The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the most popular and efficient three-row SUVs on the market, offering up to 36 mpg combined and seating for up to eight passengers. For the 2024 model year, Toyota is adding a new Nightshade Edition to the Highlander Hybrid lineup, giving it a darker and more aggressive look. The Nightshade Edition is available on the LE and XLE trims and comes with a range of blacked-out exterior and interior features. Here's what you need to know about the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Nightshade.
What's New for the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Nightshade?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Nightshade is based on the fourth-generation Highlander Hybrid that debuted in 2020. The hybrid powertrain remains unchanged, consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 243 horsepower. The Highlander Hybrid can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to optimize efficiency. The FWD models achieve an EPA-rated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the AWD models get 35 mpg in both scenarios. These numbers are impressive for a large SUV that can accommodate up to eight people and tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The cosmetic treatment is the main difference between the Nightshade Edition and the regular Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Nightshade Edition features black side mirrors, door handles, a grille, exterior badging, a shark fin antenna, and a rear spoiler. It also rides on black-painted 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. The color choices for the Nightshade Edition are Cement, Wind Chill Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Midnight Black Metallic.
Inside, the Nightshade Edition comes with black cloth seats on the LE trim or synthetic leather seats with silver stitching and embossed fabric inserts on the XLE trim. The XLE trim also adds heated front seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, wireless device charging, a hands-free power liftgate, a power moonroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Both trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, five USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The XLE trim has the option of upgrading to a 12.3-inch touchscreen that we found to be easy to use and responsive.
The Nightshade Edition also comes with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of driver-assist features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear seat reminder.
How Much Does It Cost?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Nightshade starts at $43,115 for the LE trim and $46,265 for the XLE trim (both prices include a $1,395 destination charge). Adding all-wheel drive costs an extra $600 on either trim. The Nightshade Edition is $1,000 more expensive than the regular Highlander Hybrid LE and XLE trims, which start at $42,115 and $45,265, respectively.
The Nightshade Edition is not available on the higher-end Limited and Platinum trims of the Highlander Hybrid, which start at $49,065 and $52,365, respectively. These trims offer more luxury features such as leather seats, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, JBL premium sound system, head-up display, surround-view camera system, panoramic sunroof, and adaptive headlights.
How Does It Compare to Rivals?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Nightshade faces competition from other three-row hybrid SUVs such as the Ford Explorer Hybrid ($54,330), Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid ($34,835), Kia Sorento Hybrid ($34,760), and Subaru Ascent Hybrid ($37,995).
The Ford Explorer Hybrid is the most powerful of the bunch, with a 3.3-liter V6 engine and an electric motor that produces a total of 318 horsepower. It also has the most cargo space behind the third row (18.2 cubic feet), but it falls short in fuel economy (28 mpg combined) and towing capacity (3,000 pounds).
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid are essentially twins under different skins. They share a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that delivers a combined output of 227 horsepower. They also have similar fuel economy ratings (33-37 mpg combined) and cargo space behind the third row (12-13 cubic feet). However, they only seat up to six passengers in three rows (the Highlander Hybrid can seat up to eight), and they have a lower towing capacity (2,000 pounds).
The Subaru Ascent Hybrid is the newest entrant in the segment, debuting for the 2023 model year. It uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that generates a combined output of 260 horsepower. It has a decent fuel economy rating of 30 mpg combined and a respectable towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. It also has the most passenger space behind the third row (16.5 cubic feet) and comes standard with all-wheel drive and Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assist features.
Is It Worth It?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Nightshade is a compelling choice for buyers who want a spacious, efficient, and stylish three-row SUV. The Nightshade Edition adds some visual flair to the Highlander Hybrid's already attractive design and comes with a generous amount of features and safety equipment. The hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel economy and adequate performance, while the cabin offers comfort and versatility for up to eight occupants.
However, the Nightshade Edition is not a cheap option, as it costs $1,000 more than the regular Highlander Hybrid LE and XLE trims. It also does not offer some of the premium features that are available on the higher-end Limited and Platinum trims, such as leather seats, ventilated front seats, JBL premium sound system, head-up display, surround-view camera system, panoramic sunroof, and adaptive headlights.
Buyers looking for a more affordable or luxurious three-row hybrid SUV may want to consider the alternatives from Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru. However, none of them can match the Highlander Hybrid's combination of fuel economy, passenger space, and reliability. The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Nightshade is a dark horse in the segment that deserves a closer look.
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