The 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE offers everything midsize SUV buyers are looking for—spacious seating, advanced safety features, solid performance, and a premium interior. Positioned as a well-rounded, value-packed trim, the XLE variant delivers extra luxury touches and tech upgrades without sacrificing the practicality and reliability that the Highlander name is known for.
Stylish and Modern Exterior Design
The 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE boasts a refined exterior with bold lines and a strong, athletic stance. Its sculpted body and sleek profile give it a modern appeal, making it look as good in the city as it does on family road trips.
Exterior highlights include:
- LED headlights and daytime running lights
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (standard on XLE)
- 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels
- Heated power side mirrors with integrated turn signals
- Available roof rails for added practicality
- Distinctive front grille with chrome accents
- Multiple color options including Blueprint, Moon Dust, and Ruby Flare Pearl
These stylish touches set the XLE apart from lower trims, giving it a premium, upscale vibe.
Comfortable and Spacious Interior
Step inside the 2021 Highlander XLE, and you’ll be welcomed by a well-appointed cabin that balances comfort, functionality, and space. It can accommodate up to 8 passengers or 7 passengers if you opt for the available second-row captain’s chairs.
Interior highlights include:
- SofTex®-trimmed seating surfaces
- Heated front seats with power-adjustable driver’s seat (10-way) and passenger seat (4-way)
- Second-row fold-down/split sliding seats
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
- Available second-row captain’s chairs for easier access to the third row
- Generous cargo space of 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable up to 84.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded down
Passengers will appreciate the quiet ride and thoughtful cabin layout, perfect for long trips or daily drives.
Infotainment and Connectivity Features
The Highlander XLE comes loaded with technology features designed to keep everyone connected and entertained:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa® compatibility
- Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming
- SiriusXM® satellite radio
- Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad
- Wi-Fi Connect with 4G LTE capability
- USB ports in both front and rear rows
- 7-inch color Multi-Information Display in the instrument cluster
These features ensure drivers and passengers have seamless access to navigation, music, and smartphone apps on the go.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2021 Highlander XLE is powered by:
3.5L V6 Engine
- 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque
- Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive standard; available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs
- EPA-estimated 21 MPG city / 29 MPG highway (FWD)
This V6 engine delivers strong acceleration and smooth highway cruising while maintaining fuel efficiency suitable for a midsize SUV.
For those seeking improved fuel economy, the Highlander XLE is also available in a hybrid variant featuring a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain with up to 36 MPG combined.
Advanced Safety Features
Toyota places safety at the forefront, and the Highlander XLE comes equipped with the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking (available)
These features, combined with strong crash test scores, make the Highlander XLE one of the safest choices in the segment.
Why Choose the 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE offers a well-balanced package of luxury, performance, and practicality. Here’s why it stands out:
- Spacious seating for up to 8 passengers
- Powerful V6 engine with strong towing capacity
- Upscale interior materials and comfort features
- Advanced tech, including wireless charging and smartphone integration
- Comprehensive standard safety features
- Toyota’s reputation for reliability and resale value
For families and drivers looking for a versatile, comfortable, and stylish midsize SUV, the Highlander XLE delivers everything needed for daily driving and long-distance adventures alike.