The 2024 Toyota Highlander: Introducing Nightshade Edition and Eliminating Base L Trim, Higher Starting Price

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is making a grand entrance with several updates that aim to reshape your driving experience. For those who loved the base L trim, unfortunately, it's no longer an option. Meanwhile, the Bronze Edition bows out to make way for the darker and edgier Nightshade Edition.

Pricing Shakeup: No More Base L Trim

The most significant change in the 2024 Toyota Highlander lineup comes in terms of cost. The former entry-level L trim, which had a starting price of $36,420 last year, is now removed from the lineup.

This year, your gateway to the Highlander begins with the LE trim, with an MSRP of $39,120 (excluding a $1,395 destination charge). While the LE trim only sees a $300 increase compared to its 2023 model, the elimination of the L trim effectively increases the base price by $2,700.

The Nightshade Edition: A Darker Take on Luxury

If you're in the market for something with a unique flair, the Nightshade Edition is an exciting addition. This new trim replaces the outgoing Bronze Edition and is available in LE and XLE variants of the Highlander hybrid. With a starting price of $41,720, the Nightshade Edition adds a mysterious charm to the vehicle's aesthetics.

What's Inside?

The interior of the Nightshade Edition offers black fabric-trimmed seats for LE models, and black two-tone Softex-trimmed seats with distinct embossed fabric inserts and silver accents for XLE models. Both versions include an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Those opting for the XLE variant can also choose a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Nightshade Edition is exclusive to the Highlander models equipped with Toyota’s hybrid system, coupling a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators. This system produces a total of 243 horsepower and offers an estimated 36 MPG. Alternatively, there's a gas-only 2.4-liter inline-four engine option, which delivers 265 hp but comes with a less impressive 25 MPG.

Additional Features

All XLE and XSE models now include a hands-free power liftgate as a standard feature, a convenience previously reserved for the Limited and Platinum trims.