Toyota Highlander XLE vs. XSE
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Highlander XLE and Toyota Highlander XSE contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Toyota Highlander XLE and the Toyota Highlander XSE.
When we compare the Toyota Highlander XLE's and the Toyota Highlander XSE's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander XLE has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota Highlander XLE and Toyota Highlander XSE have the same interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Highlander XLE's and the Toyota Highlander XSE's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander XLE is a better car than the Toyota Highlander XSE.
Pricing: A used 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE ranges from $42,363 to $50,316 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander XSE is priced between $45,904 to $53,985. For a new model, the Toyota Highlander XLE's price is between $45,619 and $50,257, with the Toyota Highlander XSE priced between $49,172 and $53,372.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the Toyota Highlander XLE and the Toyota Highlander XSE both lose 41.8 percent of their value.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.5 out of 10. Toyota Highlander is ranked 1 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. Out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 3 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. The Toyota Highlander is also ranked 5 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 5 out of 66 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.1 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Toyota Highlander XLE and the Toyota Highlander XSE makes 265 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The Toyota Highlander has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$45,619 - $50,257
Starting MSRP:
$43,470
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$38,382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$49,172 - $53,372
Starting MSRP:
$47,140
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$38,382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$46,679
Price Range:
$42,363 - $50,316
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$45,804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$36,966 - $59,949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$50,949
Price Range:
$45,904 - $53,985
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$45,804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$36,966 - $59,949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,330
Depreciation %:
42.2%
Resale Value $:
$25,140
Residual Value %:
57.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
48.4%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
30.5% - 56.2%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$19,878
Depreciation %:
42.2%
Resale Value $:
$27,262
Residual Value %:
57.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
48.4%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
30.5% - 56.2%
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander XLE
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander XSE
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 54Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 54Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 54Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 54Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XSE
Other Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4199 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4420 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
197.4 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/55R20
