TOYOTA
Toyota has given the Highlander midsize SUV a slight refresh for 2023, focusing on under-the-skin changes to maintain its competitive status in the market.
The big change for Toyota's 2023 bread-and-butter family SUV is the departure of the V-6 engine in favor of a 4-cylinder turbo. Time passes and fuel economy is king in today's market, even in a three-row SUV.
Overview...Toyota built and sold 264,128 Highlander SUVs in the United States last year. That's more than many brands could manage with their entire lines. The Highlander is the sine qua non of suburban family life, and if you don't personally own one, chances are you know someone who does. As a mainstay of the brand, Toyota moves carefully with the Highlander, keeping the model fresh and attractive.
In addition to the new engine package, the 2023 Highlander has been updated with larger infotainment and driver information screens and other interior and exterior amenities. But for the most part, the things that make the Highlander a touchstone of value and appeal remain the same.
Exterior...The thing about the outside of the Highlander, for people of a certain age, is that you can't help but notice that the large lower front grille looks like the face of the original Cylons from the Battlestar Galactica TV series. 1970s. When the Highlander is presented in white, there's also a distinctly Star Wars Stormtrooper vibe.
Now that we've planted this look in your head, we'll say that the new Cypress Green color available for 2023 is adorable and bucks the trend of monochrome SUVs that make our lives boring. It's a nice medium green that doesn't look gaudy, but reminds us that real life has color, and your car can be painted something other than silver – honest!
Interior...The interior of the Highlander remains largely the same. It's comfortable, spacious and quiet on the road. Basic L and LE trims offer fabric seating surfaces, while mid-level XLE and XSE trims use Softex “synthetic leather”. The limited trim comes with perforated leather, while the Platinum grade upper offers embossed perforated leather.
For cargo capacity, you get 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded in, and 84.3 cubic feet with all the rear seats down.
Powertrain...The biggest change for the 2023 Highlander is that, after 20 years of service and development, the venerable GR-series 3.5-liter V-6 engine is disappearing from the options list. As with many other vehicles before it, the Highlander's V-6 was replaced by a turbocharged 4-cylinder. However, this does not represent a loss of power or drivability.
The new 2.4-liter engine delivers 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which is a 17% increase compared to the V-6 engine's torque rating. In addition, the new engine also improves fuel efficiency, returning up to 25 MPG in combined driving. The new engine is also cleaner, offering more than a 50% reduction in NOx and NMOG over the V-6. The turbo-4 will be standard on all Highlanders.
Power is passed to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission, or CVT, if you buy the related Highlander Hybrid. Buyers have the option of front-wheel drive or two different AWD systems, based on trim level. For the more entry-level L, LE and XLE models, the optional AWD system can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels to help counter wheel slip when needed.
The more expensive XSE, Limited and Platinum models offer an advanced AWD system with dynamic torque vectoring, drive mode selection and driveline disconnect capabilities. In addition to controlling the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels, the torque vectoring system will actively manage the distribution of torque between the left and right rear wheels. So when AWD isn't needed, such as during steady highway driving, Driveline Disconnect automatically disengages rear-wheel drive and stops the driveshaft from rotating, helping to reduce fuel consumption.
Safety and Technology...The 2023 Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which is now down a bit as version 3.0 is available on more up-to-date models like the Corolla. But it's still a good system with adaptive cruise control and advanced driver assistance. TSS 2.5 is standard on all 2023 Highlanders.
However, the panel technology has been significantly updated. If you buy one of the Highlander 2023's two best finishes, you'll see a much larger display set. On the Limited and Platinum versions, the old 7-inch driver information display is gone, replaced by a new 12.3-inch display with four different visual modes. You can choose Casual, Smart, Tough or Sport mode. The top trims also get an additional 12.3-inch screen for infotainment.
The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is optional on the XLE and XSE trims, which have an 8-inch screen as standard. These two trims continue to use the 7-inch driver information display. In the basic L and LE versions, the 7-inch screen replaces the old 4.2-inch screen for greater usability.
If you purchase the Qi-compatible wireless charger, it has been moved from the center console to a center panel shelf below the multimedia audio touchscreen. Our modern phone test, an iPhone 13 Pro Max with protective case, managed to dock and charge with the system. Unfortunately, this is not the case with all new vehicles.
Printing Impressions...The thing about the Highlander is that it's a family car. It's no use trying to climb a mountain trail or climbing a rock. Sure, he can probably do these things if you want to, but if this is your jam, you'll be looking at a 4Runner or a Tacoma. A reasonably smooth gravel trail for camping is probably the most any Highlander will be asked to tackle in the real world.
As a family car, the Highlander is an excellent performer. It's quiet on the road, predictable and has enough power to pass a slow vehicle without undue worry. The Highlander handles speed bumps, bumpy roads, and the rhythmic beats of poorly maintained roads with great aplomb; you can barely feel it through the steering wheel.
Most importantly, the Highlander's steering is predictable and reassuring. The brakes have plenty of power to stop you before the TSS 2.5 has to kick in. This is a vehicle you can trust to transport your kids and your friends.
The 2023 Highlander will be hitting Toyota dealerships any day now, with a starting MSRP of $36,420 for the base L trim with front-wheel drive. LE starts at $38,820, XLE starts at $41,820 and XSE starts at $43,415. At the top, Limited FWD starts at $46,075 and Platinum starts at $49,075. If you want AWD, that will cost you $1,600 more on L, LE, and XLE trims, and $1,950 more on XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims. Destination fees of $1,335 apply to all standard prices.
Any Highlander that fits your budget is a good choice, but the extra technology in the Limited and Platinum finishes will be important if you're shopping for a vehicle to last 10 years or more. Between the two, we'd probably go with the Limited as Platinum doesn't add anything we can't live without.
Given that by the time you set up a Limited, you're pushing close to $50,000, this seems like a reasonable compromise. Or it might be smart to choose the cheaper XLE or XSE finishes and use the picklist to upgrade the technology.
-Which is bigger, Toyota 4Runner or Toyota Highlander?
The Highlander is larger at 4.7 inches longer and has more interior space because of its unibody construction.
-How long does a Toyota Highlander last?
Typically over 300,000 miles. At 15,000 miles a year, that's 20 years.
-What is the towing capacity of a 2023 Toyota Highlander?
The 2023 Highlander will tow up to 5,000 pounds.
by Jeff Zurschmeide, Detroit-USA
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