Close All About the 2023 Toyota Highlander
Power
Experience the 2023 Toyota Highlander's all-new engine upgrade! If you thought the Highlander was impressive before, just wait; the previous standard V6 DOHC engine has been changed this year to a 2.4L Turbo that kicks out 265 hp along with enhanced 309 lb-ft of torque for an unforgettable drive. If you're worried about fuel economy, don't be. Despite the updated engine and power, the Highlander maintains a great fuel economy for its size, delivering an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. This means whether you're in or heading out of town, the Highlander remains efficient and ready for the road ahead.
While the 2023 Toyota Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive, those who want increased performance and confidence can upgrade with Toyota's Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive system, which increases your vehicle's stability and responsiveness when the terrain is less than optimal. The Highlander's XSE sport-tuned suspension is standard, so while you might not opt for all-wheel drive, the enhanced shock absorbers and springs help keep your tires connected to the road and give drivers the stability they're looking for.
As for towing capacity, don't worry! If you're using a small trailer to move to the new apartment, or you want to haul your favorite toys to the campground, the Highlander is more than capable with its 2.4L engine. Expect a max towing of up to 5,000 lbs.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander is all about choices, and drivers will enjoy the ability to pick from three drive modes for personalized performance. Sport Mode increases your vehicle's performance while delivering a little extra zip for a curve-hugging good time. Switch over to Eco Mode to improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. If you're simply out running errands, Normal Mode is there for the perfect mix of performance and efficiency.
For drivers who choose to upgrade to all-wheel drive, there are increased performance features that come along with the Highlander's Multi-Terrain Select system. Drivers have the choice to choose from Mud/Sand, Rock/Dirt, Snow, or Normal. The Multi-Terrain Select helps you out when the terrain gets sticky, slippery, and tough to handle. This system was created to reduce wheel slippage and keep your Highlander performing at its best no matter what the road throws at it.
Comfort
When you're getting a new SUV, you want to make sure it has everything you'll need to move and grow with your ever-changing lifestyle. Having flexible seating and cargo options is a must. Thankfully, the Toyota Highlander was designed with active families in mind! It has an airy cabin that translates to roomy seating across all three rows. With room for up to eight passengers, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Bench seating is standard, but you can level up in trims to access the available second-row captain's chairs, bringing your seating down to seven passengers.
It's easy to take advantage of the Highlander's max cargo space of 84.3 cu.ft. Simply fold down the second and third-row seats for quick and easy access. However, if you need every seat, no problem! Behind the third row, you still get plenty of room with 16 cu.ft., leaving more than enough space for everyday essentials, groceries, or gear. The 2023 Highlander comes standard with a manual liftgate, but drivers have the option to upgrade to a Hands-Free Power Rear Liftgate if desired; easily access your Highlander's rear cargo space with just a gentle kick under the bumper.
The Highlander's interior has notable upgrades this year with elegant upholstery options and a more streamlined dash that makes accessing the SUV's instrument panel and touchscreen easy. Drivers can take their driving experience to the next level when they go for the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that makes checking your vehicle's levels, getting navigation directions, or getting alerts as simple as a quick glance.
Options for wireless charging mean no more wires or missing chargers. The Highlander makes it quick and easy to simply place your compatible smartphone on the conveniently located charging pad and go. And our favorite feature, the available Panoramic Moonroof, gives everyone the best view; whether you want to let in the sun or view the night stars, the moonroof opens to let in the fresh air.
Technology
The 2023 Highlander is bursting with the latest and greatest tech from Toyota. And the best part is it's designed with the driver in mind, making it user-friendly and hassle-free to access. The standard 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen display can be upgraded to a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen for more precise operation. This multimedia display lets drivers quickly scroll, tap, and select from their favorite playlists, preferred apps, and the latest entertainment. If you're inclined to keep your hands on the wheel, you can access this system using only your voice!
For a personalized driving experience, connect your smartphone with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to get turn-by-turn directions, alerts, and access to all of your favorite podcasts or music playlists. The Highlander has your passengers likewise covered with an available Wi-Fi Connect hotspot with 4G that can support up to five devices simultaneously. They can stay charged using one of the vehicle's five USB ports or two 12V outlets.
Toyota's advanced technology isn't just about keeping drivers connected but also safe. Coming standard on the 2023 Highlander is Toyota's Safety Sense, a suite of the latest safety features that keeps you covered front to back and side to side. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is there to detect either a vehicle or pedestrian crossing your path; it provides the drivers with an auditory and visual alert. If the driver is unable to react quickly enough, the system can even provide emergency braking to help avoid or lessen a potential collision.
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist are made for those who travel the highway more often than not. These systems are great for commuters, road trippers, and those easily fatigued by mundane driving. The cruise control system helps drivers maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them, and Lane Trace Assist helps keep your vehicle centered in your lane. Lane Departure Alert With Steering Assist will alert drivers who accidentally drift from their lane; if the driver is unable to return to their lane, the system provides steering assistance to help keep the driver and those they share the road with safe. Road Sign Assist is there to detect speed signs, stop signs, and even yield signs and display them in the vehicle's Multi-Information Display for easy viewing.
Automatic High Beams can help take some of the stress out of night driving; this system can detect approaching traffic, lower the vehicle's headlamps, and then readjust them once the vehicle has passed. And as great as these are, they're just the start of the Highlander's first-class safety and driver-assist features. Additional systems like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking give drivers an extra view and watch their back, making the road safer for all drivers.