2021 Toyota Highlander XSE: The Sporty Family Crossover

On sale for less than a year, Toyota is keeping its largest family crossover fresh with a new performance variant. The 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE, available this fall, offers exciting performance upgrades alongside an aggressive new design.

Performance and Capability

Equipped with a standard 3.5L V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, the Toyota Highlander XSE generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This power can be routed to either the front or all four wheels. The all-wheel-drive version is equipped with Dynamic Torque Vectoring, allowing up to 50 percent of engine power to be sent to the rear wheels, adjusting the power distribution from side to side on the rear axle. This advanced system enhances control in slippery conditions while also adding sportiness during aggressive driving.

Enhanced Suspension and Handling

The Highlander XSE features a unique suspension setup, including higher-rate springs and a stiffer rear stabilizer bar, which help reduce understeering tendencies. Furthermore, lower-friction shock absorbers and retuned electric power steering provide a sportier driving experience. It also comes with striking machine-faced 20-inch wheels featuring black accents.

Striking Exterior Design

In its transformation from a standard crossover to a sporty family vehicle, the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE boasts significant restyling. It now features a new front fascia with an aggressive grille and deeper front spoiler, both exclusive to the XSE model. Additionally, black-accented headlamps with LED daytime running lights lend the Highlander a more menacing appearance. Deeper side rockers and chromed, exposed dual-tip exhausts add to the sporty aesthetic.

Stylish Interior Features

Inside, the Toyota Highlander XSE does not disappoint. The optional two-tone leather upholstery in bold red and black adds an adventurous touch, while the standard Softex-and-fabric upholstery also provides a sporty feel. Standard features include ambient lighting and a carbon-texture finish on the dashboard, further enhancing the cabin’s modern appeal.

A Bold Step Forward

Toyota has been increasingly daring with its sporty XSE variants across various models, including the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4. The Highlander XSE stands as a testament to the company’s willingness to take risks and appeal to adventurous families. Although its powertrain and slight suspension adjustments may not compete with sportier models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, the Toyota Highlander XSE successfully introduces a fun, dynamic driving experience into the family crossover segment.