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Toyota Highlander Specifications & Features
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a lot to offer, but it only ranks in the middle of the pack in the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV sector, which includes more than two dozen vehicles. There are eleven different trims available. There are hybrid and nonhybrid powertrain options, with front-wheel drive as the default and all-wheel drive as an option. All trims offer smooth riding and capable handling, although the Highlander’s attitude behind the wheel could need a shot of coffee. Even on the base L, the cabin is well furnished with contemporary conveniences, user-friendly infotainment, and a variety of driver-assistance technologies as standard. The Limited and Platinum variants, which come with an attractive leather interior, a high-end JBL music system, and additional tech features, perform a good imitation of a Lexus. Despite that, the Mazda CX-9 has a prettier cabin and better driving dynamics.
What’s New?
In place of the Highlander’s regular V-6 for 2023 is a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Toyota claims the combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg is equal to that of the old V6, which begs why the switch to fewer cylinders was made. The new engine produces 265 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. Limited and Platinum grades now include digital gauge clusters and a new 12.3-inch infotainment display. The XLE and XSE levels include a hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, and those premium models also have power-folding external mirrors.
Toyota Highlander Engine, Power, Acceleration & Performance
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 265 hp is standard on the Highlander, and it is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. During testing, the 2.4-liter turbocharged AWD reached 60 mph in a reasonably slow 7.2 seconds. The Highlander Hybrid has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors working together to provide 243 hp. This variant offers both front- and all-wheel drive and a CVT. Utilizing Toyota’s hybrid engineering know-how, this powertrain offers customers a vehicle that is significantly more fuel-efficient than the normal model without sacrificing anything in the way of performance. The most recent hybrid vehicle needed 7.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. The ride is excellent for serving as the family chauffeur because of its boring but stable handling.
Toyota Highlander Mileage
| 2023 Toyota Highlander Mileage | City | Highway |
| Turbocharged FWD | 22 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Turbocharged AWD | 21 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Hybrid FWD | 36 mpg | 35 mpg |
With slightly better EPA estimates than the outgoing V-6, the new turbocharged engine achieves 21–22 mpg in the city and 28–29 mpg on the highway in the front-wheel-drive model and 21–28 mpg in both the city and the highway in the all-wheel-drive variant. Front-wheel-drive hybrid cars achieve 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the interstate, much higher ratings than conventional vehicles.
Dimensions & Space
| 2023 Toyota Highlander Dimensions | |
| Length | 194.9 in |
| Width | 76.0 in |
| Height | 68.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 84/48/16 ft3 |
| Airbags | 8 Airbags |
Most models come with an 8.0-inch infotainment system as standard, but the Highlander Limited and Platinum include a 12.3-inch screen that doubles as the gauge cluster. The 12.3-inch infotainment display is an option for the mid-range XLE and XSE, but the analog instruments from lower-end models are still used. There is a JBL 11-speaker audio system available. For all models, Toyota offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity in addition to SiriusXM satellite radio and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment display is built into the dashboard below a wireless smartphone charging station, which is an option.
Pricing
| 2023 Toyota Highlander Trims | Price (USD) |
| L | $37,755 |
| LE | $40,155 |
| Hybrid LE | $41,555 |
| XLE | $43,155 |
| Hybrid XLE | $44,555 |
| XSE | $44,750 |
| Hybrid XLE Bronze Edition | $47,315 |
| Hybrid Bronze Edition | $47,315 |
| Limited | $47,410 |
| Hybrid Limited | $48,810 |
| Platinum | $50,810 |
| Hybrid Platinum | $52,010 |
The intermediate XLE is the one to buy, in our opinion. Among other conveniences, it boasts a motorized sunroof, wireless smartphone charging pad, and heated front seats. We’d also invest in the Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation package, which includes improved stereo and in-dash navigation.
Specifications, Quarter Mile, 0-60 Mph & Top-Speed
| 2023 Toyota Highlander Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | Turbocharged inline-4 |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.2 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 18.5 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 15.5 sec |
| Top-Speed | 113 mph |
Conclusion
The Highlander has a lot of amenities, a fuel-efficient hybrid model, and a lot of general competence, but it is still behind the top three-row family SUVs in the market. Poor handling, little room in the third row, and no increase in fuel efficiency from the new four-cylinder. outstanding fuel economy of the hybrid system, luxurious interior appointments on premium models, and lots of standard technology.