If it ain’t broke, don’t restore it. It’s a barely obvious expression nonetheless one which’s usually ignored by automakers regarding mid-cycle product refreshes. Not so with the 2023 Toyota Highlander. Toyota took in purchaser recommendations regarding the fourth-generation Highlander, updated solely what it needed to, and known as it a day. Some could title this methodology lazy in an excellent midsize SUV section the place the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade dominate proceedings, nonetheless when a corporation has as many loyal purchasers as Toyota, it’s merely pragmatic.

The 2023 Highlander arrives making an attempt the an identical on the floor nonetheless with some key know-how enhancements inside and a model new engine beneath the hood. Toyota invited DrivingOnRoad to sample the refreshed Highlander along with only a few totally different new autos, and we’re in a position to inform you if the enhancements for 2023 are value shopping for and promoting in for.

Acquainted Styling

We’d not title it the prettiest or boldest three-row mid-size crossover, nonetheless there was nothing offensive or jarring regarding the Highlander’s design that required a big overhaul. The 2023 model retains its acquainted styling with key differentiation between positive trims identical to the XSE (pictured in white), which is able to get a novel entrance fascia and sporty black wheels. A model new color, Cypress Inexperienced (pictured above), has been added to the palette, and we predict it seems to be like good on the Highlander. Toyota may even present a Bronze Model with cool bronze accents, though it’s solely obtainable as a hybrid.

Inside Tech Upgrades

Toyota spent the overwhelming majority of its time updating the Highlander’s cabin. The overall construction stays unchanged, nonetheless the know-how is improved. An eight-inch touchscreen comes customary, now powered by Toyota’s latest infotainment software program program that gives wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wi-fi Android Auto, and intelligent voice command. Elevated trims enhance to a 12.3-inch present, which can now mission media in your full show display barely than being compelled to go split-screen. We would title this a win, nonetheless in Toyota’s infinite information, there is no such thing as a such factor as an extended a split-screen risk the least bit.

Stepping as a lot because the Restricted or Platinum trims supplies a second 12.3-inch gauge cluster present with Casual, Good, Strong, and Sporty modes. These trims mission media by way of an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The Highlander seats as a lot as eight passengers, whereas larger trims swap the second-row bench for captain’s chairs, limiting the aptitude to seven occupants.

A New Engine From Lexus

The big story beneath the hood is the demise of Toyota’s long-running 3.5-liter V6 engine. It’s nonetheless spherical throughout the Camry and a few totally different autos, nonetheless its days are numbered. As a substitute, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s decrease than the 295 hp produced by the outgoing V6, nonetheless the torque is properly up from the sooner 263 lb-ft. Toyota says the turbo four-pot delivers smoother acceleration with larger low-end response, and it helps the company meet stricter emissions targets.

Power goes out to a front-wheel drivetrain as customary or non-obligatory all-wheel drive by way of an eight-speed computerized transmission. Gasoline monetary system is rated at 22/29/25 mpg metropolis/freeway/combined with FWD, and other people numbers drop by one in each class with AWD. It’s solely a one mpg enchancment over the V6, nonetheless a 50% low cost in NOx and NMOG is a worthy trigger for the engine downsizing.

As sooner than, the Highlander Hybrid makes use of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electrical motors to supply 243 hp. This combine delivers a 36-mpg combined widespread, besting every three-row crossover within the market.

Drives Like A Highlander

Primarily based totally on what’s new throughout the 2023 Highlander, don’t commerce in your 2022 model anticipating a vastly new driving experience. The model new engine is actually essentially the most notable distinction, offering further obtainable passing power that doesn’t require as many downshifts from the transmission in most driving circumstances. That being said, when the low-end torque is insufficient, the Highlander emits a less-than-pleasant engine remember all through exhausting acceleration. It may very well be further suited to how the widespread crossover proprietor drives, nonetheless the V6 was further aurally pleasing. The turbo-four might need Lexus origins, nonetheless it feels a lot much less refined on this software program because of lack of sound deadening.

In all honesty, the model new engine doesn’t absolutely rework the Highlander. It’s nonetheless good to drive on the freeway with some wind noise that typically plagues Toyota autos. On a once more avenue, the Highlander just isn’t absolutely incompetent, managing its bulk fairly properly. Do you have to most well-liked how the Highlander drove beforehand, chances are you’ll take pleasure in the model new one.

Pricing And Trims

The Highlander is simply not primarily essentially the most moderately priced car in its section, nonetheless it is principally in-line with the rivals. Pricing begins at $36,420 (not along with trip spot and coping with) for the underside L model with FWD. The gas-only Highlander comes throughout the following trim ranges, each offering FWD or AWD: LE ($38,820), XLE ($41,820), XSE ($43,415), Restricted ($46,075), Platinum ($49,275). Stepping as a lot as AWD on any of these trims supplies a $1,600 premium.

Selecting a Highlander Hybrid costs anyplace from $1,200 to $1,400 additional, counting on the trim diploma. Though it produces a lot much less power, we want the smooth acceleration provided by the hybrid’s eCVT and the superb fuel monetary system that’s unmatched by rivals. With no hybrid rivals within the market, the hybrid stays the Highlander’s trump card and the first trigger why we might recommend one over a comparable SUV.

Verdict: Get A Hybrid

In a extraordinarily aggressive three-row crossover section, Toyota did merely adequate to take care of the 2023 Highlander associated. The tech upgrades are welcomed, and anyone coming off-lease will profit from the enchancment. We weren’t blown away by the model new turbocharged engine, though the outgoing V6 was not our powertrain of choice each. With further premium selections identical to the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade obtainable, it’s nonetheless strong for us to recommend the gasoline Highlander. That being said, these autos solely widespread 21 mpg, which is significantly lower than the Toyota.

If you happen to want to buy a 2023 Toyota Highlander, we strongly encourage you to ponder the hybrid. For less than a small premium over the gasoline model, it delivers a whopping 44% fuel monetary system enchancment. With these fuel monetary financial savings, chances are you’ll earn once more the hybrid premium in beneath two years. The hybrid powertrain was (and nonetheless is) the first trigger to buy a Highlander.