It offers three-row seating and options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and gas-only or hybrid powertrains. With Toyota’s exceptional reliability, safety, 11 trim levels and seven seating options, it outperforms other three-row midsize SUVs in its class. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
2023 Toyota Highlander at a glance
The gas-only 2023 Toyota Highlanders feature a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged I4 backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of FWD or AWD.
they feature a 2.5-liter I4 and two electric motors totaling 243 horsepower supported by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the option for FWD or AWD. All drivetrains include LED headlights and taillights, power windows and locks, dual-zone climate control and smartphone connectivity.
Toyota’s base warranty covers the Highlander for three years or 36,000 miles, with a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Highlander also comes with a five-year rust warranty, two years of roadside assistance and two years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
Pros and cons of the 2023 Toyota Highlander
placed the 2023 Toyota Highlander fifth on its list of best SUVs. The following is an expansion of its pros and cons list from the review.
Professionals
- Toyota’s new four-cylinder offers better fuel economy and more torque than last year’s V6. While last year’s V6 achieved good fuel economy, the new I4 improves the EPA-estimated combined mpg to 25. At the same time, the 2023 Highlander’s 2.4-liter turbocharged I4 produces torque by 310 lb-ft over the 2022 V6 with 263 lb-ft.
- The base Highlander LE has a ton of standard tech with features like a Smart Key system, backup camera with route projection, anti-theft system that immobilizes the engine, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, climate control three-zone, five USB ports, 7-inch LCD instrument cluster, six-speaker audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also an integrated smartphone shelf in the dashboard with wireless charging capability.
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) suite of driver assistance safety features is standard on all 2023 Highlanders. TSS 2.5+ includes pre-collision automatic braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with power steering, automatic high beam, lane tracking, road sign assist and dynamic radar cruise control.
Against
- 2023 compared to most of its competitors. Class rivals from Kia, Hyundai and Chevrolet offer competitive features at lower price points, but similar models from Jeep and Honda cost more. The 2023 Highlander looks well positioned to capitalize on Toyota’s reputation and continue as the class leader in sales.
- The new I4 has less horsepower than previous V6-equipped models. At 265 horsepower, the 2.4-liter I4 is 30 less horsepower than last year’s V6. And while the four-cylinder gets better gas mileage, it’s just better mpg. The big news is the improved torque which may not help when passing a semi at highway speeds, but will help move the hearty Highlander off the line at traffic lights.
- The Highlander has limited legroom for adults in the third row. The cramped third-row legroom could be a significant con if you’re taking six adults across the country. If that type of travel is in your future, get a bigger SUV. Otherwise, if your passengers include a couple of teenagers and two pre-teens, you’ll have no problem fitting them and two adults into the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
