Toyota's Refreshed Highlander Powered by New Turbo-4

Toyota’s ’23 Highlander offers an all-new turbocharged gasoline 4-cyl. promising more power and lower emissions.

Other updates to the popular large CUV include larger multimedia screens and other features across all trim levels and powertrains.

The new 2.4L turbo-4 (pictured, below) makes 265 hp. It also produces 310 lb.-ft. (420 Nm) of torque, a 17% improvement over the outgoing 3.5L V-6’s 263 lb.-ft. (357 Nm), Toyota says. Turbo models are equipped to tow up to 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).

The turbo-4 achieves a more than 50% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and non-methane organic gases (NMOG), as well as an improvement in carbon-dioxide emissions. Gasoline-powered ’23 Highlander models have an EPA-estimated combined rating of up to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km).

Toyota Highlander_Turbo_23-engine

The Highlander Hybrid, combining a 2.5L DOHC 4-cyl. with two electric motor-generators, is rated at 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km), makes 243 hp and has towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg). The Hybrid accounts for more than one-quarter of Highlander sales in the U.S.

Besides the new engine, updates to the ’23 Highlander include two 12.3-in. (31-cm) screens –Multi-Information Display (MID) and multimedia – that are standard in Limited and Platinum grades. An 11-speaker JBL audio system is carried over from 2022.  

The 12.3-in. multimedia touchscreen (pictured, below) is optional for the XLE and sporty XSE trim levels, which have an 8-in. (20-cm) screen as standard. These two grades continue to use the 7-in. (18-cm) MID gauge cluster screen. On the L and LE grades, the 7-in. MID replaces a 4.2-in. (11-cm) MID. The available wireless cellphone charger in the updated Highlander is moved from the center console box to the center dashboard shelf below the multimedia touchscreen.

Toyota Highlander_Turbo_23 infotainment screen

The Toyota Audio Multimedia system allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Highlander has an available Wi-Fi Connect subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices. Wi-Fi Connect also enables a new Integrated Streaming feature, giving customers the ability to link their separate Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle.

The Highlander is equipped with five USB ports: two Type-C ports plus one Type-A port located at the bottom of the center stack, and two Type-C ports are located at the bottom of the center console for second-row passengers.

With all seat rows in use, Highlander offers 16.0 cu.-ft. (453 L) of space behind the third row. Folding the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seatbacks expands the space to 48.4 cu.-ft. (1,371 L), while folding the second row opens up raises that to 84.3 cu.-ft. (2,387 L). The cargo area’s side surfaces and pockets are shaped for maximum space utilization.

Driver-assist features on the ’23 Highlander include a blindspot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, standard on the LE trim level and above; front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, available on Limited and Platinum; and 360-degree view surround view  of the vehicle, available on Limited and standard on Platinum.

The Highlander was the runaway best-seller in Wards Intelligence’s Large CUV segment in first-half 2022, with 117,403 deliveries. It was followed by the Kia Telluride (46,893), Honda Pilot (46,435) and Chevrolet Traverse (44,306).

The ’23 Highlander, with seating for seven or eight depending on trim level, arrives at dealerships this month. The turbo-equipped model’s starting price is $36,420 and the Hybrid’s starting price is $40,220. Prices exclude delivery charges.

Toyota Highlander_Turbo_Limited_23_0