With the next-generation 2020 Toyota Highlander now riding atop a new platform, the manufacturer has decided to grow its sport-adjacent XSE trim level by throwing it into mix for the 2021 model year. The model took a bow at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday.
Settling between the XLE and Limited trims, XSE uses the same 3.5-liter V6 (295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft of torque) that’s now found in all non-hybrid Highlanders. The performance boost come by way of suspension upgrades and a few tweaks to the electrically assisted power steering unit. Everything else is cosmetic, but Toyota believes it will all come together to create a sportier driving experience.
The automaker says it’s giving the model the “XSE treatment,” adding it’s aimed at “people who need SUV practicality but really miss driving sport sedans.” While we’re not sure how much overlap exists between Highlander shoppers and sports-sedan enthusiasts, semi-sporting packages and trim lines are standard practice these days. They must hold some level of appeal, or manufacturers wouldn’t insist on dangling them in front of us.
Power on the Highlander XSE is still sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels, but all-wheel drive remains an option. Toyota says the AWD system can send up to 50 percent of its output to the rear wheels and vector torque through the rear axle, delivering desirable handling characteristics and stability when the terrain gets lousy. Configurable drive modes will further help customers dial in the settings; however, the manufacturer has yet to elaborate further.
Suspension changes include re-tuned shocks, higher spring rates, and a new rear stabilizer bar.
While the Highlander looks like Toyota’s design team retains an unhealthy obsession with the defunct Matrix, XSE is a bit more aggressive looking than the rest. It’s not the boldest design we’ve seen from the brand of late — and it’s far less brutish than the old Highlander — but it is more curvaceous and interesting than the comparatively diminutive Matrix.
XSE further distinguishes itself from the rest of the lineup by way of a restyled front end with much larger openings (many of which are cosmetic). It also brings smokey headlamps with black accenting, black mirrors, some black cladding around the wheel wells, unique rocker panels, and a set of 20-inch machine-faced alloy wheels (again, with black accents).
Cloth seats are standard, though XSE allows you to empty your bank account with two-tone red and black leather upholstery with a red stitching. You can also splurge on an audio upgrade, resulting in the instillation of an 11-speaker JBL sound system. You should also be able to upgrade the infotainment system to 12.3 inches, as the default 8-inch touchscreen (which comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa capabilities) appears to be standard.
Toyota expects about 12 percent of Highlander buyers to select the XSE. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. Based on its positioning, XSE should start somewhere around $42,000. Sales are anticipated to begin this fall.
[Images: Toyota]
Ugh – that maw.
I would think that the sort of people who miss sports sedans but “need” to drive a SUV won’t be looking at Toyota.
But it’s so grounded to the ground!
Looks like it broke its nose and is sporting some serious bandages.
So…aggressive!!!!
Dont like it.
Hard pass.
Oh my, soo u.g.l.y.
“people who need SUV practicality but really miss driving sport sedans.”
Good that’s annoying to read, and a lame argument. People who buy these aren’t poor. Just get a sports sedan as well.
This is compromised and will ride accordingly.
Agreed. People looking for a “sporty” vehicle like this are going to spend extra on an Explorer ST, which offers actual performance (assuming, of course, it doesn’t fall apart). I don’t know who Toyota’s chasing with this thing.
But Explorer (according to savagegeese anyway) is a half finished product
Yes this, Momma get’s a middle of the road HIghlander and Daddy drives a sports sedan, pickup truck, or muscle car.
Dear Ol’ Dad only cares that he has enough rear seat room for the 10 min drive for pickup or drop off duty for school or daycare.
Probably chasing former camry XSE buyers, since not many people buy camrys anymore.
Just when you think Toyota has reached the peak of their ugly maw designs, they exceed all expectations and reach new heights (new lows).
I don’t find this offensive at all. Just a little dissonance between the front and the rest of the car
I laughed harder and harder while scrolling through the pictures. Front, side and rear, they did the impossible……topping their last styling hot mess. I don’t even know what engine it has and don’t care. OMFG isn’t strong enough.
Ok. Now waiting on TRD
My 18 month old sometimes has the same problem…
Waiting on a trd.
“Now waiting on TRD”
I hope they test/tune it on Nürburgring.
Meanwhile, the Pacifica minivan can send twice as much output to the rear wheels than this Highlander.
From the front, it now looks like a Subaru Outback that just discovered it has a peanut allergy.
I once took a special-effects make-up class.
This vehicle reminds me so much of a life-cast smeared to death with plasticine. The vehicular embodiment of an additive design process.
Jeeps are TOS Klingons to this car’s TNG.
Barfy.
And people used to chide Pontiac…
This joins the Aztek, not rehabilitate it. There’s no path for redemption for that Poncho SUV. True ugliness is timeless.
Wait until wound is healed. When your eyes open, talk
This is the same thing as the SE trim level on the previous Highlander, just with an extra X. It’s an appearance package for the XLE, some slightly stiffer shocks, and nothing more. It’s highly popular, at least in this market.
GET OUT OF THE F*N WAY JERKS MY PRINCESS IS LATE FOR SCHOOL
German SUVs fill that role in the D.C area.
Toyota really didn’t know when to stop adding the styling flourishes. Fugly!
I agree!
“aimed at “people who need SUV practicality but really miss driving sport sedans.””
Oh, so the same delusional folks who bought an Astro van with the huge Sport badge prominently glued on next to the door handle. Those kind of people. GM knew the pulse of its customer base a couple decades ago when it was time to trade in the feisty Lumina Eurosport.
At least the Astro van was pleasant to look at in an industrial way. This thing is competing for top honors at the “Horrors from the Deep” avant garde art show.
You know when you’re shaving and you realize you have an ingrown hair and it starts to bleed a little and you can feel a pronounced bump…. that’s what this car’s interior/center stack looks like.
C’mon Toyota, you can do better. Look at the Avalon center stack.
BIG BLOCKED OFF FROWNY GRILLE
BIG BLOCKED OFF FROWNY GRILLE
BIG BLOCKED OFF FROWNY GRILLE
After all Edsel was not such a bad idea. I am talking about car. Edsel SUV anyone?
WTF is going on with the awful looking vehicles being made today? If something comes along and isn’t hideous, it’s kind of thrilling. This isn’t one of those increasingly rare ones, it’s just one of the ugliest in a very ugly bunch.
Better blah than Toyota’s “agressive” nonsense. Better blah than almost any reasonably priced car or CUV made today.
The front lower end is taken from the Avalon sedan. It looks ridiculous! Toyota and Lexus just keep doing these extremely ugly front ends and for some reason, people buy the cars but say it is ugly!
Yes, this has bizarre front end styling. I haven’t see a Star Wars movie since the original came out but I see some Darth Vader in there.
But… why complain? This is a Toyota. We won’t have to endure the front all that much. We’ll all be staring at the arse end as it lumbers along in the passing lane 10 mph below the limit. With a signal light on… for hours on end.
I swear that if/when Toyota makes autonomous vehicles they’ll just aim for the left lane and stay there.