Toyota introduced the Highlander 2023 in May when it talked about its new 2.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine. At the time, he had refrained from going into pricing details, but now the numbers came in. Stick to front-wheel drive and SUVs with their four-cylinder engines that benefit from forced induction starting at $36,420. Upgrade to AWD and you’ll have to pay $38,020, with both prices excluding destination fees.
As a refresher, the turbo engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, so it has 30 horses less but an extra 46 lb-ft compared to the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. The fuel economy figures are unchanged as Toyota cites an EPA estimate of 25 miles per gallon combined cycle. Standard across all classes, the 2.4 liter unit halves NOx and NMOG (non-methane organic gas) emissions.
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The Highlander 2023 with a downsized turbo engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds and is equipped with Trailer Sway Control to help keep the trailer under control. A stop/start system comes as standard equipment to save fuel while you’re waiting at a red light and Toyota says the 17 percent increase in torque will make the driving experience more enjoyable while transporting up to eight people.
Beyond the new engine, the model year switch comes along with other novelties for the midsize SUV. Upgrade to the Limited or Platinum trim and you get dual 12.3-inch screens as standard equipment. Larger infotainment is optional on the XLE and XSE classes as an upgrade to the 8-inch screen. This lower trim attaches to the seven-inch gauge cluster, which is also now installed in the L and LE models.
The Highlander received standard power folding side mirrors for the Limited and Platinum. Elsewhere, the wireless charging pad has been repositioned from the center console box to the bottom of the touchscreen. Pictured here is an SUV painted in Cypress Green, a new color introduced for the 2023MY. Alternatively, the Bronze Edition for the Hybrid model can be had in the exclusive Cement Gray color as well as in Midnight Black and Wind Chill Pearl.
Toyota will have the 2023 Highlander in dealerships starting in November. Meanwhile, the online configurator has been updated to reflect the changes.
