2023 Toyota Highlander: New 2.4L Turbo Will Provide More Power and Efficiency with Reduced Emissions
Toyota is borrowing the 2.4L engine from the Lexus NX and RX to give the 2023 Toyota Highlander a performance boost.
Toyota has released the details on the new 2023 Toyota Highlander and while there are a number of changes the most significant is what lies under the hood. The company already has a gem of an engine that is used in both the Lexus NX and RX models. That 2.4L turbocharged unit is going to replace the 3.5L V6 in the new Highlander. This new engine will not only significantly increase torque, but it will be more fuel efficient and lower emissions. That is a win-win-win. But even three wins is not enough for Toyota. They made even more changes to the Highlander.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander will be offering larger multimedia screens and other amenities that will bring even greater value to the Highlander. “In addition to the JBL Premium Audio System with 11 speakers as carryover from 2022, the Limited and Platinum grades now have two 12.3-inch screens as standard; one Multi-Information Display (MID) screen and one multimedia screen. On both grades, a second new 12.3” Full Digital Instrument Cluster screen replaces the former 7-inch TFT, with four different visual modes for a personalized touch: Casual, Smart, Tough and Sporty mode.”
2023 Toyota Highlander Powertrain Details
The 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That torque figure is 17 percent higher than what the old 3.5L V6 could muster. And the new engine comes with a combined EPA rating of up to 25 mpg. And last but not least, the new 2.4L comes with more than a 50 percent reduction in NOx and NMOG compared to the outgoing V6 engine. Of course, the Highlander Hybrid is still an option. The Hybrid combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators. With this setup you get 243 combined horsepower and an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined. The Hybrid models are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds and the gas-powered models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Versatile
One of the key Highlander selling points has always been its versatility. That continues to be a strong point in 2023. “Highlander L and LE grades come standard with second-row bench for seating for eight, while the XLE and Limited grades go with a standard Captain’s Chair second row for seven-seat capability. Buyers can choose a second-row bench for the XLE Gas, XLE Hybrid and Limited Gas grades.” There is room for not just people but all their stuff as well. With all seats in use, you will still find 16.0 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Fold that third row down and you will find 48.4 cubic feet of cargo room. Fold second and third row seats down for maximum cargo capacity at 84.3 cubic feet.
Multimedia
The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch, and available 12.3-inch, Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Owners will always be up to date thanks to the system being Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable. “The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.” Audiophiles can opt for the JBL Premium Audio system with 1,200 watts of power playing through 11 speakers. And every Highlander offers a suite of Connected Services. Examples of these services are an Emergency Assistance Button, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Maintenance Alerts and much more. These services are available with up to a 10-year trial.
Something for Everyone
The 2023 Toyota Highlander is available in 22 different grades. It starts with the front-wheel drive Highlander L and tops out at the Hybrid Platinum all-wheel drive. The L and LE grades come with cloth seats and stepping up to the XLE upgrades that to SofTex. Limited models get perforated leather. The XSE grade is the sporty one of the bunch, and comes with black SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric inserts or a red and black leather option. The Bronze Edition for Highlander Hybrid has mid-century modern-inspired SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric inserts and bronze-colored stitching. The top luxury grade is the Platinum. With this you get embossed, perforated leather-trim in three colors (Harvest Beige, Graphite and Black) plus a lovely brown called Glazed Caramel.
Something for Fashionistas
Do you like to stand out from the crowd? The 2023 Toyota Highlander has you covered. The Hybrid model is offered in a Bronze Edition. This comes with a Cement paint color exclusive to this edition or Wind Chill Pearl or Midnight Black Metallic should you so choose. You also get bronze-colored accents and 18-inch bronze wheels. Inside are illuminated bronze-colored door sills and unique floor and cargo mats embroidered with a special bronze-stitched logo. If you prefer the gas model you can opt for the XSE. This model rolls on exclusive 20-inch black wheels. Beyond that is a XSE-specific front fascia, grille, lower spoiler and headlamps. There are also unique rocker panels and black roof rails, mirror caps, and window moldings. The suspension is also specially tuned along with the electric power steering to offer a sporty feel.
Safety Conscious
We all want our family to be safe, and they won’t be much safer than inside a 2023 Toyota Highlander. It is a repeat IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipient. It comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system. This includes items such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and more. The Highlander is also equipped with eight airbags including side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Pricing
The 2023 Toyota Highlander starts at $36,420 for a L FWD model. A Highlander Platinum AWD will start at $52,425. But there are twenty models in between so checkout the chart above for pricing on all grades. The hard part is now picking the one that is right for you.
Images: Toyota
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