If it ain’t broke, do not repair it. It is a quite apparent expression however one which’s usually ignored by automakers relating to mid-cycle product refreshes. Not so with the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Toyota took in buyer suggestions in regards to the fourth-generation Highlander, up to date solely what it wanted to, and referred to as it a day. Some may name this method lazy in a decent midsize SUV phase the place the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade dominate proceedings, however when an organization has as many loyal clients as Toyota, it is merely pragmatic.

The 2023 Highlander arrives wanting the identical on the skin however with some key know-how enhancements inside and a brand new engine underneath the hood. Toyota invited DrivingOnRoad to pattern the refreshed Highlander together with a couple of different new autos, and we’re able to inform you if the enhancements for 2023 are price buying and selling in for.

Acquainted Styling

We would not name it the prettiest or boldest three-row mid-size crossover, however there was nothing offensive or jarring in regards to the Highlander’s design that required a serious overhaul. The 2023 mannequin retains its acquainted styling with key differentiation between sure trims just like the XSE (pictured in white), which will get a singular entrance fascia and sporty black wheels. A brand new coloration, Cypress Inexperienced (pictured above), has been added to the palette, and we expect it seems nice on the Highlander. Toyota may also supply a Bronze Version with cool bronze accents, although it is solely accessible as a hybrid.

Inside Tech Upgrades

Toyota spent nearly all of its time updating the Highlander’s cabin. The general structure stays unchanged, however the know-how is improved. An eight-inch touchscreen comes commonplace, now powered by Toyota’s newest infotainment software program that provides wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wi-fi Android Auto, and clever voice command. Greater trims improve to a 12.3-inch show, which may now venture media on your complete display screen quite than being compelled to go split-screen. We would name this a win, however in Toyota’s infinite knowledge, there is no such thing as a longer a split-screen choice in any respect.

Stepping as much as the Restricted or Platinum trims provides a second 12.3-inch gauge cluster show with Informal, Sensible, Robust, and Sporty modes. These trims venture media by way of an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The Highlander seats as much as eight passengers, whereas higher trims swap the second-row bench for captain’s chairs, limiting the capability to seven occupants.

A New Engine From Lexus

The large story underneath the hood is the demise of Toyota’s long-running 3.5-liter V6 engine. It is nonetheless round within the Camry and some different autos, however its days are numbered. As a replacement, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That is lower than the 295 hp produced by the outgoing V6, however the torque is effectively up from the earlier 263 lb-ft. Toyota says the turbo four-pot delivers smoother acceleration with higher low-end response, and it helps the corporate meet stricter emissions targets.

Energy goes out to a front-wheel drivetrain as commonplace or non-compulsory all-wheel drive by way of an eight-speed computerized transmission. Gasoline economic system is rated at 22/29/25 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed with FWD, and people numbers drop by one in every class with AWD. It is solely a one mpg enchancment over the V6, however a 50% discount in NOx and NMOG is a worthy purpose for the engine downsizing.

As earlier than, the Highlander Hybrid makes use of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electrical motors to provide 243 hp. This mix delivers a 36-mpg mixed common, besting each three-row crossover in the marketplace.

Drives Like A Highlander

Primarily based on what’s new within the 2023 Highlander, do not commerce in your 2022 mannequin anticipating a vastly new driving expertise. The brand new engine is probably the most notable distinction, providing extra available passing energy that does not require as many downshifts from the transmission in most driving conditions. That being mentioned, when the low-end torque is inadequate, the Highlander emits a less-than-pleasant engine word throughout laborious acceleration. It could be extra suited to how the typical crossover proprietor drives, however the V6 was extra aurally pleasing. The turbo-four could have Lexus origins, but it surely feels much less refined on this utility because of the lack of sound deadening.

In all honesty, the brand new engine would not utterly rework the Highlander. It is nonetheless nice to drive on the freeway with some wind noise that usually plagues Toyota autos. On a again highway, the Highlander is not utterly incompetent, managing its bulk pretty effectively. In case you favored how the Highlander drove previously, you will take pleasure in the brand new one.

Pricing And Trims

The Highlander just isn’t probably the most reasonably priced automobile in its phase, but it surely’s principally in-line with the competitors. Pricing begins at $36,420 (not together with vacation spot and dealing with) for the bottom L mannequin with FWD. The gas-only Highlander comes within the following trim ranges, every providing FWD or AWD: LE ($38,820), XLE ($41,820), XSE ($43,415), Restricted ($46,075), Platinum ($49,275). Stepping as much as AWD on any of those trims provides a $1,600 premium.

Choosing a Highlander Hybrid prices anyplace from $1,200 to $1,400 additional, relying on the trim degree. Although it produces much less energy, we desire the graceful acceleration provided by the hybrid’s eCVT and the excellent gasoline economic system that is unmatched by rivals. With no hybrid rivals in the marketplace, the hybrid stays the Highlander’s trump card and the primary purpose why we might advocate one over a comparable SUV.

Verdict: Get A Hybrid

In a extremely aggressive three-row crossover phase, Toyota did simply sufficient to maintain the 2023 Highlander related. The tech upgrades are welcomed, and anybody coming off-lease will benefit from the enchancment. We weren’t blown away by the brand new turbocharged engine, although the outgoing V6 was not our powertrain of alternative both. With extra premium choices just like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade accessible, it is nonetheless powerful for us to advocate the gasoline Highlander. That being mentioned, these autos solely common 21 mpg, which is considerably decrease than the Toyota.

If you wish to purchase a 2023 Toyota Highlander, we strongly encourage you to contemplate the hybrid. For only a small premium over the gasoline mannequin, it delivers a whopping 44% gasoline economic system enchancment. With these gasoline financial savings, you may earn again the hybrid premium in underneath two years. The hybrid powertrain was (and nonetheless is) the primary purpose to purchase a Highlander.