2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is available in six different trim levels for 2021. In order, they are the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The Highlander Hybrid is offered in every trim except L and XSE. The standard L trim is well equipped, with LED headlights and 20-inch wheels. The LE variant adds a power liftgate and a blind-spot monitor. The XLE model steps up the style with enhanced convenience features such as roof rails and a sunroof.

The XSE trim adds a sport-tuned suspension, among other performance enhancements, and for 2021 now has a stronger suspension, redesigned bumpers, blacked-out logos, and 20-inch wheels. The Limited and Platinum trims add tons of features inside and out, such as high-output LED fog lights, LED projector headlights with an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), a power panoramic view moonroof with a sunshade, and one-touch open/close with jam protection.

A 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque comes standard with non-hybrid Highlanders. This engine comes with both front-wheel or all-wheel-drive versions, both using an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Overall, the Highlander's combination of high horsepower and nearly as high torque is powerful enough to reliably propel the 2-ton crossover wherever you wish to go. Even on uneven terrain, you can expect a balanced and controlled ride with confident handling. Passengers should be equally pleased with their seat size and cabin stability.

The XSE is a performance-specific trim level that can take things up a notch if you like. Apart from the exterior style, upgrading to the XSE adds a sport-tuned suspension, dynamic torque vectoring AWD, multi-terrain select with different drive modes, and improved roll bars.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander holds up to 16 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row. With the standard configuration, eight adults can comfortably sit inside the Highlander, and at the cost of one seat, drivers can add luxurious captain's chairs instead. Maintaining Toyota's reputation for excellent build quality, the cabin is well designed visually and ergonomically, using multiple soft-touch surfaces and other fine inclusions on upper trims.

The standard infotainment system has an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, five USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. You also have an option to upgrade to a 12.3-inch touch screen, along with wireless device charging and navigation. Other add-ons include a panoramic moonroof and a universal garage door opener.

Other than the expected features, such as stability control and advanced airbags, the 2021 Highlander has a long list of available advanced safety features, such as adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera parking system. As for standard equipment, the Safety Sense 2.5+ package equips each model with pre-collision and pedestrian detection technology, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and much more.