The all-new Toyota Highlander is a reliable midsize SUV with plenty of features to keep you comfortable and connected. For the 2023 model year, Toyota has updated the Highlander with two trim levels, the LE and XLE. Both of these trim levels come with a plethora of features, but what’s the difference between the two?
The LE trim level is the base model of the Highlander, offering a good set of features and amenities for a reasonable price. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker stereo. The LE also has an impressive suite of driver safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. On the exterior, it has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and power-folding and heated side mirrors.
The XLE trim level adds a few more amenities, including a power sunroof, a power liftgate, and a nine-speaker JBL stereo system. It also has a few more driver safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XLE also comes with 20-inch alloy wheels and fog lights.
When it comes to performance, both the LE and XLE are powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Both trim levels also have the same towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
In terms of pricing, the LE trim starts at around $36,000 while the XLE trim starts at around $39,000. So, if you want all the bells and whistles that come with the XLE trim, you’ll need to be prepared to pay the extra cost.
The Toyota Highlander LE and XLE trim levels offer a good mix of features and amenities, but the XLE trim has a few more luxuries. So, if you’re looking for more amenities and safety features, then the XLE trim is the one for you.
Understanding The Difference Between Highlander LE And XLE 2023
The Toyota Highlander is a popular SUV and comes in two different models: the LE and the XLE for the 2023 model year. Both offer plenty of features but there are some differences between the two. This article will go through the main points of difference between the two models to help you understand which one is right for you.
The first difference between the two models is the price. The LE model has a starting MSRP of $32,750, while the XLE model starts at $37,000. The higher price of the XLE model reflects the extra features that are included.
The next difference between the two models is the features. The LE model has a few basic features such as a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a power liftgate. The XLE model adds on features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, a panoramic moonroof, and heated/ventilated front seats.
The third difference between the two models is the powertrain. The LE model has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while the XLE model has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Both models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Finally, the fourth difference between the two models is the safety features. The LE model comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The XLE model adds on a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.
To sum up, the Toyota Highlander LE and XLE models for the 2023 model year offer different features and prices. The LE model has a lower starting price but comes with fewer features, while the XLE model has more features but a higher starting price. Which one is right for you depends on your needs and budget.
| Features | Highlander LE | Highlander XLE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $32,750 | $37,000 |
| Screen Size | 7 inch | 12.3 inch |
| Audio System | N/A | 10-speaker audio system |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine | 3.5-liter V6 engine |
| Safety Features | Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 | Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 + Blind-spot Monitor + Rear Cross-traffic Alert + 360-degree Camera System |
What Features Set Highlander LE And XLE Models Apart In 2023?
The Toyota Highlander LE and XLE are two of the most popular models of the Highlander family available in 2023. Both provide excellent value for money and are packed with features and technology. But what sets the LE and XLE models apart in 2023?
The Toyota Highlander LE comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission with stop-start technology, which helps improve fuel economy. The Highlander LE also features Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of driver assistance features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The LE model also has Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also has a rearview camera, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a power moonroof.
The Toyota Highlander XLE is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The XLE also has an eight-speed automatic transmission with stop-start technology, but it also features All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The XLE is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, but it also has Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a feature not available on the LE. The XLE also has an upgraded Entune 3.1 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as an upgraded rearview camera, a power moonroof, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The table below summarizes the differences between the Toyota Highlander LE and XLE models in 2023:
| Model | Highlander LE | Highlander XLE |
| Price | $34,000 | $38,000 |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | No | Yes |
| Infotainment System | Entune 3.0 | Entune 3.1 |
In conclusion, the Toyota Highlander LE and XLE models offer excellent features and value for money. The XLE model is more expensive but is equipped with AWD, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and an upgraded infotainment system. The LE model is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality vehicle with a lower price tag.
The main differences between the Highlander LE and XLE 2023 are the extra features and amenities that come with the XLE, such as additional driver-assist technology, an upgraded audio system, and larger wheels.
The Highlander LE offers driver-assist features such as Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive and a Multi-Terrain Select system, while the XLE adds extra features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and an upgraded audio system.
Both the Highlander LE and XLE 2023 are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Highlander LE has a slightly better fuel economy than the XLE, with an estimated 20/27 mpg city/highway.
The Highlander LE and XLE have a seating capacity of up to eight passengers.
The Highlander LE offers an eight-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a seven-inch touchscreen display. The XLE adds additional features such as a power liftgate, a leather-trimmed interior, a power moonroof, and an upgraded audio system.
The Highlander LE and XLE both have a five-star safety rating.
The Highlander LE has features such as LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights, while the XLE adds 19-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, and a power moonroof.
Both the Highlander LE and XLE offer a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Highlander LE has a starting MSRP of $35,700, while the XLE has a starting MSRP of $38,900.
