I drove the LE plus since there were no XLEs on the lot.
The key fob is remote control for this model and it does remotely lock/unlock doors, not sure about anti-theft.

I went with the XLE because I wanted heated leather seats(just easier to keep clean IMO ), the push start/smart key, home link and 120v power outlet, those were important to me.

Like you I could live with out the navigation and agree bigger displays aren't necessary the ones in the LE plus were plenty big. I can also live with out the moonroof.

If you can live without all the extra features on the XLE then go for the LE plus- but if you want a few of them then I say it is worth it to jump to the XLE.

One more thing- about the seats- I personally did not like the thicker stripped texture on the LE plus cloth seats with the softex-trim. Another reason I wanted the leather seats.

 

go for the XLE the extra features are worth it

 

You also get higher towing capacity along with the related features (tranny cooler, heavy duty radiator, etc.) which I factored into my decision.

 

good point, that was another reason we too bought the xle and had the trailer hitch/wire harness out on.

 

Go with what you need and use 95% of the time behind the wheel, and don't pay more for what is only required the other 5%.

 

3.5” vs 4.2” LCD multi-info display – don’t see much advantage on it

I think there is a BIG difference between the 2 displayes - its not just the size, but what's shown there. I use this display more than the main nav display!!

 

I am not aware of this - can you elaborate a bit more? Thanks,

 

What's your price on the LE awd

 

well worth the $3500. I love the automatic trunk.

 

The first HL we test drove was an LE Plus and it didn't make us love the car. Then we test drove the Traverse, and felt they were comparable at the same trim level (the 1LT). Went to another Toyota dealership that had an XLE and totally fell in love with the car. Wife really wanted the heated leather seats and I really wanted the larger display screens. Plus we have a toddler and the sun shades were nice to haves as well as the power lift gate. BTW, to get the Traverse to the same level of trim as the XLE with all similar options pushed the Traverse a couple of grand above the XLE price. That surprised me.

 

I would have been fine in an LE+, but as mentioned the sunshades in the rear doors, as insignificant as they might be, our two year old will love them because he hates sun in his eyes and refuses to wear sunglasses. I'm planning on keeping the vehicle for 10 years, so the additional to move up to the XLE from the LE+ made sense.

 

The end negotiated price lowers the 3500 suggested price. Its a no brainer as far as I am concerned unless you update every two years. Even then less options, less interested value and people to buy. A very low percentage buy striped option vehicles. Your situation may be different but I want my family to be comfortable and extra toys put a smile on those faces. Different story with our performance cars .... all power, no options !

 

I did some research comparing the LE Plus and XLE, and then went with the XLE. In my opinion, the XLE is much more upmarket and compares to premium SUVs with the features. I mainly liked the leather, keyless entry (truly keyless, just grab the handle and the door unlocks), push button start/stop, integrated NAV, moonroof, shades in back windows, etc.
I believe it's worth the price difference!

 

From what I understand the smaller one is black and white with fewer display options. The bigger one is in color with greater options to view.

 

I had to buy a car within the 4 days I had. I purchased the LE period.

I keep my cars for a long time and the last thing I need is a electric seat going bad, or some screen issue. I know the keyless start is super cool, the leather maybe nice(I actually cant do leather in the hot sun and wear shorts), and it cracks after some years of direct sun. I have had leather in my cars and will not miss it. My wife wanted leather. I too like the idea of leather and it automatically up-scales the car's feel.

If the tow and cooling is important, then I would certainly get the XLE. The car is designed to do just fine with the standard cooling etc even in TX weather. But for 5K, or even regular constant towing, I surely would get it.

The push button liftgate is no difference for me, and the glass door opens on the Plus, UNLIKE the LE, it is shut perm. I think it adds weight and one more thing that can go wrong(I know, not a popular answer

There are aftermarket seat covers, leather upgrades to seats with coolers and heaters if thats all you want

If you have the extra money for the car, the $3500 over a few years of financeing will not be felt much. But for me...I have had fully loaded cars, and I don't need most of the stuff.. Besides, more updated photo gear I can buy with the savings

 

Phil;
I am happy you bought what you like. I know I will never use all the electronic gismos in the XLE but my wife picked and paid. I had little to do but find a suitable dealer and get an agreeable price. We live in the midwest where the snow season is four months long. Our XLE is AWD but it will spend the long cold winters in storage. ( talk about an extra cost option that won't be utilized ) We would have purchased a limited if they could have made the second seat a bench in place of buckets.
Enjoy the vehicle.... ours is fantastic. I am sure the five year trade plan is out the window. If we buy a new something the XLE will end up in my stall. Here's to miles of trouble free, exciting road trips !

 

Like I said, if it won't make a difference to your budget, it makes sense to get the goodies. I'm sure it will put a smile and a good sense you did the right thing, even on the one time you use or enjoy the feature, I know the feeling. Congrats and enjoy!

 

Is that Predawn Gray Mica? Looks amazing with the LE wheels! Love how the Highlander put things like alloy wheels, chrome around the windows, etc even on the base model. Looks very high end and not that different from the limited and xle

 

In my rush to buy, only three Limited and 15 XLE models were available in my four state area at that time. The Limited had captain chairs in the second row which I did not want. Decision made, it had to be a XLE.

 

Thanks, Yes, this is the Predawn Gray Mica. I posted a couple more pix in the Photo section.
Not much difference to the exterior. The LE is missing the chrome roof rail and fog lights. The upper trim models do have folding mirrors on the exterior.

I was happy Toyota did this, and not use mostly marketing gimmicks and styling on the exterior to upsell and glorify the same car.(2WD to 2WD) Smart move that sells more cars. I wasn't in the market for a $40k+ car.
On the inside it is different, and lots of tech/gadgets/features that make it more pleasing and accommodating. So your money goes to the inside... at least for the 2WD to 2WD compare.

The wheels on this I like. In the Photo thread there are other wheel styles I saw, some close-ups.
The bench split seating was also important for us.

The interior and technology is surely different. But Toyota did not skimp on the base model in features. Even this base LE has 2 AC controls for front and rear! Bluetooth with backup camera 12v outlets and USB, etc...

Maybe there is a list comparison in some thread?

At our 4 local dealers, there was only one that had the 2014, and it was the Platinum. 1 dealer 50 miles out had the LE. I would have opted for LE+, but couldn't wait. Besides the few nice extras, the only negative I see is the back window not opening on the LE vs LE+.

 

I have the LE Plus and like having the softex seats, climate control, liftgate upgrade. Given the choice though, I would rather have taken an LE because I dont think the LE Plus upgrades are worth it. For the XLE, I don't need the nav, dont want the sunroof and dont want heated seats and leather. I think heated seats are the biggest waste of all - just dont see how my butt of all places could get cold inside the car.

 

Yes, those seats are nice, which I like over the cloth and the leather. The one thing I know I will want is the rear glass to open. On the LE it doesn't , on the Plus and up it does. Who ever sits in the back can turn their own climate on or off, I like to have control over mine rather than have it regulated. Although I like the look on the dash.

The only 2 perks I wanted 2 person memory seats and sunroof. My wife and I are almost same height, but has a very slightly different driving position. I take the seat 2 clicks back.
I have had driven convertibles and sunroofs. Being tall and having the feel of open top is mentally helpful.

I can't justify these 2 things for another model

I have a buddy who does custom leather(and other materials) seats and wondering if I should do a two tone leather and cloth middle insert seat for all the inside custom. He does great work, and I think I can get it practically free(cost of wholesale material), but not sure if I feel OK about tearing the inside for it. Perforated leather dual stitching with some custom trim...