What sort of automobile is the 2023 Toyota Highlander? What does it examine to?

The 2023 Highlander handles minivan responsibility in SUV type, and the accessible hybrid is likely one of the most effective 8-person autos and not using a plug. Giant however probably not beautiful, the versatile household hauler competes towards a congress of three-row fashions, starting from the stunning Kia Telluride to the bigger Chevy Traverse. 

Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander a very good automobile?

Evaluate continues under

We have to take a look at the usual turbo-4 earlier than we will reply, however traditionally, the Highlander is a prime performer, with its environment friendly powertrain choices, roomy inside, reliability, and total worth on base and mid-grade fashions. (Learn extra about how we price automobiles.)

What’s new for the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

A bronze trim package deal and an XSE mannequin rolling on 20-inch black wheels inject some life into the three-row SUV, nevertheless it’s the dearth of sliding doorways that almost all distinguishes it from the Sienna minivan. 

The large change for 2023 sits beneath the creased hood and behind the tie-clip badge affixed on some grilles. All fuel variations of the three-row SUV will probably be powered by a 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine as an alternative of the outgoing 3.5-liter V-6. The compelled induction helps make 265 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque, in comparison with 295 hp however solely 263 lb-ft within the clean however dated V-6. Identical because the outgoing V-6, the turbo-4 can tow as much as 5,000 lb. But, estimated gasoline financial system stays the identical because the V-6 for front-wheel-drive fashions at 24 mpg mixed. Toyota says the turbo-4 produces 50% much less nitrous oxide and reduces carbon dioxide emissions in comparison with the V-6. The turbo-4 with an 8-speed computerized transmission can also be used within the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX 350, which is smaller, lighter, and solely seats 5. We’ll replace this preview with drive impressions as quickly as we take a look at the refreshed Highlander. 

For effectivity, it’s arduous to prime the Highlander Hybrid and its 35-mpg mixed score with AWD and 36-mpg mixed score with FWD. That tops most different eight-seat SUVs and minivans and not using a plug.

The associated Sienna, and its associated customary hybrid powertrain, performs higher within the household approach, however the Highlander permits sufficient room for eight on twin rear bench seats or seven passengers with accessible mid-row captain’s chairs. Third row entry is restricted by push-and-pull second-row seat levers, and two children can match within the wayback however wedging in a 3rd would make even the briefest of automobile swimming pools an eternity. Behind the third row, the Highlander permits for 16.0 cubic ft of area, however with each rows folded flat it opens as much as 84 cubic ft to deal with most weekend initiatives that don’t contain getting the youngsters right here, there, and right here once more.  

Toyota equips the household automobile with driver-assist options akin to computerized emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lively lane management, adaptive cruise management, computerized excessive beams, and all however the base L include blind-spot screens. A perennial High Security Decide+ winner from the IIHS, the Highlander additionally earns a five-star NHTSA score.  

How a lot does the 2023 Toyota Highlander price?

Count on pricing late this summer season and anticipate it to price greater than the present $36,380 Highlander L. Customary tools with the brand new engine consists of an 8.0-inch touchscreen working on Toyota’s new working system that options glorious voice instructions and a a lot improved interface. It additionally will get wi-fi smartphone compatibility. Toyota backs each Highlander with a 3-year/36,000-month primary new-car guarantee with two years or 25,000 miles of routine upkeep. High Restricted and Platinum trims characteristic power-folding facet mirrors, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster changing the analog cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The costs on prime fashions evaded our advice prior to now however the candy spot has been the Highlander XLE with its sunroof, energy liftgate, and energy/heated seats. 

The place is the 2023 Toyota Highlander made?

In Princeton, Indiana.