Anyone know about (and drive) an SE, and the differences between it and an XLE or Limited,
* Relating specifically to the better handling it has?

I think I’ve read it has better springs,coils. Not sure about this.

Is it worth getting an SE, or is it really not that much better than an XLE ?



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I drove an SE first before getting my XLE. The SE was sold by the time I came back to the dealer. Get the SE if you can. 19 wheels vs 18's on the XLE, cooler seats, better suspension and a few other niceties. I checked the suspension (struts, springs, and a few other parts) P/N's between them and the SE's are different than the XLE (fact). I honestly didn't compare them on the same day however, so I can't recall how different they drove. Still feel the SE is a better way to go but they are hard to find.

Thank me later.

 

Thanks for that!

Not getting one anytime soon, but just doing research at the moment. Will likely get a used one, that’s a couple years old, but we’ll see. As of right now there’s 8 within a 150 km radius, ranging from $38-49k, with varying mileage.



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Go drive one and tell us what YOU think.

 

Absolutely will do that, but I just had surgery, and am going NOWHERE in the next while,
So just perusing this forum while cooped up inside.


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I had Limited and told them to take the plastic wheels off. I just had XLE wheels out on. smoother to me

 

maybe whiskey will help with that.

 

If handling is a big deal just get a Mazda CX9. Once you get below 60 aspect ratio tires, a lot of the cushion will be lost from the tire affecting ride quality and slightly increasing chances of side wall punctures and pothole wheel damage, 19 inch wheels probably means less selection of tires to choose from. I don't think the highlander is much value beyond the XLE trim. It is typical Toyota, rather simplistic in a lot of ways and trying to go more sporty or luxurious is chasing a rainbow.This link may help.

2019 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels w/ Configurations & Comparison

Compare the 2019 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels. Comparisons cover the LE vs LE Plus vs XLE, SE & Limited. What is the difference between them? What configuration of this model is best for you? Learn about the available features.

www.car-buying-strategies.com

 

If handling is a big deal just get a Mazda CX9. Once you get below 60 aspect ratio tires, a lot of the cushion will be lost from the tire affecting ride quality and slightly increasing chances of side wall punctures and pothole wheel damage, 19 inch wheels probably means less selection of tires to choose from. I don't think the highlander is much value beyond the XLE trim. It is typical Toyota, rather simplistic in a lot of ways and trying to go more sporty or luxurious is chasing a rainbow.This link may help.

2019 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels w/ Configurations & Comparison

Compare the 2019 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels. Comparisons cover the LE vs LE Plus vs XLE, SE & Limited. What is the difference between them? What configuration of this model is best for you? Learn about the available features.

www.car-buying-strategies.com

CX9 is a nice vehicle, that I was considering, but it’s too narrow for me. It’s tight, just sitting in it. I did not even take it for a spin, as I was simply not comfortable.
I checked out the article above, and it doesn’t even mention the suspension upgrades on the SE,
But thanks for your help.



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What is the difference between the Highlander XLE and SE?

The SE trim is very similar to the XLE trim but adds a sporty twist. Added features include 19-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED daytime running lights, painted roof rails, LED ambient lighting, leather-trimmed interior accents, a sport-tuned suspension, and sporty interior trim.

Sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension; sport-tuned double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension

Rear-seat Blu-ray Disc™ entertainment system with 9-in. display, RCA jacks, remote and two wireless headphones67

Nightshade Edition — black badging, black window trim, black exterior door handles, black rear spoiler, black antenna, black rear Toyota emblem, black side mirror caps, black trunk garnish, black lug nuts, coordinated red-stitched carpeted floor mats81

Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal lights and blind spot warning indicators,83 and folding features

19-in. multi-spoke alloy wheels with black finish and black center caps with P245/55R19 105S tires

LED Black sport accent taillights and stop lights

 

SE and Nightshade are really just appearance packages. Tuned suspension LOL. 19 inch wheels, like why? They sell only a few of these versions, they are just for marketing. Bread and butter are LE and maybe XLE. If someone is interested in this vehicle, drive the LE and see if they like it, because that is the basic truth of it, if they don't like the way it drives then spending money on the limited platinum or whatever won't make the vehicle better. I see so many on this forum buying the upper trim of the vehicle then being disappointed in the basic vehicle.Same with the pickup trucks if a buyer doesn't like the SR5 they probably will be disappointed in the TRD pro.

 

Thanks for all the comments,
But I am asking specifically about Handling on the SE.


So from what I gather, the SE has 19 in wheels &
Sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension; sport-tuned double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension.

Now I do realize it’s an SUV and not a sports car, but it will be my daily driver, so I’d like at least some decent handling, versus a mushy ride. That’s why I’m asking about handling.

We currently have a ‘14 Corolla S (keeper), and I mainly drive a ‘15 Forester 2.5. Looking to replace the Forester with a HIghlander. I test drove an LE and liked the size/space, power/feel overall,
But looking for a stiffer, more planted ride - hoping the SE will provide that.

 

This guy talks about handling at the 20 minute mark , doesn't sound a lot more dynamic than the XLE.

Backed up by this test which showed the SE doing 0.77g compared to 0.79 g for the LE, possibly due to extra weight.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2017/2017-toyota-highlander-se-awd-first-test/

 

Yeah, videos of these burn outs would be cool.

You were "on" a MDX, or did you previously drive a MDX?

 

Yeah, videos of these burn outs would be cool.

You were "on" a MDX, or did you previously drive a MDX?

I "owned" one. Videos....LMAO

 

So no video proof after all? What a buzz kill.

 

Found this Review on the SE. I Like it! Talks about Handling!
(Man, reviews in general are totally based in the reviewer, and their perspective) Anyway, this seems like a fair review on this HL SE.

 

Found this Review on the SE. I Like it! Talks about Handling!
(Man, reviews in general are totally based in the reviewer, and their perspective) Anyway, this seems like a fair review on this HL SE.

This moron reviewer actually thought the highlander would be worse than the pilot and mdx, the only thing positive I can say about the guy is that he sort of accepted the reality that yes Toyota is better, hilarious. How does someone who knows so little about cars do reviews?

 

We drove both the SE and XLE. The SE definitely rides a little more firm, probably mostly due to the tires and possibly a little to do with the suspension components being different. I thought the XLE was too soft. We bought the SE and love it. The extra appearance features in the SE are nice, especially if you get the car in white (contrast) or black (blends). My wife also hated the brown accent on the storage under the ratio in an otherwise all black interior on the XLE - it is all black on the SE.

Drive both and see what you think. You could also drive a Mazda CX-9 if you are looking for a really sporty vehicle, but those are even smaller than the Highlander and IMO the interior isn't designed as well for storage and such.

 

We drove both the SE and XLE. The SE definitely rides a little more firm, probably mostly due to the tires and possibly a little to do with the suspension components being different. I thought the XLE was too soft. We bought the SE and love it. The extra appearance features in the SE are nice, especially if you get the car in white (contrast) or black (blends). My wife also hated the brown accent on the storage under the ratio in an otherwise all black interior on the XLE - it is all black on the SE.

Drive both and see what you think. You could also drive a Mazda CX-9 if you are looking for a really sporty vehicle, but those are even smaller than the Highlander and IMO the interior isn't designed as well for storage and such.

Thanks Wally! Exactly what I was looking for on the SE !

(Btw, tried the CX9 and it was too small and fit too tight for me).

 

Wally

For the SE version you purchased was it this one mentioned below? Or did yours simply have the 19" wheels with the enhanced suspension

Nightshade Edition — black badging, black window trim, black exterior door handles, black rear spoiler, black antenna, black rear Toyota emblem, black side mirror caps, black trunk garnish, black lug nuts, coordinated red-stitched carpeted floor mats81

 

Wally

For the SE version you purchased was it this one mentioned below? Or did yours simply have the 19" wheels with the enhanced suspension

Nightshade Edition — black badging, black window trim, black exterior door handles, black rear spoiler, black antenna, black rear Toyota emblem, black side mirror caps, black trunk garnish, black lug nuts, coordinated red-stitched carpeted floor mats81

We did not get the nightshade package. The SE comes with 19 inch wheels and the suspension upgrade regardless of other options. The nightshade package is only an appearance package that makes all the trim on the vehicle black. Regular SE still has a bit of chrome, such as around the windows, even though it does make much of the trim black (interior of headlights, roof rails, trim under radio, rims, etc). IMO nightshade is not worth the extra $700 if you have a choice (inventory is now low on most trims except XLE and Limited).

 

sounds like you can make better video reviews. go for it. might even pay your bills.

 

.

 

I own a 2017 SE. I bought it used, so the extra money for the SE vs XLE was not much more, plus I liked the rims and overall appearance of the SE. I test drove LE Plus and XLE. I remember them having softer suspension and more body lean in the corners like on a freeway ramp. The SE felt tighter to me and I was coming from a sportier Mazda, so I bought the SE.

However, even with the SE suspension tuning and lower-profile tires, the Highlander is still a big, floaty box. It's heavy and sits high off the ground, so it generally doesn't handle great. If you live in an area with rougher, frost-heaved roads, a non-SE Highlander might be a better choice. The SE doesn't soak up bumps on gravel roads very well either.

Generally, I find the Highlander terrible for tight turns like city driving. It's the opposite of zippy. But on the highway, the Highlander shines more because it's a comfortable cruiser and can take wide-sweeping turns pretty nicely. Compared to its competitors, I get the feeling the Highlander is the worst handling vehicle in it's class. But possibly the most reliable.

 

I could not tell a difference when I test drove a Limited and an SE back to back.

 

XLE vs XSE suspension performance.
In a Subaru XV a 16mm rear torsion bar made this suv a relax drive off road and a bit insecure at highway speeds. With a 20mm rear torsion bar it vehicle feels so secure on turning corners and at higher speeds.
In new Toyota Camry rear torsion bars work this way in three different version
Sway bars.
LE 24.9mm Rear
SE 25.4mm Rear
TRD 27.0 mm Rear
From this you can estimate how stiff can be one over the other. At least on Camrys

 

XLE vs XSE suspension performance.
In a Subaru XV a 16mm rear torsion bar made this suv a relax drive off road and a bit insecure at highway speeds. With a 20mm rear torsion bar it vehicle feels so secure on turning corners and at higher speeds.
In new Toyota Camry rear torsion bars work this way in three different version
Sway bars.
LE 24.9mm Rear
SE 25.4mm Rear
TRD 27.0 mm Rear
From this you can estimate how stiff can be one over the other. At least on Camrys

Thanks
Ya I get all that, having been on the Subaru forums for the past ...many years. Was going to upgrade my Forester until the whole cvt recall, and other issues I’ve had. Last straw.

*Long story short - was looking at a RAV4, but have now switched to the Highlander, (fits our needs much better) and leaning towards an SE, because I like “that” kind of handling.

I used to have a Corolla XRS, 5MT, with tight solid planted handling - loved that car.
Anyway, the Highlander is next.(Yes I do realize the HL is an SUV, and will handle accordingly, but the SE seems to be the way to go - for me).

 

The topic is HL SE, thank you very much.

 

PSA... Highlanders are CUV's not SUV's...

 

Whatever, I can say from my own experience the term crossover came into being after the introduction of the original rav4 and even after the first Ben highlander, other earlier vehicles had "suv" type characteristics built with uni body did not have the CUV designation. What I remember it started with those vehicles like the Nissan murano and ford edge that really blurred the lines between suv and car. The rav4 only became crossover like with the 4 th gen, when that very SUV type opening tailgate was ditched, the 2nd gen HL still looked SUV like and the 3rd gen maybe is more crossover like. The term has been developing since it was first introduced
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-models/crossover-cars/term-crossover-vehicle.htm

 

SUV = Body on Frame
CUV = Unibody

 

Fine.
Now, can we get back to the topic at hand?
I really don’t care about any other aspect of this vehicle other than:

HANDLING on the HIGHLANDER SE..
This is what the OP (Me) originally posted about! Not interested in anything else. If any of you wish to discuss other topics, then please feel free to start your own thread instead of sabotaging this one.

H A N D L I N G on the SE