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Toyota's refresh of the Highlander was low risk, potential high reward. Though the model is just a few years into its generation, the automaker has turned a technology page since it debuted. The revisions reflect the progress.
All 2023 Toyota Highlander gas models are now equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That's two less horsepower but a 17 percent increase in torque over the outgoing 3.5-liter V6 model.
Torque is what helps drivers get off the line faster or move to pass a vehicle. It's the grunt that's needed to get up a hill with a trailer attached. The new engine allows Highland to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Each model includes Trailer Sway Control technology.
The new four-cylinder engine has 50 percent less NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions. NOx are a family of "poisonous, highly reactive gases" according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In addition, the new engine is more fuel efficient, earning an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon (mpg) combined.
Both the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid get larger infotainment touchscreens for the 2023 model year. Limited and Platinum grades now come with two 12.3-inch screens as standard (Highlander XLE and XSE have it as available), one in the middle of the dashboard and one in front of the driver. Before, the driver's information screen was a lower-resolution 7-inch TFT display.
Lower grades of Highlander see their standard 4.2-inch driver information display replaced by a 7-inch gauge cluster.
A more accessible wireless charging area and power folding exterior mirrors round out the technological additions for 2023.
2023 Toyota Highlander Review
The fresh Highlander goes a long way toward righting the perceived wrongs that buyers may find if they were cross-shopping the model with its competition. Toyota has made these changes without compromising the good that made Highlander so desirable to begin with.
Highlander's new gasoline engine is the right amount of power at the right time. Its response is delivered urgently compared to the smooth and strong pull of the previous V6. Still, there's none of the takeoff feeling some turbos can deliver.
Using the new, larger driver information and infotainment screens is as easy in the Highlander as it is in the new Tundra or Lexus NX and RX. Toyota hasn't hit a home run here, but the new operating system is worlds better than the previous one from graphics to responsiveness.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander starts at $36,420 and the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $40,220. Those figures, along with the revised features keep it in line with its closest competitors like the Kia Sorento and Subaru Ascent.
The Highlander was already better than the Honda Pilot, but recent changes to the Chevrolet Traverse make the Chevy tough competition for Toyota.
The Highlander is on sale at dealerships today.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more