The 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE Is A More Sporty Turbocharged 3-Row Family Hauler

Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring this video! Head to www.keeps.com/redline to get a special offer.
As one of the best-selling midsize SUV's in America, the #ToyotaHighlander is a very popular choice for families looking for more space than your Camry sedan. The #HighlanderXSE takes driving enthusiasm and styling more seriously, giving buyers an upgraded suspension, unique front/rear fascias, and available bright cockpit red seats. The #Highlander family also grows to include a new larger #GrandHighlander, allowing #Toyota to give the smaller version a slightly edgier look and feel.
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[@theredline]

Happy Weds everyone! Thanks for sticking around for such a late upload. We traveled to Texas today to drive the 2025 Ram 1500 this week, so stay tuned for video coverage on that new truck! Big thank you once again to Keeps for sponsoring this video, be sure to go to www.keeps.com/redline to claim your special offer!

[@minipandora22]

Joe Biden’s economy is destroying America…… any regrets ?

[@rightlanehog3151]

There are so many 2 row and 3 row CUVs on the market, when is someone going to finally introduce a 4 row CUV? 🤔😉😂

[@chatsagain]

The Highlander XSE works great for us. Beautiful, comfortable, smooth, sporty looking but grown up. Perfect

[@k9keo]

That volume knob being so far to the right would be a Zonk as Raiti’s Rides would agree too 😝

[@joshualonberg8872]

Sofyan you are one of my favorite car review channels.Keep up the good work!

[@poppad1187]

My neighbour has a Grand Highlander , that thing is a big beautiful machine. They’ve got 3 kids so it’s perfect. Reliable, Comfortable, smooth. I am a fan for sure.

[@maga6319]

Reliable? Sir, i think you need to examine that brain of yours. 🤣 🤣

[@SuperAsian78]

@@maga6319dude why are you so trigger commenting on everyone’s positive comments.?

[@SuperAsian78]

Don’t listen that douche bag.. maga6319

[@poppad1187]

@@SuperAsian78 your right bro definitely a lot of angry , negative people talking a lot about nothing on the internet.

[@davevolz6138]

Toyota is like Taylor Swift. A lot of haters , but has something for everyone!

[@greymatter2321]

😳....Folks we are checking the RR history books but I do believe this may be the 1st new vehicle reviewed that DID NOT get Sofyan's much sought after "solid sounding thunk" of approval, stand by for a confirmation. 🤣😁

[@naveenthemachine]

First new car? I’ve followed sofyan for a long time and a bunch of other vehicles from Toyota don’t get the solid sounding thunk approval

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

@@naveenthemachinethen you haven’t been watching his videos. I would go as far to say in the past couple years, there’s probably been around 10 vehicles that didn’t receive that award, and most of them were either vehicles from brand new manufacturers such as Rivian or some brands under GM.

[@greymatter2321]

@naveenthemachine RR records are being reviewed thank you. 😆

[@naveenthemachine]

@@arhamkhakwani5851 I remember him talking about it even around 5 years ago In his older ones I’d hear him say things like “it sounds okay”

[@freddiei.2696]

Congrats on the 1 mil subs, Red Team!

[@Noah-ui1iu]

RIP silky smooth 3.5L V6.

[@kylepasta]

Toyota actually has some crazy well engineered engines, some of there 4 cylinders are extremely smooth , better than a Nissan v6

[@naveenthemachine]

@@kylepasta yeah the previous 4 cylinder in a 2012-17 Camry / 2013-18 rav4 or even the 2013-17 4 cylinder highlander and the old venza is very smooth.

[@ishaansaral502]

​@@kylepastaIdk. Most of their 4 cylinders are loud and rattly. The 2.5 liter sounds too unrefined.

[@MeowMochi3]

The Nissan Vq's are smooth engines, just that gas mileage is terrible

[@kylepasta]

@@MeowMochi3 they burn oil , and the timing chain go

[@NancySellers]

Great video - love your knowledge and appreciate the vocabulary

[@Bawkzers]

First video I watched where you didn't say "The door has a solid sounding thunk". lol Highlander already failed the test.

[@VinitAwatramani]

Reliability aside I’d rather have Nissans naturally aspirated V6. Quicker to 60, more towing capability and improved MPG. Not sure why people insist on making overly complicated 4 cylinders.

[@maga6319]

Nissan reliability has gotten better. Toyota is behind them

[@GTI_Man]

It's not that manufactures insist, they're being forced too. It is becoming increasingly difficult to improve performance and efficiency simultaneously while abiding by emission regulations. VVT and DOHC only goes so far. Hence, turbocharged engines are becoming the standard.

[@jordenburleson6409]

​@maga6319 toyota is is 2nd Nissan is 17 in New car reliability what are you saying

[@santelaneal5374]

@@jordenburleson6409what’s number 1?

[@lindacook4032]

Just traded in my v6 Nissan Murano for the Toyota…the Nissan doesn’t come even close to the Toyota. The Toyota tows more than double what the unreliable Nissan..My Murano was a 2022 complete garbage..

[@johnnybravo5044]

The Camry needs this engine.

[@naveenthemachine]

No it doesn’t. If it had one it would be significantly slower than the 3.5

[@KAYJAYSTUDIOSYT]

It needs the crowns version of it. Not this suvs.

[@keithrodes1591]

Well-rounded for sure!!

[@naveenthemachine]

Well rounded for Toyota sheeps who don’t know anything 😂

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review. Definitely hope to see an XSE Hybrid version of the Highlander. Toyota needs to update the tail lamp situation ASAP but the front is much better looking than the other trims

[@f181234]

This outdated Highlander outsells the Palisade and telluride combined and now they have the grand highlander Toyota basically owns the 3 row SUV segment in North America

[@maga6319]

Most of the highlanders went to rental fleet. That's the truth. And the highlander sales dropped since the GH came to the market.

[@f181234]

@@maga6319 Hyundai and Kia does rental fleet too my local enterprise lot is filled with them

[@maga6319]

@@f181234 good lie there kid, good lie. Gotta resort to lies now eh?

[@Christ42]

@@maga6319ahhh no they didn’t

[@joshualewis2367]

Now this is actually my favorite trim of the Highlander it’s so sporty looking love the color so good looking it fits the highlander so well and with the red seats hot 🥵

[@naveenthemachine]

Sporty looking but not sporty driving even though it has torque vectoring awd

[@reggiebanks7627]

I have a 2020 Highlander over 150k miles. Reliable

[@alvinsimba734]

Man that’s a lot of driving for that 2020. What do you do for a living? My 2020 Corolla has roughly 26k miles lol

[@-KPG-]

Why you capping.. you’d have to put 50k + miles yearly just to hit that number if you really have a 2020 💀💀 And unless you’re a truck driver using your Highlander I doubt that.

[@reggiebanks7627]

I live in miami and take things back n forth to London. Can’t say more

[@-KPG-]

@@reggiebanks7627 you drive your Highlander across the oceans ? Sheesh never knew Highlander was built like that

[@reggiebanks7627]

lol nice but no there’s another London and it’s well known in the great north

[@blingpow8361]

Idk why but the Highlander looks like something Infiniti should’ve came out with in 2015+ I really can’t explain it lol. It just gives me Infiniti vibes with the 3.7 engine option in it.

[@mark_u]

"Well-rounded" is a perfect way to describe this vehicle, Sofyan. I do think that Toyota needs to reconsider the pricing of the next-gen Highlander as it's significantly undercut by the upcoming Santa Fe and to distance itself more from the Grand Highlander.

[@Omariginal1]

I have a 2022 XSE with the V6 engine, and I test drove the 2023 four-cylinder. I didn't like the way the four-cylinder sounded. So when my lease is up later this year, I'm buying my '22 V6.

[@brandonmcfarland5200]

Happy Valentine's Day Sofyan ❤🖤.

[@johnnybravo5044]

Yummy!

[@jonesmarcquis]

Didnt the v-6 have a around 300 hp?

[@user-qf9xn1pc6l]

Highlander XSE is one of its kind. Finer, and more classy than other body shapes of all highlanders including that of the new grand highlander. The beauty of XSE is so catchy and enticing. It is finer than Hyundai and Honda. I specifically mean the XSE

[@Dontdoitguy]

Beautiful inside and out ❤

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

I'm thinking of consider buying this vehicle.

[@kylebolotano2353]

Will u do a video comaprison of 2024 Pilot vs Highlander with there top of the line model, but not the Grand Highlander

[@JremV]

Great review as always! Being an automotive journalist is my dream job. Isn’t the 8 speed in this made by aisin? It’s similar to the one used in the Volvo xc90 and Volkswagen products the gear ratios are similar if I’m not mistaken

[@naveenthemachine]

But the software and gear ratios aren’t the same. That’s all done by the manufacturer. So the 8 speed in the Volvo xc90 might shift differently and faster than the Toyota 8 speed

[@JremV]

@@naveenthemachine not sure if this is credible cause I’ve been told not to always trust wiki but this says the transmissions in this and the Volvo are the same. You are likely accurate about the manufacturer setting their own ratios en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/AWF8F35

[@tkslan00]

Is there a cd player slot in or near the screen? Thank you.

[@billp4872]

25 refresh? Or complete redo? If refresh how many more years till re-do

[@ms3ben]

Seems like a decent people mover, though I prefer V6 NA power in vehicles like this. At least is doesn't have a crappy CVT.

[@arieldominguez6367]

What about the 2024 xle like to see a demonstration on that one

[@1956jude]

I'm hoping to check out Crown Signia at the upcoming Boston Auto Show.

[@thomaslau8751]

50k with no memory and ventilated seats, also not including full screen dash. Spend your money wisely y'all!!!

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Welcome to the inflation economy where you pay more for less.

[@xsej4223]

Hear that growl... that 4cyl turbo cries

[@isaacstacoify]

Toyota really needs to update the resolution on their camera's.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

They killed the look of it. I saw one of the new ones a few days ago and I was like what the heck is that? They squashed to make it more like a car. No longer looks SUV-like.

[@elliottmanning4116]

7:20 That beep was loud as hell lol

[@user-lf1nh9ff7s]

С каким октановым числом бензином была заправлена эта машина при замере разгона?

[@abdullahinurudeen967]

Watching from Nigeria 🇳🇬

[@johndiaz4663]

The problem is the Highlander is almost priced to the grand Highlander so what’s the point of taking the smaller one for almost the same price

[@tinhinnh]

we need an XSE Grand HL too

[@jgiss7102]

Just put an exhaust on it if you want sound. Turbo sound like the tacoma would be nice.

[@Alienspecies635]

I’m gonna go look at these tomorrow. Hopefully I can find that tan interior or black this red two tone is horrible 😂

[@MrAlthuraya]

vs cx90 , which one better driving ?

[@naveenthemachine]

Easy. Cx90 RWD architecture inline 6. The highlander is just a Camry on stilts

[@franklinsantana3553]

2024 porsche cayenne or 2024 toyota highlander???? which one you will pick?

[@howardgore9807]

So I see bigger is better for room but if you're still getting at 2.4 l turbo for the power & put it in Grand Highlander... my guess it should be with a Hybrid system because of extra weight.!!

[@HandsONreviews4u]

Love to have one, just won't be in my lifetime 😮 Dealerships.. Why can't the manufacturer sell us the vehicles directly and WE pay for shipping to our front door like a CARVANA 😊👍

[@gnd144]

Very nice, although the red seats are a little much.

[@MrNemo721]

They should offer this with the Hybrid Max option with the 362-hp turbo 2.4-liter and two electric motors

[@ButterflyVan]

Whats the price??

[@EvendimataE]

if somebody need a 3rd row, why not just go with mini vans?

[@NileshR12]

I wish the Crown Signia offered this engine instead of only being a hybrid. If the Crown Signia or RAV4 offered this that would be great since I don't need this big of an SUV

[@thegoodstick3985]

The Toyota crown signia is a lot like the 2 row Highlander. They should probably discountinue it and have the crown signia take it's place

[@naveenthemachine]

Imo they should cancel the signia. And just chop the 3rd row off the highlander and drop the price. Thats so much easier. Toyota has badly botched bringing the crown nameplate to America. They need to give us a real crown of not even bother

[@Pwj579]

Driving around suburban Fairfax County

[@mervinprone]

How can the highlander be quicker than the rx? 10 fewer horses and a bit bigger.

[@ishaansaral502]

Probably not as heavy due to lacking Lexus luxury and sound deadening.

[@anthonycarreviews1528]

Do a 2025 ford explorer st-line

[@thedragonofdalzell]

I always felt the small third rows in SUVs this size were meant for small kids and pets You need a Suburban, Expedition, Yukon, etc for real adult third row seating

[@rahulkaushal5827]

I have Highlander 2021, bumper came off in 2022 that time I went to dealer and they refused to repair. I did repairs from insurance company i.e. ICBC. Now I got the recall for the same and I request Toyota to refund the money I paid for the repair or still paying as my insurance went up really high. Insurance company does not agree to put me off from the penalty. Falling bumper...

[@Imgmauro0620]

this XSE trim should offer the bench seat and it should have that third row seat match the rest of the seats, those 2 things are the deal breaker to me.

[@paddyvega]

The highlander is gorgeous…. But they mostly focus on the reliability oppose to the ascetics ….. but the interior looks very outdated…. But than again it’s a Toyota the jdm people will make a work of art outta this suv

[@TBISYTC]

Just imagine this engine in the Rav4...

[@activesloth5355]

I wish companies wouldn't push turbos so hard. This new setup compared to the previous NA 3.5 averages 1 mpg increase. Emissions aside, why go to something that will be more maintenance sensitive for a market that will notoriously go over intervals because the busy lives most shoppers of this class have? Just my opinion to the ether. I wish companies didn't feel the need to make everything, including family haulers, sporty. I miss smooth, comfortable rides

[@southbayla3137]

I remember in one of your videos you said you had a “lover” does that mean you are married to another guy?

[@Pwj579]

Yes

[@Nikki-uq3vi]

What's the psi boost for this engine

[@withrootsandeverything3460]

Only 5 k towing really? Need to do 9k

[@m4st3rm1nd9]

Why did they forget red in third row 😦😮😯

[@kromahj]

50k for that thing. When they have the pilot, telluride, palisade. Etc😮😮

[@naveenthemachine]

Agreed. The regular Highlander and grand highlander can’t hold a candle to the competition They’re the Japanese GM product of SUVs

[@f181234]

Yet this thing Outsells the Palisade and telluride Combined

[@truckercowboyed2638]

Yep the Ascent is just as roomy and cheaper.....

[@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947]

​@naveenthemachine Reviewers, even CarAndDriver, ranked the Grand Highlander above them. Including above the Pilot.

[@maga6319]

@@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947 the GH is new. So there's no way they'll ranked that pos already. Give it 5 years. The GH already got problems abd Toyota haven't made a recall yet. Typical

[@Pajaa37]

vegan leather: made out of leaves….😂😂😂😂

[@ishaansaral502]

New Santa Fe is definitely bringing some much needed competition in this segment. I think it's a way better family vehicle due to space and practicality. Also, lot more luxurious and no CVT for the hybrid. The Highlander 3rd row is pretty unusable comparatively.

[@devin1229]

Not worth the price given the lack of normal features. Plus the combo turn signals make it look cheap.

[@user-ce6pu1tz7p]

Top speed 113 mph. Not old you’ll ever need drive that fast, but why would you want to spend $50k on a car that will struggle on the highway around 80-90 mph which in certain areas of highways in the USA is totally normal?

[@tomcat1555]

I have one, it doesn't struggle to get to 100 mph. I rarely drive past 85 mph, only when I need to pass or merge.

[@jimmysautodetailing6984]

Seats look like they’re from CarID … not a fan . Overall great car (go figure: Toyota)

[@scott5375]

Love Toyota reliability, second to none. But like most models in their lineup, this XSE is still bland and boring.

[@reyflorenzo3644]

They should keep the same old engine. The only Toyota should do is change the transmission with 8 speed automatics.

[@joseabreu5802]

Esse botao na consola do som esta muito longe do condutor....os mais recentes parece ter esse botao mais perto......o santa fe parece bem mais interessante embora a fiabilidade seja toyota......vou pensar para decidir

[@andresmattos7541]

Read about Toyota cooking their safety and performance data for more than 30 years. There is your toyota reputation. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@wyattsexton7083]

Booo No V6

[@Devereaux88]

Never understood why toyota can’t give us reliability and tech. Seat color doesn’t look great in this truck- maybe it’s the exterior color? Guess the next model will be better.

[@naveenthemachine]

No it won’t 😂. Toyota can redesign it 100 times and it’ll still fall behind the current competition

[@Vini-Pizza]

XSE trim shortchanges you on a lot of features that you would expect at this price point. No memory seats? Buzz!No heated steering wheel? Another buzz!! No heated rear seats? I'm looking elsewhere!

[@hemanrang7484]

Man I hate this design need to upgrade

[@Parkway808]

Oof, 49k for incandescent blinkers

[@SuperAsian78]

better off getting a kia or hyundai because you can get a new engine every 40-60k miles

[@darkivaz-aaa1145]

This new highlander makes the 2024 Hyundai santa fe look way more premium all around. The highlander looks super outdated.

[@kromahj]

😂😂😂😂

[@naveenthemachine]

Agreed. Tbh the Highlander and grand Highlander were outdated when they came out Toyota could redesign both 50 times and it would still fall behind the current competition

[@maga6319]

@@naveenthemachine exactly.

[@tomjohnson8737]

But will last 10times longer than santa fe

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

Yeah harbor freight has good looking tools to but nobody buys them for the long haul

[@Titoroski187]

XSE is a trim. Limited is a trim. Grand is a trim. Platinum is a trim. Neither is exactly better than the other. Really gotta stop saying "step up" to said trims.

[@kevinkidneyy]

these vehicles look good but lets be honest nobody can afford these

[@Agmhd]

Looks xL version of Toyota Innova Hycross

[@GautamAtri]

This hasn't been axed yet?

[@JohnWickkkkkkkkk]

Is Toyota going down? Everybody complains of turbo and they get rid of ever reliable NA engine with twin turbo

[@FrankW1029]

Grand Highlander is the stupidest naming i've seen in a while. That car looks like a larger RAV4 instead of the Highlander.

[@bbbt8090]

6.8 seconds in 2024 is just horrid. You get what you get with Toyota

[@ErvuJukl]

Damn right, you get the best vehicles on the planet pal

[@gtr485]

Too bad Lexus/Toyota are under powered.

[@linamistl7389]

Good engine but poor stylistic look😅

[@FraldinhoBJJ]

Vegan leather , 4 cylinder, cheap materials . And they want 50k for this ? What consumer is asking for this ? Modest updates but I wouldn’t call them upgrades .

[@khunt1947]

One thing about Toyota and Honda is they will nickel and dime you for every little thing.

[@StormWalker101]

There was no point in shrinking the engine there was no mpg gains. Should have just reduced the displacement to 3.6l and then add a turbo or hybrid would have been better.

[@kevonwalker8392]

Not with a 4cylender it’s not

[@osuk1]

4cyl turbos will destroy Toyota's market share in every segment. 🤡

[@brenttitus2134]

Almost $50k and it’s so slow. Speed is not everything but… 🙄

[@guniseran]

These cars are getting stolen on a daily basis, I am scared to get one

[@MrBroadcast45]

Looks average and kind of bland. The turbocharged four cylinder doesn’t fit should have kept the naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6. 50k for a Toyota? No thanks