The Toyota Highlander Is Perfect for New York City Streets

While there’s still truth to the old saying that “no one in New York City owns a car,” it’s also true that owning a car is becoming increasingly helpful for everyone, especially if they want to roam outside the city limits. It’s also true that three-row SUVs are a fantastic choice for group trips. Whether it's a summertime family road trip or regularly moving around cargo and equipment, there are plenty of reasons why looking for a Toyota Highlander for sale in New York City might not be a strange idea at all.

In fact, there are plenty of compelling reasons to consider the Highlander an ideal city SUV. In particular, the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is well-equipped for the hustle and flow of the city while being ready to go the distance when life leads you beyond the Big Apple. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that won’t be a pain to live with as a city dweller but can take you, your crew, and your gear anywhere you might like to roam, you might want to check out why we feel the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid should get more credit for urban life.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander Basics

The 2024 Highlander is not a hybrid-only model. In fact, there are six Hybrid trims and five gas-only trims. So why are we focusing on the Hybrid model? Mostly, it's the fuel economy. The gas-powered Highlander has an estimated fuel economy of up to 25 MPG combined, depending on trim and whether front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is selected. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers an estimated fuel economy of 36 MPG combined for front-wheel drive models or 35 MPG combined for models equipped with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.

Unlike some hybrid vehicles, the Highlander Hybrid does not need to be plugged in. Electric power is generated as the gas-powered engine runs. An electric driving mode allows you to use strictly electric power for short bursts at low speeds, but mostly, the motor system supplies additional power to support the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. This gives you the ability to wander further between fuel stops. For drivers who don’t use their cars every day, that also means greater peace of mind––your Highlander won’t be draining its battery in the garage, becoming undrivable in between adventures.

Most Highlander Hybrid trims provide seating for seven, with bucket seats in the first and second rows and a three-person bench in the rear row. Need a little more seating area? Drivers who select certain trims may choose a second-row bench seat, which expands seating to eight. If you’re more concerned with moving your gear, shopping bags, or even your best friend to their new apartment across town, the Highlander can be configured with up to 84.3 cu.ft. of cargo space, thanks to an intelligently-placed battery pack.

How Does the Highlander Hybrid Work?

Toyota has shared its commitment to a “Beyond Zero” future, in which the brand is able to reach carbon neutrality across all of its products and operations. The Highlander Hybrid is just one of 15 current hybrid models in Toyota’s lineup, along with two plug-in hybrid models (the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime), the all-electric bZ4X, and the Mirai––a hydrogen fuel cell electric car currently sold only in California. This is a wider selection of electrified vehicles than any other auto manufacturers currently offer.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is equipped with a high-efficiency 2.5L four-cylinder engine and two electric motor-generators. One generator is dedicated to charging the hybrid battery, while the second motor generator works with the gas engine to provide optimum power. The result is a system total of 243 hp. While this isn’t as powerful as the traditional gasoline option, it’s still enough to provide a tight, responsive, and nimble driving response. It’s also enough to trailer loads up to 3,500 lbs.

All-wheel drive models include an additional rear-mounted electric motor to coordinate torque between the front and rear wheels. Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system works much like the electric motor, with assistance being provided as needed. Drivers just need to operate the vehicle, and the all-wheel drive Highlander Hybrid will automatically moderate fuel consumption, engage electric power usage, and gauge slip factor in all four wheels. Just like a New Yorker, it excels at multitasking.

The Highlander Hybrid is designed with regenerative braking, which transfers the energy normally wasted when slowing down to the hybrid battery. The 2024 Highlander Hybrid also includes Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) technology. This system analyzes your daily driving, overall road conditions, and current traffic to develop ideal battery and fuel usage based on your driving patterns.

Plenty of Options for the Fashionable Driver

Toyota believes that drivers should look forward to the time spent behind the wheel; therefore, the 2024 Highlander Hybrid is offered in six distinct trims that you'll have to check out on your next Toyota dealership visit.

Hybrid LE

The LE may be considered the “base” trim, but it is still pretty comfortable. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable, and the cockpit includes a seven-inch Multi-Information Display along with an eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. This infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with five USB ports and Bluetooth wireless capability.

Hybrid XLE

The Highlander Hybrid XLE has a few more fun features for your ride. This includes easy-care SofTex-trimmed upholstery, heated front-row seats, and Qi wireless smartphone charging. Convenience is a high point in the XLE, with a hands-free power liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and standard roof rails.

Hybrid Limited

The Hybrid Limited trim offers more than a hint of luxury with standard leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated exterior mirrors that can brave the winter cold snaps. The infotainment system has been upgraded for the Limited, with a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system.

Hybrid Platinum

For those who like to take things to the max, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum features heated second-row captain’s chairs and a panoramic glass moonroof for the passengers, but Toyota saves the best goodies for the driver. This includes a Panoramic View Monitor, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

LE and XLE Nightshade Edition

Drivers who like LE and XLE trims may wish to check out what is one of the boldest Highlander special editions to date. The Nightshade Edition available for these two trims includes a very special color palette. Exterior colors include Cement, Wind Chill Pearl, Midnight Black Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl. The body of the Nightshade Edition is complemented with black 18-inch wheels, a blackout grille, and black mirror caps. A black-and-silver interior includes upgraded seating for both trims, along with the rest of the comfort and convenience goodies for that grade.

Living With the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

For many years, living with a three-row SUV within city limits seemed like a great idea on paper but not exactly fuel-consumption-friendly in practice. In a part of the country known for few gas stations and gas prices that are as staggeringly high as our skyscrapers, having the ability to explore further with less expense can be life-changing.

Comfort and convenience are two words at the center of the Highlander Hybrid’s design and engineering. From a simplified hybrid system that doesn’t require constant attention and monitoring to standard tech features that make your life easier, the Highlander Hybrid has what it takes to help a busy person feel like they’re making a good investment. Because ultimately, they are. Contact us today to set up a test drive.