quality in my opinion. The Volvo however had the best stereo system I have ever heard in my entire life by a long shot, plus they’re much safer.

[@TheLanard]

The Volvo XC90 has been nothing but problems since it was developed. Mainly with the center screen shutting down and not allowing you to control anything.

[@jtcivic051]

Paull, great review as always. What did you like about the Platinum trim vs the XLE you tested last year? I was surprised in the change of opinion from the XLE.

[@PaulsPlace]

Thanks, me too! The seats mainly, I mentioned some other things in the video too! Thanks for watching!

[@Sunjib12345]

Hi Paul How Are You Could You Review The 2025 Mazda CX-70 GT-P And 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail

[@PaulsPlace]

I will do my best! I’ll get there eventually. Thanks for watching.

[@drumcorps76]

How is the heads up ? Does it work with nav?

[@tylermillercoach]

Where are you doing this test drive? This looks exactly like where my inlaws live outside of Franklin Virginia (South Hampton County).

[@PaulsPlace]

NE Ohio!

[@robertrose3068]

I test drove as 2021 Saturday (buying a 2024) and the eCVT is nowhere as bad as when I drove them in 2011 and 2015 with a Nissan Rogue then a Prius V

[@TheLanard]

Thanks for another great video. Besides economy, which one do you prefer, the turbo or hybrid? I’m torn between the two.

[@PaulsPlace]

I haven’t driven the turbo one yet, but I can definitely say I’d prefer the hybrid one any day. Efficiency and smoothness will be no match for the turbo.

[@TheLanard]

@@PaulsPlaceThanks for your input. You’re right. I was loaned a Subaru Ascent for two weeks while my Forester was waiting for a part. Where I can commute four days, 122 miles round trip in my car, using a 15 gallons, the Ascent did it in three days using 17 gallons. I know it has the same gas mileage as the Highlander 2.4T. So now I’m focusing on the hybrid.

[@paulstein9258]

@@PaulsPlaceI went for the 2024 Limited turbo. Traded my Venza hybrid. Immense difference. The turbo 8 speed is so smooth. Limited is very quiet vs the droning of the Venza. That said, for congested city traffic, the hybrid. For driving satisfaction, the turbo. Most bloggers recommend XLE as best value. The Limited is so much more enjoyable for a small difference in price. Your decision. Is mpg increase worth sacrificing driving enjoyment. Averaging 22 mpg in city driving. Got 28 mpg the only time I took a 30 mile trip with about a dozen stop lights. My first start each morning, for my typical 3 mile drive to the gym, 17 mpg. Jumps to 22 mpg after that.

[@robertrose3068]

I'm considering either the black, white or blue with either that interior or the darker orangish interior

[@TheLanard]

Paul, I’m beginning to really LOVE the Highlander Hybrid mainly because of your reviews on it. You mentioned having second thoughts about your CR-V Hybrid. Would you really trade it for the Highlander at this point? I ask because I have a ‘23 Subaru Forester Limited that I really like. However I’m also thinking about this Highlander as a car I’d really love to own. I also don’t need the third row. But it seems more reliable and comfortable than my Subie.

[@PaulsPlace]

Thanks! I actually mentioned my Civic, hahaha. The CRV Hybrid I have no regrets! It's tempting for me to trade, but i don't need a third row! The Subie you have is very nice, I'd love to test drive one of those soon.

[@bradleyscarreviews]

When will you be able to test the new Santa Fe hybrid?

[@PaulsPlace]

Hopefully soon! I put in a request!

[@luisacevedo3111]

I just purchased mine today does any one one what kind of gas is the best for this car ?

[@TheLanard]

Since it’s a naturally-aspirated engine, regular gas is best.

[@terriimel2682]

Check your owners manual.

[@a3ndre]

Great video, Paul. Nice knees! hehe

[@ted1558]

Thank you for your tour ! The problem with the brake pedal could be the worst problem !

[@robertrose3068]

My Hyundai shut off when opening the door after remote start. Its probably a safety feature.

[@ashenafigebretsadik9942]

Nice 👍

[@danieljinyc]

still no torque vectoring in 2024 hybrid?

[@markrationalthinker]

For $55k, they should have put lumbar on the passenger side too.2025 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are offering a much better value and features and much better interior.

[@radioactivedoctor]

I agree, but Kia and Hyundai are terribly unreliable and depreciate extremely quickly. The Highlander hybrid is also extremely fuel efficient.

[@radioactivedoctor]

Also, we used our Highlander Hybrid to power our large refrigerators and other things while our power was out for Helene.

[@Ssd72306]

No way this has 175 ft lb I think it has 317

[@1-Nice-Guy]

Nice vehicle except for the underpowered engine.

[@Alex-xz5lv]

Sorry guys. I dont have enough money to buy it

[@GustavoRodriguez-px3my]

wooow