Toyota’s largest hybrid electric SUV, the Highlander, gets a new look and additional technologies for the 2023 model year. It also receives a new turbocharged engine, larger infotainment screens, and a wealth of convenience features. With its expanded capabilities and assured driving, this is one SUV prepared to carry you and your crew through every journey. Read our review to learn more about what’s new on the 2023 Toyota Highlander, and when you’re ready, shop for a new Highlander or other new SUVs at Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida.
What’s New for the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
Whether you’re looking to upgrade the family car or find the perfect SUV for your next epic road trip, the 2023 Highlander is ready to serve. The main change for 2023 is that the Highlander has abandoned its V-6 engine option in favor of a new four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. In terms of technology, the Limited and Platinum trim levels have two 12.3-inch displays as standard, while the XLE and XSE have a single 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The wireless charger has been relocated to the instrument panel shelf, and a 7-inch instrument cluster display is now standard equipment on the L and LE variants.
As for the outside, a new Cypress green hue joins the selection of colors. The Limited and Platinum trims include power-folding mirrors and a hands-free power liftgate.
2023 Toyota Highlander Exterior Style and Options
The Highlander’s sculpted design and curved lines strike the right blend between strength and delicacy. Like before, the 2023 Toyota Highlander has seven trims to choose from: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim has new exterior features in an increasingly premium look, with the Bronze Edition adding unique accents and the Limited carrying puddle lights and reverse tilt-down side mirrors. The Platinum adds a panoramic sunroof and adaptive swiveling headlights.
Underneath the XSE’s distinctive rear bumper is the Highlander’s eye-catching twin-tip exhaust, matching well with the dynamic front-end design. The rear is sportier than the 2022 edition and has been chrome-plated for extra durability and appeal. Elegant 20-inch wheels, which come standard on the XSE, Limited, and Platinum trim levels, provide sophistication without sacrificing performance. Put simply, prepare to turn heads when you pull up in your 2023 Highlander. Thanks to an available hands-free power liftgate, the Highlander detects your Smart Key fob and opens automatically when you move your foot under the bumper.
2023 Toyota Highlander Interior Comfort
The Highlander is a three-row SUV with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The L and LE grades provide a second-row bench seat, whereas all other trims include second-row captain’s chairs as standard. You can also add a second-row bench to the XLE and Limited trims. All rows of seating are supportive and comfortable, with plenty of head and legroom. The XSE exudes a sporty attitude, especially with its optional red and black leather-trimmed seats and red accent instrument panel stitching.
On-demand heated and ventilated front seats or heated second-row seats are at your service to keep occupants comfortable. A display on the instrument panel helps remind you of any seats that are running ventilation or heating functions. For a midsize SUV, the Highlander has very good cargo space: 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
2023 Toyota Highlander Technology
Among the additional infotainment features are the 12.3-inch multimedia display, which is your central point for easily accessing music, podcasts, and entertainment selections. Best of all, the Highlander lets you control its system via voice commands. Using Apple CarPlay wirelessly is no problem, and with an active Wi-Fi Connect subscription you can turn your Toyota into a 4G hotspot for up to five devices. You’ll also get at least five USB connections and two 12V power outlets to keep everything charged.
Included on all models, SiriusXM offers multiple channels for ad-free music, sports, news, chat, comedy, and more. Experience it all in unbeatable crisp sound using the available 11-speaker, 1200-watt JBL surround audio system on the XSE or higher trims. With the LE or higher and an active Remote Connect membership, you can start the engine, lock/unlock doors, and locate your vehicle all through the Toyota app on your phone.
2023 Toyota Highlander Engine and Powertrain
The new 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine produces 265 horsepower and an increased 310 lb-ft of torque. While the horsepower is slightly lowered, the torque increases significantly, leading to an equivalent but more efficient driving style. The new Highlander gets up to an EPA-estimated 22/29 city/highway mpg rating, a zero-to-60-mph time between six and seven seconds, and a new maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
The Highlander XSE has a sport-tuned suspension that allows it to hug the road a little closer. Re-tuned shock absorbers, higher-rate springs, and a rear stabilizer bar improve road handling, while its slightly lower, athletic stance encourages highway acceleration. All-wheel-drive versions include Multi-Terrain Select, which gives you extra capability and driving controls for off-roading. This enables you to choose from four traction modes: Normal, Snow, Rock/Dirt, and Mud/Sand.
2023 Toyota Highlander Safety Features
The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and automatic high beams. You’ll also get Toyota Road Sign Assist, which can inform you of certain important road signs and display them on the digital driver instrument display. The Limited or higher models have front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, while the LE or higher models get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
See the 2023 Highlander and other Toyota SUVs up close at our dealership, the top place for new and pre-owned vehicles in Jacksonville, Florida. Keith Pierson Toyota has the breadth of inventory, new car specials, and sales experience to find you a better deal than elsewhere, so bookmark and browse our new Toyota inventory as you shop for your next SUV.
Image by Matthew Lancaster is licensed with Unsplash License
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