Hey guys! Are you thinking about snagging a 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE? Awesome choice! This SUV is a real winner, blending comfort, reliability, and a touch of luxury. Let’s dive deep into the specs, features, and everything else you need to know to make a smart decision.

Overview of the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE

The 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE is part of the Highlander's third generation, known for its family-friendly features and robust performance. The XLE trim stands out by offering a sweet spot of premium features without breaking the bank. It's designed to cater to families needing space, safety, and a bit of extra comfort on their daily drives and weekend getaways.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the 2019 Highlander XLE typically features a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine is a workhorse, delivering around 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient gear changes. This combination ensures the Highlander has plenty of pep for merging onto highways or tackling steep hills. Whether you opt for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the Highlander XLE offers confident handling in various driving conditions. The AWD system, in particular, enhances traction and stability, making it a great choice for those living in areas with snow or rain.

Fuel Economy

For fuel economy, the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE with FWD typically achieves around 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The AWD version sees a slight dip, with estimates around 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. These figures are pretty competitive for a mid-size SUV, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long road trips. Keep in mind that real-world fuel economy can vary based on your driving habits and conditions, but overall, the Highlander XLE offers a good balance of power and efficiency.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside, and you'll find a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The XLE trim includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, ensuring everyone stays cozy. The second-row seats are comfortable, and the third row, while best suited for kids or shorter adults, adds versatility for larger families. Tri-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone comfortable, and features like keyless entry and push-button start add convenience to your daily routine. The interior design is functional and attractive, with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. Overall, the 2019 Highlander XLE provides a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all passengers.

Key Specifications of the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Knowing the key specifications of the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE will really help you understand what this SUV brings to the table. From engine details to dimensions, we’ve got you covered.

Engine and Transmission

The heart of the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE is its 3.5-liter V6 engine. As we mentioned earlier, this engine cranks out approximately 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It’s a proven engine known for its reliability and smooth operation. The eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize both performance and fuel efficiency. This transmission ensures that the Highlander XLE can handle various driving conditions with ease, whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets. The combination of the V6 engine and the eight-speed transmission provides a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.

Dimensions and Weight

The 2019 Highlander XLE measures about 192.5 inches in length, 75.8 inches in width, and 68.1 inches in height. It has a wheelbase of 109.8 inches, which contributes to its stable and comfortable ride. The curb weight ranges from approximately 4,330 to 4,560 pounds, depending on whether it’s a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive model. These dimensions make it a mid-size SUV that’s easy to maneuver in urban environments while still offering plenty of interior space for passengers and cargo. The overall size and weight of the Highlander XLE contribute to its solid and planted feel on the road.

Interior Space and Seating

Inside, the Highlander XLE offers seating for up to eight passengers, making it an excellent choice for larger families or those who frequently carpool. The front seats provide ample headroom and legroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position. While the third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, they still provide valuable extra seating when needed. With all seats in use, the Highlander XLE offers around 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space. When the third-row seats are folded down, the cargo area expands to 42.3 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, you get a generous 83.7 cubic feet of space. This flexibility makes the Highlander XLE a practical choice for hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.

Towing Capacity

If you need to tow a trailer or other equipment, the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE has you covered. It boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is sufficient for towing small boats, campers, or utility trailers. The Highlander XLE also comes standard with trailer sway control, which helps to keep the vehicle and trailer stable while towing. This feature enhances safety and provides added peace of mind, especially when towing in windy conditions or on uneven roads. With its robust towing capacity and advanced safety features, the Highlander XLE is a versatile SUV that can handle a variety of tasks.

Standout Features of the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE

What really makes the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE shine? It’s the standout features that add value and convenience to your daily drives. Let's highlight some of the best!

Safety Features

Toyota is known for its commitment to safety, and the 2019 Highlander XLE is no exception. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), a suite of advanced safety features that includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps to mitigate or avoid collisions by providing visual and audible alerts and automatically applying the brakes if necessary.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Warns you if you start to drift out of your lane and can gently steer you back into position.
• Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams to optimize visibility without blinding other drivers.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe gap.

In addition to these features, the Highlander XLE also comes with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. These safety features work together to provide comprehensive protection for you and your passengers, making the Highlander XLE a safe and reliable choice for families.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2019 Highlander XLE is equipped with a range of technology and infotainment features that enhance the driving experience. It comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen display, which serves as the hub for the vehicle's audio and navigation systems. The touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use, with clear graphics and responsive controls. The Highlander XLE also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle's infotainment system. Other features include five USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. These features make it easy to stay connected, entertained, and informed while on the road.

Comfort and Convenience

The Highlander XLE offers a variety of comfort and convenience features that make every drive more enjoyable. It comes standard with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. These features provide added comfort and support, especially on long trips. The Highlander XLE also includes tri-zone automatic climate control, which allows you to set different temperatures for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. Other features include a power liftgate, keyless entry, and push-button start. These features add convenience to your daily routine and make it easier to load and unload cargo. With its focus on comfort and convenience, the Highlander XLE is designed to make every drive a pleasant experience.

Potential Downsides of the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE

No car is perfect, right? Let's be real about the potential downsides of the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE. It’s all about knowing what to expect!

Third-Row Seating

While the Highlander XLE offers seating for up to eight passengers, the third-row seats can be a bit cramped, especially for adults. Legroom is limited, and headroom can be tight for taller individuals. The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. If you frequently need to transport adults in the third row, you may want to consider a larger SUV with more spacious seating. However, for families with young children, the third-row seats in the Highlander XLE can be a valuable asset.

Infotainment System

While the eight-inch touchscreen display is functional, some users may find the infotainment system to be less intuitive than those offered by some competitors. The graphics are clear, but the system can sometimes be slow to respond. Additionally, the lack of a physical volume knob may be a drawback for some drivers. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility helps to mitigate these issues, as you can use your smartphone's interface for navigation, music, and other functions.

Fuel Economy

While the Highlander XLE offers decent fuel economy for its class, it's not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. The FWD model gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the AWD model gets slightly lower figures. If fuel economy is a top priority, you may want to consider a hybrid SUV or a smaller vehicle. However, the Highlander XLE strikes a good balance between fuel economy, performance, and versatility.

Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE Right for You?

So, is the 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE the right choice for you? If you need a reliable, spacious, and well-equipped SUV with a strong reputation for safety, the answer is likely yes! It’s a fantastic option for families and anyone needing extra space. Weigh the pros and cons, and happy driving!