Going on sale in late 2019, the fourth generation came with some upgrades over the previous generation. This generation also came with phone connectivity, making it easier than ever to access your favorite playlists and navigation apps.
Available in the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims. All trims were powered by a 2.5L I4, but there are some other engine options that are available. These other engines are the 2.4L turbocharged I4, and the 3.5L V6.
Being that the 2.5L I4 was a hybrid option, you can enjoy 36 MPG combined, as tested by the EPA. This will be able to get you upwards of 600 miles on one tank, making it the most economical option.
If you find yourself looking at an L or LE trim most came with eight-passenger seating, but some came with second-row captain’s chairs. Most trims besides the Limited and Platinum came with an 8-inch screen, while the other two came with a 12.3-inch screen.
If you want the most creature comforts, then you’ll want either a Limited or Platinum trim. This equipped your Highlander with a leather upholstery and even ventilated seats, making sure you stay comfortable.
No matter the trim, it came with hotspot and satellite radio capabilities as well as standard phone connectivity and Amazon Alexa integration.
For model year 2021, the lineup saw its first round of changes. The biggest one for all trims was the addition of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This came with semi-automated emergency steering technology, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beams.
Thanks to these new safety features, the Highlander was able to crack the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. While the previous year was close, this new suite of features pushed it over the edge.
The 2022 model year was mostly uneventful, but the 2023 year model brought a bit more excitement. This year the 3.5L was dropped, and the 2.4L I4 took its place. While it does produce less horsepower, it has the edge for torque. The 3.5L has 295 horsepower, and 263 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4L has 265 horsepower, and 310 lb-ft of torque.
For model year 2024, there were some more changes to the line, the biggest one being the removal of the L trim. With this change, all trims came with a powered tailgate, making it easy to access the rear of the vehicle. When loading up the back, you have access to 16 cu-ft of cargo capacity, letting you load up what you need without worry.