The exterior of the Toyota Highlander XSE can be recognized by its special front bumper with a large air intake, modified radiator grille, new side sills, dual exhaust, trim without chrome elements, and 20-inch two-tone wheels.
Inside, the changes are more modest: carbon-look inserts have appeared in the trim, and the seats and door upholstery have received a cherry-black color combination.
Toyota specialists say that the "sporty" Highlander will become more interesting to drive thanks to stiffer springs, different shock absorbers, a reinforced rear stabilizer bar, and modified electric power steering settings.
As for the mechanics, everything remains the same: under the hood there is only a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 with 299 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission; both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available for the XSE.
Toyota's American division intends to begin deliveries of the first production Highlander XSE in the fall. The price will be announced shortly before the start of sales, and, apparently, this version will be among the most expensive in the lineup. The company expects that approximately one in eight buyers of the new Highlander will choose the sporty version.
