A Closer Look at the 2023 Toyota Highlander
Recently, Toyota announced that they will be launching the 2023 Toyota Highlander SUV, which features some slight improvements from the 2022 model. This new Toyota release ushers in a new and improved Toyota SUV collection. It comes with a hands-free power liftgate, power-folding mirrors, dual 12.3-inch screens, and an unrivaled 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder that offers 310 lb-ft of torque. The highly styled exterior is also an amazing inclusion to the 2023 Toyota Highlander. In addition to efficient fuel consumption, Toyota has claimed that the 2023 Grand Highlander has more than a 50% reduction in the release of harmful gases, carbon (IV) oxide, and other harmful emissions. Here, we will take a closer look at the 2023 Toyota Highlander.
Overview
The Highlander Hybrid has been part of Toyota’s lineup since 2006. It is the perfect SUV model for people looking for a reliable, stable, and comfortable choice for traveling with their big family. For 2023, the new Highlander Hybrid comes with a number of upgrades that certainly make it an even more appealing SUV option for most of Toyota’s customers. Some of these amazing upgrades include a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display for the Platinum trim and Limited and Bronze Edition levels. This new touchscreen display provides a crisper resolution, new graphics, and the voice command option on all 2023 XLE models. The other exciting news for the 2023 Toyota Highlander is the replacement of the previous 7-inch TFT cluster screen for the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster screen for the Limited and Platinum trims. Moreover, the Highlander XSE and XLE models will be presented with an 8-inch center touchscreen and 7-inch TFT cluster screen as a replacement for the previous 4.2-inch TFT cluster screen.
What is new for the 2023 Highlander?
In its efforts to add more value and convenience to the 2023 Highlander, Toyota has included several unique upgrades that include; JBL Premium Audio System with eleven speakers, standard dual 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) screens for the Platinum and Limited trims, and a new 12.3-inch Full Digital Instrument Cluster screen now featuring four different visual modes; Sporty, Smart, Tough, and Casual mode for a more personalized screen touch. These glare-reducing 12.3-inch optically bonded touchscreens are optional for the sporty XSE and XLE levels, which come with standard 8-inch touchscreens. Moreover, the 12.3-inch infotainment display is now available for the Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, providing increased screen area than the previous-gen Toyota Highlander SUV models. For 2023, the Platinum and Limited Highlander trims are presented with power-folding exterior mirrors, which provide a better driving view when exiting and entering your home garage. When it comes to the interior of the new 2023 Toyota Highlander, there is a wireless charging port placed on the front dashboard. Toyota also re-positioned the Qi-compatible charger from the center console box to an easily accessible on the equipment panel shelf.
Engine, Performance, and Transmission
The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes equipped with a 265-horsepower, 2.4L four-cylinder engine, which is paired with eight-speed automatic gear transmission. This new Toyota Highlander also comes in hybrid trim with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors for an impressive 243 horsepower. This Hybrid model has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and an option between all- and front-wheel drive. In addition to exhibiting outstanding road performance, the Highlander Hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the standard Highlander model. It also has a quick acceleration time from 0-60 mph within 7.3 seconds. The overall handling is quite stable, and this SUV model is well-suited for family adventures.
Connectivity and Infotainment
There are several technical upgrades installed in the new Toyota Highlander. For example, the 12.3-inch display with a secondary 12.3-inch screen as the gauge cluster for the Highlander Platinum and Limited trims. According to Caranddriver, the standard model comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment system. There is also an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system available on most trims. Other notable features included in the 2023 Toyota Highlander include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay integration for all trims. There is also a wireless smartphone charging port that is integrated into the dashboard below the touchscreen infotainment display. However, this feature is optional for all Highlander models.
Interior, Cargo, and Comfort
The 2023 Toyota Highlander can seat a maximum of eight passengers using the bench seats in the second and third rows. There is also one that can seat seven passengers with second-row chairs, but it is only available on premium Highlander models. Another thing to note about this new Toyota Highlander is the upgrade in the cargo area. Unlike the previous generation Highlander trims, the 2023 Highlander SUV model is more generous with the cargo and passenger space. The cargo area behind the third row can fit up to four carry-on suitcases.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
One of the main objectives of Toyota when building the 2023 Toyota Highlander was to improve driver and passenger safety. As is common with Toyota, the 2023 Highlander comes with a standard suite of driver and passenger safety features that include; Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Smart Stop Technology, Traction Control, Brake Assist with pedestrian detection and eight airbags with side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Bottom Line
Although it is compared against a highly competitive mid-size SUV category, the 2023 Highlander offers plenty. First, there are eleven Highlander trims to choose from; a standard four-wheel drive has an optional all-wheel drive, and the non-Hybrid and Hybrids powertrains are available. In addition to having a nicely equipped interior, the 2023 Highlander comes with a wide array of driver-assistance features, standard easy-to-use infotainment, and exceptional handling capabilities for a smooth ride. According to Autoblog, the 2023 Toyota Highlander is sold at an average price of $35,855.