Toyota has introduced the XSE grade level to the 2021 Toyota Highlander, featuring 20-inch machine alloy wheels and seating capacity for seven. (Jim Frenak/FPI Studios/Toyota/TNS)
The XSE has unique rocker panels as well as the Highlander’s first exposed dual-tip exhaust, finished in chrome. (Jim Frenak/FPI Studios/Toyota/TNS)
Black roof rails, mirror caps and window moldings are included in the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE. (Jim Frenak/FPI Studios/Toyota/TNS)
On the inside, the XSE has black trimmed seats with fabric inserts, while a two-tone red and black leather-trimmed interior with red stitching is available. (Toyota/TNS)
Now standard on the 2021 Highlander is Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ system, as well as LED headlamps for the L, LE and XLE trims. (Toyota/TNS)
The Safety Sense 2.5+ includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, road sign assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane keeping assist and automatic high beams. (Toyota/TNS)
For the 2021 Highlander L, LE and XLE, there is a black front grille with silver surround. The Limited and Platinum grades have a black grille with chrome trim, LED fog lights and 20-inch alloy wheels, a first for the Highlander. (Toyota/TNS)
Available on the 2021 Highlander are a 3.6-liter V6 engine, as well as a 2.5-liter L4HV hybrid system. Both are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. (Toyota/TNS)
The gas engine offers 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid has a combined net 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. (Toyota/TNS)
The gas engine is mated to an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The HV has an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with sequential shift mode. (Toyota/TNS)
The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers 5,000 pounds of towing capacity with the gas engine, and 3,500 pounds with the hybrid. (Toyota/TNS)
On the interior, the L and LE grades have a second row bench to seat eight, while the XLE and Limited are standard with a captain’s chair second row to seat seven, and an optional second row bench to seat eight. (Toyota/TNS)
There is 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which can fold flat with a 60/40 seat split, offering 48.4 cubic-feet. Once the second row folds, cargo space rises to 84.3 cubic-feet. (Toyota/TNS)
