The trim level is 11 to choose from for the season to come, and five are powered by a hybrid engine. There isn’t a configuration that utilizes the plug-in system. It is expected to launch in 2024 Toyota Highlander Prime would be an excellent addition if Toyota decides to make it. The mid-sized SUV was the sole three-row model that had a hybrid engine. As the competition began to catch up to Toyota’s models, Toyota released the new model.
The loss of the engine results in stunning fuel efficiency. In 2024 Toyota Highlander Prime is about to bring back that power and keep fuel efficiency at the top of the line. The Prime package isn’t the only thing we’re expecting to see in the line-up. A longer-wheelbase version known as the Grand Highlander is also in the works. It’s part of the brand’s new collection, which will include a luxury Lexus TX. But, these two models will be reviewed in separate pieces.
2024 Toyota Highlander Prime Review
The Prime badge isn’t exclusive to this segment of the Toyota lineup. The Prime badge is offered in the Rav4 crossover. It’s a plug-in hybrid variant that is available with the car, which makes it both efficient and fuel-efficient. The 2024 Toyota Highlander Prime is a sensible move for Toyota. Toyota is a market leader in the hybrid category. As we mentioned, Highlander was the very first hybrid SUV that had three rows. In addition, Rav4 was also the first hybrid SUV. Rav4 was the very first cross-over that returned 40 percent fuel efficiency. The new Highlander is only available with a four-cylinder drivetrain rather than the V6 we saw previously. Engineers sacrificed power to achieve greater fuel efficiency. Thus, the SUV produces 254 hp and 35mpg. But, such a large vehicle requires more power.
This is the place where twenty-four Toyota Highlander Prime steps in. It is the Rav4 crossover the standard hybrid version has 200 hp and delivers 40 miles per gallon. The PHEV model ensures that the mileage remains at its highest – 38 mpg. But the electric support allows it to generate more power, up to 302 horsepower. This kind of output is ideal for mid-sized SUVs. However, due to its weight and size, the same model will not maintain the economy of fuel close to 40 mpg. In any case, 300 ponies or anything close around 35 miles per gallon will be a major blow to the competition.
Many people have already anticipated an official announcement about the 2024 Toyota Highlander Prime. The Toyota company is currently working on other projects, like Grand Highlander and Lexus TX. They aren’t going to hinder the launch of the Highlander’s PHEV. The logical order of events to create the next stage of this hybrid car. This is the plug-in system. We think this company is likely to utilize the Prime nameplate, though the mid-sized SUV may be referred to as a different name. In the end, the appearance of the PHEV configuration is not at risk. The only issue is when it will be a part of Toyota’s plans for the future.
PHEV vs Hybrid
The SUV previously used the 3.5-liter V6 engine to provide the basis for the hybrid system. The power output increased from 290 horsepower to 308 horsepower and the fuel efficiency was 30/28 mpg. For a three-row SUV of mid-size, this is impressive. In addition, no other company could have a comparable engine in the size of an SUV. Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento were the first vehicles after the Highlander to be made hybrid.
If experts believed that threat was there, Toyota took the next step by introducing the hybrid system to the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder motor. It eliminated more than 50 horsepower. However, the mileage of the brand-new Highlander Hybrid is 35 miles per gallon. Most compact crossovers cannot achieve that and there are only a handful that can match the fuel efficiency of this model.
At the same time, the carmaker launched its PHEV model of the Rav4. The identical 2.5-liter engine was upgraded with batteries powered by electricity to increase the power output up to 302 horsepower. The mileage is still quite high for the class. Therefore, if we compare what was seen with the Highlander’s fuel efficiency, it is likely to be a little lower than that of the conventional hybrid.
2024 Toyota Highlander Prime Price
If we are comparing the SUV and its crossover counterpart, you could draw estimates of the price. The version that is called the Prime of the Rav4 includes a $10,000 price bump in comparison to the regular hybrid. Also, the Highlander is priced at $36,000 while the hybrid engine is almost $4,000 more. It is expected that the 2024 Toyota Highlander Prime will settle about $50,000 if it gets an identical power output enhancement. There are also other aspects to consider, like trim levels, and various other possible configurations. However, more details about Highlander Prime will be revealed when the Highlander Prime will be known in 2023 when the company unveils the first concepts and announces plans for the next lineup.