Toyota introduced the 2023 Highlander in May when it talked about its new turbocharged 2.4-liter petrol engine. At the time, he declined to discuss pricing details, but now the numbers are in. Stick to front-wheel drive and the SUV benefits from forced induction with its four-cylinder engine priced at $36,420. Upgrade to AWD and you’ll spend $38,020, both prices excluding destination charges.
As a refresher, the turbo engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, so that’s 30 fewer ponies but an extra 46 lb-ft over the old naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. Fuel economy numbers remain unchanged as Toyota cites an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon in the combined cycle. Standard on all grades, the 2.4-litre unit cuts NOx and NMOG (non-methane organic gases) emissions in half.
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With the downsized turbo engine, the 2023 Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds and comes bundled with Trailer Sway Control to help keep the trailer under control. A stop/start system comes as standard equipment that saves fuel when you’re waiting at a red light, and Toyota says a 17 percent increase in torque improves the driving experience when carrying eight people. will make it more enjoyable.
Apart from the new engine, the model year switch comes with other new features for the mid-size SUV. Upgrade to the Limited or Platinum trim and you’ll get dual 12.3-inch screens as standard equipment. Larger infotainment is optional as an upgrade to an 8-inch display on XLE and XSE grades. These lower trims stick to the seven-inch gauge cluster, now also fitted to L and LE models.
The Highlander gets standard power-folding side mirrors for the Limited and Platinum. Elsewhere, the wireless charging pad has been moved from the center console box below the touchscreen. Pictured here is the SUV painted in Cypress Green, a new color introduced for the 2023MY. Alternatively, the Bronze Edition for the hybrid model can be had in a special Cement Gray shade as well as Midnight Black and Windchill Pearl.
Toyota will have the 2023 Highlander in dealers from November. Meanwhile, the online configurator has been updated to reflect the changes.