People buy SUVs for their towing, hauling, and people-carrying ability. People buy hybrids for their gas savings and sometimes their improved performance. But rarely do these two missions interact. However, with the new 2023 Highlander, Toyota affects its towing ability.
How much does the Highlander Hybrid Tow cost?
The three-row has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a hybrid booster. It produces 243 combined horsepower and 175 lb.ft of torque. Anyone tow knows that’s not a lot of torque. However, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds. That’s enough for a small trailer.
Highlander, however, can tow up to 5,000 pounds. She also produces much more horsepower. The gas-powered Toyota Highlander makes 265 horsepower, but a hefty 310 lb-ft of torque. Most small camping trailers weigh under 5,000 pounds.
In general, hybrid powertrains don’t deliver the horsepower needed to tow large trailers simply because they’re optimized for efficiency, not horsepower. However, it can tow 5,000 pounds.
Does the Highlander Hybrid really get 35 mpg?
The Highlander Hybrid features a continuously variable automatic transmission, which means it has no gears. Not everyone loves a CVT, but these types of transmissions can keep an engine spinning at its sweet spot longer than traditional gear transmissions. , however, notes that the engine can be a bit humming. In the case of the Highlander Hybrid, the EPA estimates it gets 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Gets 36 mpg combined. However, if you get all-wheel drive, you’ll pay a 1 mpg penalty.
For comparison, the gas-powered version gets 24 mpg combined.
How many people can the Highlander Hybrid accommodate?
The Toyota Hybrid, whether you choose the gas or hybrid version, seats seven or eight people. Captain’s chairs or a bench are options for the center seat. The new 2023 Toyota highlander is a large three-row SUV that has more room than the 4Runner, but slightly less than the larger Pilot.
This means first, second and third row passengers all have generous legroom. You can order one in seven-passenger trim with two captain’s chairs in the center row or with a bench seat that adds an extra seat.
How much does a 2023 Highlander hybrid cost?
The 2023 Highlander Hybrid returns with the same specs as the 2022 version. It is, however, a premium over the base Highlander. The hybrid uses a fuel-efficient electric motor and gas engine to produce a combined 243 horsepower and get .
The two-wheel drive Hybrid LE version at $40,220. The all-wheel drive version uses the same engine but starts at $41,820.
