- Toyota has dropped the base L trim for the 2024 Highlander SUV.
- The LE is the new cheapest version the mid-size SUV and marks a $2500 price increase over last year’s base model.
- The manufacturer is also bringing the Nightshade Edition to the Hybrid versions of the Highlander LE and XLE.
Toyota is shaking up the 2024 Highlander lineup by adding a Nightshade Edition and dropping the former entry-level L trim. The removal comes as another example of a manufacturer dropping a base version, while subsequently raising the barrier of entry for the vehicle.
That means for 2024, the cheapest Toyota Highlander will set you back $40,515—a $2500 increase over last year’s base model. It should be noted, however, that the price of the LE trim has only increased by $100 for the new model year. Upgrading to the hybrid version will run you an extra $1600, as will the upgrade to all-wheel drive from the standard front-drive configuration.
Toyota also decided to end the Highlander Bronze Edition trim, deeming it instead time to add a Nightshade Edition for the family SUV. The package is only available on the hybrid versions of the LE and XLE trim and runs $1000. Like with other Nightshade Editions, the Highlander comes with black trim on the grille, mirror caps, door handles, and special badging. Both the LE and XLE roll on a set of black 18-inch five spoke wheels, and the XLE version gets a set of black roof rails.
The interior features black seats finished in either cloth or two-tone Softex, depending on trim level. The XLE also comes with 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats and second row captain’s chairs. Exterior paint options on the Nightshade include Cement, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, or Ruby Flare Pearl.
The front-drive version of the LE Nightshade will run you $43,115, while the all-wheel-drive version is $44,715. Stepping up to the front-drive version of the XLE cost $46,265, and the addition of all-wheel drive brings that total to $47,660.
Associate News Editor
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.