The New 2023 Toyota Highlander
In the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment, you have to bring an entire package to the table to make an impact. It’s a popular segment, and setting a vehicle apart is how to get ahead. The 2023 Toyota Highlander, a long-time leader in the segment for reliability and affordability, brings an updated bag of tricks to the table for the new model year!
The biggest update for the new model year is an engine swap for the 2023 Toyota Highlander. The older V-6 is gone, and in its place is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. While there is a reduction in horsepower, dropping down to 265 horsepower from 295, this high-torque engine is quick off the line thanks to 310 lb.-ft of torque, much greater than the 263 lb.-ft of the outgoing engine.
Still running through an 8-speed automatic transmission, this makes for good acceleration and pleasing fuel economy, up to 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway in the base trim. Select from front- or all-wheel drive depending on the roads and weather you need to tackle! Drive Mode Select with Snow, Eco, Normal, and Sport modes is standard, with available Multi-Terrain Select for Mud/Sand, Rock/Dirt, and Normal terrains.
Squeezing seating for up to 8 in a relatively small footprint, the 2023 Toyota Highlander is useful in urban and suburban settings. Coming in at only 194.9 inches in length, it’s small for an 8-seat vehicle but makes good use of that space. The first and second rows are quite roomy, and great for kids and adults alike. The third row offers 28 inches of legroom, enough for small adults on short trips – however, for longer trips they’ll suitable for children. Behind the third row, you still have space for plenty of groceries with 16.0 cubic feet of space – this can be increased up to 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row or a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with only the first row in place.
An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration is standard. This includes Bluetooth, five USB ports for media and charging, and a six-speaker audio system. You can opt for a massive 12.3-inch screen with navigation, a premium JBL audio system, and Qi-compatible wireless charging.
With the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system standard on every version of the 2023 Toyota Highlander, it is a class leader in the safety and driver assistance field. This suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist. Every version has at least a Backup Camera with a projected path – higher trim levels get the Panoramic View Monitor with a 360-degree Overhead View with Curb View.
Six trim levels are offered on the gasoline-powered 2023 Toyota Highlander, from the basic entry-level models up to the Limited and Platinum models that border on Lexus levels of luxury!
Sitting on 18-inch painted alloy wheels, the entry-level L trim comes with the standard features mentioned above, and more. Seating for eight is upholstered with cloth, and the driver gets an eight-way adjustable seat while the front passenger gets a seat with four-way manual adjustability. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard across the Highlander line-up, making it so the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers can all get that comfort level they desire. Remote keyless entry and push-button start are standard to make it a breeze to get in and get going. The standard 8-inch touchscreen includes a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as a SiriusXM satellite radio.
Step up to the LE trim level and get a power liftgate added to the smart remote, a great feature for loading and unloading with your hands full! Outside, LED fog lights add a level of safety, while the standard blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert also add assistance for the driver when backing up. A leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a small touch of luxury to the trim.
With great bang for the buck, the XLE trim really starts to pile on the features and comforts. On the exterior, this includes upgraded 18-inch machined-finished alloy wheels, silver-painted roof rails, and a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade. Inside, seating is clad in synthetic leather SofTex, and the front seats get heating for warming up in the cold winter months. Both front seats are upgraded to power-adjustable versions – the driver gets 10-way adjustability, while the passenger gets 8-way adjustability. Qi-compatible wireless charging is standard, while the 12.3-inch touchscreen is an available option at this level.
The XSE trim gets unique blacked-out styling elements inside and out that set it apart. The exterior also sets itself apart from the rest of the line-up with a twin-tip exhaust and 20-inch machined-face black alloy wheels, black-finish roof rails, and a black mesh front grille with sport front bumper and lower spoiler. Inside, you get ambient LED interior lighting for an upscale touch, while the infotainment system gains standard navigation – the larger touchscreen and the JBL premium audio system are available options.
Moving up to the Limited trim brings in luxury that rivals many of the luxury-class SUVs. This includes genuine leather upholstery throughout the cabin and ventilated front seats. The multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in leather and heated. The larger 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard at this level, as is the upgraded 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. Outside, the grille gets 20-inch chrome-finished wheels, a chrome-plated surround as well as silver-finish roof rails. Front and rear parking sensors are standard. More importantly, the power liftgate gets hands-free opening and closing, for the easiest loading and unloading possible!
At the highest Platinum trim level, the Highlander gets silver trim across the exterior, including the front and rear lower bumper. Rain-sensing windshield washers are standard and make it easier to see, while LED projector headlights with an Adaptive Front-Lighting system and LED-strip Daytime Running Lights make it easier to be seen. Illuminated front doorsill scuff plates add luxury touches, while the second row of seats gains heating. The power moonroof is upgraded to a panoramic moonroof, really opening up the cabin!
A well-packaged vehicle with plenty of options to get the features you need, the 2023 Toyota Highlander is a smart choice for almost any driver on the road. From a hearty hauler to a luxury transporter, check out which version is right for you today at Lancaster Toyota! You can schedule your test drive when it’s most convenient for you.