The three-row SUV trades its standard V-6 engine for a turbo four.
, which is no easy feat in such a competitive market. But to keep things interesting for the 2023 Highlander's refresh, Toyota is actually scaling back the non-hybrid model's horsepower with a new engine that instead brings a big boost in torque over the outgoing V-6.The new Highlander ditches Toyota's old 3.5-liter V-6, which offered 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, for a new turbocharged 2.4 liter I-4 motor making 265 hp and 309 lb-ft.
Front-wheel drive is standard, but there are two different AWD systems available. L, LE, and XLE trims offer an AWD system that can send 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels for limited slip situations. The sportier XSE, Limited and Platinum models get an upgraded AWD setup with torque vectoring, drive mode selection, and driveline disconnect, which can disengage the rear wheels to drive in a front-drive mode for greater fuel economy when AWD isn't needed.
The 2023 Highlander hybrid powertrain carries over for this model year, with 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It's available with AWD and gets up to 36 MPG combined, and has a max tow rating of 3,500 pounds.Inside, the L and LE trims upgrade their 4.2-inch driver displays to Toyota's larger 7.0-inch unit for the new model year, and the XLE and XSE trims will be able to option a new 12.
The Highlander Hybrid's available Bronze Edition returns for the updated 2023 model year, and if you want a little more style on a non-hybrid, the updated XSE trim now comes exclusively with black 20 in. wheels, some exclusive styling touches, a twin exhaust tip, and sits on a specially-tuned suspension setup and with tuned steering for a sportier drive. The XSE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims also now all come with a hands-free power liftgate.
The XSE sports a red and black two-tone treatment that's available at no extra cost, and on all trims, the available wireless charging pad for devices has been moved from the center console out onto the instrument panel for easier access. With all the seats folded down, the Highlander offers up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space, if you're not hauling people. The cabin is also equipped with two Type-C USB ports, one Type-A port up front, and two Type-C ports in the second row.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
We Get Up Close To The New 2023 BMW X1 Compact SUV | CarscoopsThe new BMW X1 comes with a tech overhaul, nicer design, and slightly more room inside compared to its predecessor
Read more »
2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Review | Three things I learned driving a $429,400 SUVA review of the 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan luxury SUV. We test drive and examine its features for utility and functionality against other crossovers and SUVs.
Read more »
A New Electric Aircraft Costs Roughly the Same as a Luxury SUVA new electric aircraft is so ultralight that you don't even need a pilot's license to fly it! And it may cost roughly the same as a luxury SUV.
Read more »
Every 2022 Compact SUV Ranked from Worst to BestRanking the compact crossover SUV segment, from Bronco Sport to Tucson.
Read more »
Mother killed, two children injured in solo SUV crash on I-8 in AlpineThe driver in the crash west of Tavern Road was the mother of two girls, ages 3 and 9, in the back seat
Read more »
NYPD: Black SUV sought in connection to Queens double-shootingUpdate: Police released video of a black SUV wanted in connection to a double-shooting last night in Far Rockaway.
Read more »