2024 Toyota Highlander XLE vs. XSE vs. Limited

The Toyota Highlander is a family-friendly SUV that gives drivers and their passengers all of the interior amenities and safety features that modern drivers want on Austin and Leander roads and highways. They’re fuel-efficient, have seating for up to eight people, and deliver plenty of cargo space. 

The 2023 version comes in 11 different trims, including some hybrid models, for you to choose from. This guide from Toyota of Cedar Park will cover the differences among the XLE, XSE, and Limited trims, which are in the middle of this lineup. The goal is to help you choose which one is best for your budget and lifestyle. So, let’s find out more about the 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE vs. XSE vs. Limited trims.

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE vs. XSE vs. Limited: Prices

Pricing is probably the first thing you think about when shopping for a new vehicle because purchasing one is a big investment for your hard-earned money. The base trim of the Highlander has a starting MSRP of $36,420, while the highest trim comes in at $50,675. The XLE, XSE, and Limited trims are about midway between these two figures. See the prices of the 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE vs Limited vs XSE trims: 

• 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE Price: $41,820 MSRP*
• 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE Price: $43,415 MSRP*
• 2023 Toyota Highlander Limited Price: $46,075 MSRP*

As you can see, there is a difference of less than $5,000 among the three trims. The engine performance, interior space, and fuel efficiency are identical in all three configurations and they’re all designed for outstanding comfort in Georgetown. Therefore, we’ll look at the interior amenities and high-tech features as differentiating factors for these three Toyota Highlander trims.

2023 Highlander XLE vs Limited vs XSE: Main Features

As you go up in each trim level, the Highlander XLE vs. XSE vs Limited debate becomes more apparent. We’ll go over the main features and interior amenities of each trim to help you select the right one for you.

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE Interior & Main Features

Discover these main features on a 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE:

• Available 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light
• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• Heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators
• 8-in. machined-finish alloy wheels
• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
• SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats with heated front seats
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
• 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Five total USB ports
• LED headlights

2023 Toyota Highlander XSE Interior & Main Features

You’ll get everything in the XLE trim, plus these items:

• 20-in. machined-face black alloy wheels
• Sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone suspension
• Aggressive mesh front grille with sporty front bumper and lower spoiler
• Twin-tip exhaust
• LED projector headlights with black accents and LED-strip Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Black roof rails
• Rear lower bumper in gray metallic finish with chrome-finished lower spoiler trim
• Color-keyed side rocker panels with chrome-finished lower trim
• Unique to XSE are SofTex®-trimmed or leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats with heated front seats

2023 Toyota Highlander Limited Interior & Main Features

You can find a lot of features from lower trims as well as these items in the Limited trim:

• 20-in. chrome-finished wheels
• 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with 11 JBL® speakers
• 12.3-in. fully digital gauge cluster
• Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB) 
• Heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, puddle lights and power folding feature
• Available Panoramic View Monitor and backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• Leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats with heated and ventilated front seats
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat; driver’s seat memory function
• LED projector headlights with LED-strip Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and high-output LED fog lights
• Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection

*MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling of $1,095 for Cars (GR86, Avalon, Avalon HV, Camry, Camry HV, Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR Corolla, Mirai, Prius, Prius Prime, GR Supra, Toyota Crown), $1,335 for SUV/Van/Small Truck (4Runner, bZ4X, C-HR, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross HEV, Highlander, Highlander HV, RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Prime, Sienna, Tacoma, Venza), $1,595 for Large SUV (Sequoia), and $1,795 for Large Truck (Tundra and Tundra Hybrid). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota’s charge for these services is called the “Delivery, Processing and Handling” and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota’s overall pricing structure and may be subject to change at any time. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling.) The Delivery, Processing and Handling in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Excludes taxes, title and license and distributor and dealer options and accessories. Actual dealer price will vary.

XLE

XSE

LIMITED

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice for Austin drivers who are looking for an SUV that’s equal parts stylish, powerful, and reliable. There are seven available trims (along with four hybrid trims), and three of the best are the XLE, XSE, and Limited configurations. Each of these trims brings something unique to the table, and all are excellent choices for your Leander adventures. But which configuration best suits your driving needs? Compare the details of the Toyota Highlander XLE vs. Limited vs. XSE in our guide below!

2022 Toyota Highlander XLE 

• MSRP from $41,055
• 3.5L V6 engine / 295 horsepower / 263 lb-ft of torque
• Seating for up to 7 passengers
• SofTex interior upholstery
• 6-speaker audio system
• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Five USB ports
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat

2022 Toyota Highlander XSE

• MSRP from $42,650
• 3.5L V6 engine / 295 horsepower / 263 lb-ft of torque
• Seating for up to 7 passengers
• SofTex interior upholstery
• 6-speaker audio system
• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+
• Heated front seats
• 20-inch machined-face alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Twin-tip exhaust
• Black roof rails
• Color-keyed side rocker panels with chrome-finished lower trim

2022 Toyota Highlander Limited

• MSRP from $45,010
• 3.5L V6 engine / 295 horsepower / 263 lb-ft of torque
• Seating for up to 7 passengers
• Leather-trimmed upholstery
• 11-speaker premium audio system
• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+
• 20-inch chrome-finished wheels
• Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• LED projector headlights with LED-strip Daytime
• Color-keyed heated power-folding outside mirrors

XLE

XSE

LIMITED

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a versatile crossover sure to please a wide range of Austin drivers. With six trims to choose from, it’s easy to find a Highlander that fits your needs – whether you’re searching for something utilitarian, sporty, or luxurious. In the guide below, Toyota of Cedar Park compares the popular Toyota Highlander XLE vs. XSE vs. Limited trim levels to help you choose yours!

Highlander XLE: $39,910 MSRP

Every Highlander trim comes standard with a 3.5L V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ safety suite. Front-wheel drive is standard, and every trim is upgradable with AWD for enhanced all-weather traction. When you compare the Toyota Highlander XLE vs. Limited trims, it’s clear that many more high-end comforts come standard on the Limited – but the XLE offers quite a few comforts of its own for about $4,000 less. Standard features on the XLE include:

• LED headlights
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Smart Key System with Push Button Start
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® & Amazon Alexa compatibility
• Five total USB ports

Highlander XSE: $41,505 MSRP

Next, we’ll compare the Toyota Highlander XLE vs. XSE. New to the lineup for 2021, the XSE trim sits just ahead of the XLE – and offers sporty interior and exterior upgrades like SofTex®-trimmed/leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats, an aggressive mesh front grille, and a stylized front bumper and lower spoiler. Plus, plenty of interior features to enhance your Leander drives:

• Navigation
• Heated front seats
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Ambient interior lighting
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Available 11-speaker JBL premium stereo ($1,680)

Highlander Limited: $43,865 MSRP

If you’ve narrowed your options down to the Toyota Highlander Limited vs. XLE, consider the driving experience you’re looking for. The price difference between Highlander XLE vs. Limited is relatively small, so your choice comes down to the features. The Limited cabin is packed with premium audio connectivity features, and genuine leather seating comes standard. See the Limited’s key features here:

• 11-speaker JBL premium stereo with Clari-Fi®
• Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, puddle lights and folding feature
• LED projector headlights with LED-strip Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection
• Leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats with heated and ventilated front seats
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® & Amazon Alexa compatibility
• Available surround-view parking camera system
• Available 12.3-inch touch screen