Your 2021 Toyota Highlander will come standard with six or eleven speakers, depending on the trim package you purchase. If you’re looking to upgrade your Highlander’s sound system, start by replacing the speakers and consider adding a subwoofer and amplifier.
Just because the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a newer car doesn’t mean that its sound system is perfect. Sure, audio technology has come a long way since the Highlander first rolled off the factory floors in 2001, but there’s still room for improvement even with the 2021 model. While some trim packages come with top-of-the-line JBL sound systems built-in, the sound systems on the simpler trims can leave much to be desired.
If you’re looking for a sound system for your 2021 Toyota Highlander that will let you hear every note and key change in your carefully-curated “Driving to Work” playlist, Jerry
is here to help! America's favorite insurance comparison shopping app will help you upgrade your 2021 Toyota Highlander’s sound system and give you our best pointers on how to lower the cost of Toyota Highlander insurance
. What kind of sound system does a 2021 Toyota Highlander have?
The Toyota Highlander is available in an impressive six different trim levels
. Depending on which one you drive, you’ll get a different sound system: Toyota Highlander L: six speakers
Toyota Highlander LE: six speakers
Toyota Highlander XLE: six speakers
Toyota Highlander XSE: six or eleven speakers
Toyota Highlander Limited: eleven speakers
Toyota Highlander Platinum: eleven speakers
However, we should note that the 11-speaker system that is optional in the XSE and comes standard in the Limited and Platinum is no ordinary sound system. Since 1996, Japanese automaker Toyota has partnered with American speaker maker JBL to give drivers dynamic, concert-worthy (or, podcast-worthy) sound quality. And the system available in the XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims is no exception!
It’s more than just 11 speakers, though. This mighty 1200 watt system gives a completely immersive sound experience with an amplifier housed in the trunk and an amplifier behind the third row of seats. In addition, JBL uses Clar-Fi® technology and Quantumlogic® surround sound to deliver crisp, clear audio quality no matter where you’re sitting.
All 2021 Toyota Highlander models are compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Audio, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth and aux cord. If you drive a higher-trim Toyota, you’re more than likely already satisfied with your sound system. But if you’re looking for something with a little more boom, you’ll need to start looking at aftermarket upgrades.
How to upgrade a 2021 Toyota Highlander sound system
The right sound system for you really boils down to personal preference. But, regardless of what kind of sound you’re looking for from your new system, you can’t go wrong with a new set of speakers, adding a subwoofer, and installing an amp.
Start with speaker upgrades
Getting new speakers is the first step in boosting your overall sound system. Or depending on what you’re looking for in your sound system, it may be your only step. New speakers will help boost your overall audio quality; if you feel the speakers currently in your 2021 Toyota Highlander sound muddy or muffled, then new speakers are probably your best bet.
After deciding new speakers are what you want, you’ll need to make a couple of more decisions. First, you’ll need to decide which and how many speakers you’re thinking of swapping out. If one of your speakers is on the fritz, you may not have to swap out the entire system. You’ll also have to decide between coaxial speakers, which are considerably cheaper, and component speakers, which deliver a clearer sound quality.
For the 2021 Toyota Highlander, these are some Jerry-approved aftermarket stereo upgrades:
Replacing your Highlander speakers is no small undertaking. If you are really committed to a new speaker system, then be prepared to spend a nice chunk of change on your upgrades. And, unless you’re already familiar with the inner workings of your Toyota, you should consider hiring a professional to handle the installation.
Pump up the bass with a subwoofer
You’d be surprised what adding a subwoofer can do. It typically sits in the trunk or underneath the rear row of seats. Before you purchase, just make sure that whatever you purchase fits where you need it to.
For the 2021 Toyota Highlander, we like Kicker CompC 12"
subwoofer; as it first nicely anywhere in your car. Or, if you’re more in the market for something on the smaller side, the Rockford Fosgate Prime R2S-1X10
packs quite the punch for its 10” size. What’s the difference between a 4-ohm subwoofer and a 2-ohm sub?
When shopping for a new subwoofer, you’ll see a lot of 4-ohm and 2-ohm models. And if you don’t know the difference, we’ll teach you! If you’re after a louder, more booming sound, then a 2-ohm subwoofer is probably more up your alley. Or, if a deeper, clearer sound is more what you’re after, then a 4-ohm amp is more your speed.
Boost the power with an amplifier
Now for the final touch: adding an amplifier. Even if you don’t change anything else about your sound system, an amplifier can work wonders for adding power to your sound. We like the Alpine S-A60M
. How to protect your 2021 Toyota Highlander sound system–and save on insurance!
Upgrading your 2021 Toyota Highlander’s sound system is all good and dandy—until it comes time to see how it affects your insurance premium. Unfortunately, most insurance providers won’t cover aftermarket upgrades under your policy.
So, if you end up going through with your sound system upgrade, purchase sound system coverage
to help protect your new digs. While it’s great to have it, it could slightly increase your insurance premium. To help save on the cost of Toyota Highlander insurance, download Jerry
! In just a couple of minutes, our trustworthy comparison shopping app
can find you a deal that can save you an average of over $800 a year on your insurance policy. “I thought I was already paying the lowest rate possible for my age group, but Jerry
found me a better deal for the same coverage with Travelers! Everything went so smoothly that I couldn’t help but make a change right away.”—Athit S.
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