The Toyota Highlander has a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to eight people in comfort and style. The new turbocharged engine has improved performance, while the hybrid engine has excellent fuel economy and is accessible on the wallet. You can choose the perfect model for your family’s needs from the five available models and choose the front or four-wheel drive that suits you best. It’s more attractive to families because of its many standard safety features and high-quality entertainment system. The uppers are more expensive, but the rest of the range is more affordable for families. The Highlander represents the current middle ground for families.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander, now in its fourth generation, is a three-row, eight-passenger SUV. It’s cheaper than competitors, with a more spacious and comfortable cabin, more basic amenities, and more attractive pricing. The Highlander is a versatile family car with gas and hybrid variants with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Highlander offers a spacious cabin, excellent standard safety features, and a sophisticated infotainment system.
$37,755 to $50,610 for the six gas-powered trims (L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum) and $41,455 to $52,010 (including destination charge) for hybrid models. All five (LE, XLE, Bronze, Limited, and Platinum). These travel expenses amount to USD 1,335. Additionally, all-wheel drive can be added to any model in the range for an additional $1,600-$2,000. This year’s Highlander is better than ever thanks to its new 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It looks contemporary and sophisticated thanks to the addition of a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and advanced safety features.
The market is very competitive, with full-size SUVs now more common than minivans. The Kia Telluride lacks a hybrid powertrain but packs a plush cabin and plenty of off-road features. All the Ford Explorer’s gas, hybrid, and performance versions have a similar place. Although there is no hybrid version of the Honda Pilot, there is an off-road model for individuals with bolder travel plans.
A new eight-speed automatic transmission is paired with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to run the gas range. Hybrid vehicles use a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors to generate 243 net system horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque and are equipped with a CVT. Each package can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The Toyota Highlander stands out in a crowded segment because of its comprehensive features. Despite its lackluster performance in most classes, finding a version with a suitable gas or hybrid engine, front or all-wheel drive, passenger capacity (seven or eight), and trim level is superficial. The Platinum trim is top-of-the-line, although the base model is well-equipped.
The 2023 Highlander includes the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package. It has advanced driver assistance features such as forward collision warning with pedestrian recognition and lane departure warning with automatic emergency steering. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen is optional. These additions make the Highlander a versatile choice that will appeal to a wide range of families.
What’s new
- A new and more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is standard equipment for gas-powered models.
- A 12.3-inch infotainment screen is standard on Limited and Platinum models.
- Both cars now feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- A 12.3-inch infotainment screen is standard on the Bronze Hybrid Edition.
- Standard on Limited and Platinum models are power-folding side mirrors.
2023 Toyota Highlander performance
This year’s Highlander features a new turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, the most significant update. It is more potent than the old engine it replaces without sacrificing efficiency. An eight-speed automatic gearbox complements the engine’s 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The previous engine was a tired 3.5-litre V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque.
Although the new engine has somewhat less horsepower than the old V6, it has more torque and can reach peak torque at 1,700 rpm, while the old V6 needed a relatively high 4,700 rpm to reach peak torque. Towing performance has been improved up to 5,000 pounds, and the low-end response has also improved. Don’t be afraid to put it on the ground if you need to get around some slow drivers on the highway. Hybrid is another alternative for those who are concerned about fuel costs.
Hybrid vehicles include a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet torque mated to a variable-speed transmission. Again, front or all-wheel drive is an option on all models, but the maximum towing capacity has been reduced to 3,500 pounds. It may not be as powerful as a gas engine, but it gets better mileage for the same amount of money, so it’s a good option. Each trim level offers your choice between standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.
Fuel efficiency in Toyota Highlander 2023
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Still, we do have Toyota data, with the Toyota estimating 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg city with 2.4-litre turbo four engines. Cylinder, front-wheel drive, and one mpg drop with all-wheel movement. Hybrid cars can achieve up to 35 mpg combined (city/highway/combined) with the front-wheel campaign and up to 36 mpg combined (city/highway/combined) with the all-wheel campaign.
Depending on the comparison details, the Highlander’s gas engine offers superior fuel economy compared to the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride. The Explorer is the only SUV in its class to provide a hybrid model despite being behind the Highlander in fuel economy (the Explorer Hybrid only gets 25 mpg on the highway). The Highlander is the best choice if you care about gas mileage.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology: 2023 Toyota Highlander
Although the latest version of the Toyota Highlander’s engine has yet to be tested, the vehicle has been named IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it the maximum possible rating of five stars.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of active safety features comes standard. It includes automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning with street keep assist, and road sign assist. In addition, a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert is included, and optionally, a park assist with front and rear automatic emergency braking is included.
Toyota Highlander offers plenty of space and comfort.
The Highlander can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. When the captain’s chairs are placed in the second row instead of a bench seat, there is room for seven people, and the captain’s chairs provide more comfort than a bench seat. In the gas cabin, the legroom in the second row is 38.7 inches, and the legroom in the third row is 28 inches. The second-row legroom in this Hybrid is 41.0 inches, and the third-row legroom is 27.7 inches. Although the extra 2.3 inches of length may not seem much, it makes a huge difference in practical situations, especially for those sitting in the second row.
The third row is often the smallest in a car, but it works perfectly for kids and is convenient enough to reach that some adults may choose to sit there for short trips. The first two rows of seats are roomy and supportive, and they’re upholstered in premium fabrics that can withstand the wear and tear of kids, campers, and even the family dog. The base model is well equipped, with standard amenities like dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and soft-touch surfaces in critical locations. Highlander trim levels offer leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated seats in the second row.
Toyota Highlander infotainment system
The Highlander infotainment system comes standard with a large 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone, audio connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, six speakers, and Wi-Fi. Optional 12.3-inch touchscreens and standard Qi wireless charging have been added to the Highlander XLE as you move up the lineup. The XSE has more features, such as the JBL premium sound system with 11 speakers. Limited and Platinum trim levels come standard with both of these upgrades.
The 12.3-inch screen is a significant improvement, but the smaller 5.5-inch screen at the base is still usable. The Highlander has been updated in appearance, and it is easier to carry out multiple commands at once and navigate complex routes. The system is triggered by saying “Hey, Toyota,” followed by natural language prompts and has responsive touch screens. It’s easy to use and usually gets what you say the first time so that you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Cargo and storage space
A large family needs a vehicle with plenty of storage, and the Highlander delivers with several small trunks and a deep center console to stash valuables. Storage space behind the third row is 16 cubic feet, space behind the second row is 48.4 cubic feet, and space behind the first row is 84.3 cubic feet. Even if it’s excellent, the competition is getting tougher.
Only 83.9 cubic feet of space is available in the Honda Pilot, but there are 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride have cargo volumes of more than 18 cubic feet behind the third row, making them ideal for families traveling with a whole house. The vehicle’s rear has over 87 cubic feet of storage space. The Highlander fails to compete, especially if you only intend to haul goods.
style and design,
Although it comes from a company like Toyota, which isn’t known for producing high-quality products, Highlander has a luxurious interior. Everything from the dashboard to the seats is made of high-quality materials, so even the base model doesn’t look cheap. The extensive use of tactile plush surfaces and aesthetically pleasing finishes indicate meticulous attention to detail.
The design is spacious and light, so it’s great for long car rides with the family and keeping the kids happy. The Highlander is designed for families, so it lacks any pretension of luxury. The Highlander can withstand the wear and tear of accidental spills and muddy shoe trails over the seats. It meets family needs by combining good looks and comfort without sacrificing reliability or durability.
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander worth it?
The Highlander faces stiff competition from a variety of other three-row SUVs. The fact that it has a variety of options at competitive prices is what makes it stand out. The new gas engine is responsive, the cabin is quiet and comfortable, and you can choose front or all-wheel drive. It seats seven or eight passengers in an upscale place with high-quality materials and elaborate media settings. Those concerned about fuel economy may also opt for a hybrid model.
Our goal is the middle ground, so we’re considering moving up to the XLE ($43,155 base price plus $2,000 AWD; $46,155 base price for the Hybrid plus $1,600 AWD; both prices include destination fees). There are vehicles with more powerful engines and larger cargo carriers, but the 2023 Toyota Highlander has a good balance of amenities parents love.
What is the cost of insurance for the Toyota Highlander 2023?
Our data shows that the average annual premium for a gasoline-powered Highlander for a 30-year-old driver with a clean driving record is $2,000, while for a hybrid trim, the average premium is more than $2,100 to $2,250. This is the national average, though. Fifty. A base model Ford Explorer might cost the buyer around $1,900, while a base model might cost $2,200. You will get a Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot for around $2,000.
