2023 Toyota Highlander Review

Name: 2023 Toyota Highlander
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $19,500 - $48,998

Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV Exterior

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

One of the standard bearers of the midsize SUV class, the 2023 Toyota Highlander boasts a comfortable and quiet ride, plentiful features and good mpg. The biggest downsides are its tight third-row seating area and lack of cargo space when the third row is up.

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Average price: $28,800

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Appraise My Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander model years

Toyota Highlander for Sale

Pros

Comfortable, quiet ride
Easy to see out of
Above-average fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV

Cons

Third row is kids-only
Not much cargo space behind the third row

What's new

New turbocharged four-cylinder engine replaces previous V6
Digital instrument panel and power-folding mirrors debut on top trims
Hands-free liftgate now standard on XLE trim and higher
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

1/4/2023

Toyota's Highlander is one of the most well-known three-row midsize SUVs around. It's a great choice for growing families and offers versatility similar to a minivan but is more enjoyable to drive and easier to maneuver in most cases. The 2023 Highlander is based on the most recent generation Highlander that debuted in 2020 and receives some updates this year.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

1,100 listings

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2023 Toyota Highlander
Limited 4dr SUV
$30,000
great price
$3,928 below market
- 93,653 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 22 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- Safford Subaru Manassas (19 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
Recent Arrival! 22/29 City/Highway MPG2023 Toyota Highlander Celestial Silver Limited FWD 8-Speed Automatic 2.4L I4 PDI Turbocharged DOHC 16V LEV3-...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDKDRAHXPS045654
Stock: P175624A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-26-2026
Price Drop
2023 Toyota Highlander
XLE 4dr SUV
$28,000
great price
$2,810 below market
- 89,927 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 22 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- Heritage Hyundai Towson (54 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
Close
Located in Towson, MD
Recent Arrival! **POWER DRIVERS SEAT**, **HEATED SEATS**, **HEATED LEATHER SEATS**, **POWER SUNROOF**, **SIRIUS COMPATIBLE**, **APPLE CARPLAY/ANDROID ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDKDRAH1PS003633
Stock: NP003633
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-21-2026

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Most notably, Toyota has dropped the Highlander's previous V6 engine in favor of a new turbocharged four-cylinder. It's down on horsepower compared to its predecessor but makes more torque. The new engine feels more substantial than you'd expect from a smaller four-cylinder engine in a vehicle this large. The new four-cylinder engine also gets slightly higher EPA-estimated fuel economy than the old V6, helping to make this one of more fuel-efficient three-rows on the market.

Inside, the digital information display on the Limited and Platinum trim levels grows from 7 inches to 12.3 inches, matching the size of the central touchscreen on those trims. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is now optional on the midtier XLE and XSE, allowing more price-conscious shoppers to upgrade the infotainment system if they want. Those models also get the hands-free liftgate that used to come standard on more expensive levels. Finally, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard across the lineup.

Overall, the 2023 Highlander is a likable SUV and is competitive with other top models such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas. You should also consider the Highlander Hybrid, which is covered in a separate review on Edmunds. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about this year's updated Highlander.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Toyota Highlander on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the Highlander drive? The latest Highlander has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the long-running V6. Well, color us impressed because we don't miss the V6. The four-cylinder makes plenty of torque at low rpm, and that helps make the Highlander pleasant to drive around town. At the Edmunds test track, our all-wheel-drive Highlander accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which is a bit quicker than most V6-equipped three-row midsize SUVs.

The Highlander's ability to stop quickly and confidently as well as negotiate a twisty road is solid. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system also helps by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance. (It also has the usual benefit of extra traction in slick conditions.) All of this advanced technology helps the Highlander feel more nimble than the average midsize SUV. Overall, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or vague at higher speeds. The front seats are comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs (which our test Highlander had) provide nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a narrow space and a cushion mounted low to the floor make the third row ill-suited for adults.

The climate controls are easy to use, and the standard tri-zone system provides ample heating and cooling capacity, which helps make up for the mildly effective seat heat and ventilation. The only area we think the four-cylinder falls short of the V6 is sound. You don't really hear much of it when cruising along, but a request for substantial acceleration reveals the four-cylinder's less refined soundtrack. Otherwise, our complaints are few. There are no vibrations, squeaks or wind noise to speak of, even at higher highway speeds. Road noise is minimal.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space, but the third row is one of the most confining in the midsize three-row SUV class. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, you will be better served by the Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas. Once you're seated, it's easy to find your preferred driving position, but taller drivers might wish for a bit more extension range from the telescoping steering wheel. It can be a bit of a reach.

We give the Highlander high marks for outward visibility. The front roof pillars are thin, helping you see around turns. Some of the Highlander's available technology features help too, such as the camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out the back even if you've fully loaded up the cargo area. The available surround-view camera system is sharp and can be rotated to look around the vehicle. On the downside, some of the menus for the infotainment system and instrument cluster can be somewhat confusing.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Toyota used to trail other manufacturers when it comes to tech but the current Highlander has made big strides in the right direction. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs, but occasionally the reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. The latest Toyota software looks more modern too. Our Highlander test vehicle had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.

All Highlanders come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, which is something not all competitors offer. Among other things, we like the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive in the standard mode and not sensitive enough in the low mode.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is small for the class. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV and both back rows can be folded for a flat load surface. As for cabin storage, there are good-size pockets and cupholders as well as two shelves built into the dash (one has a clever phone cable keeper too).

Got kids? A large rear-facing car seat will easily be accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore/aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The car seat anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of child safety seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The four-cylinder Highlander is pretty fuel-efficient. We tested an all-wheel-drive model, which the EPA estimates will get 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. (Front-wheel-drive models are slightly better at 25 mpg combined.) A few mpg may not seem like a huge advantage over the competition, but it's significant for this class of vehicle. On our real-world evaluation route, we achieved 26.6 mpg, which is pretty stellar and indicates to us the EPA's estimates should be achievable. Of note, the Highlander Hybrid is estimated to return 36 mpg combined.

Value

8/10

Is the Highlander a good value? Though the Highlander isn't the most premium-feeling SUV in the class, the interior is solidly put together with soft, padded surfaces where they matter most. There's good value here, too, whether you're cross-shopping against a Kia Telluride (especially given the typical markups for those) or the popular Honda Pilot, which isn't quite as strong a value these days.

Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.

Wildcard

8/10

The styling up front gives the Highlander a sporty appearance, which looks cool but also maybe oversells athleticism. Still, the Highlander has better than average composure on a twisty road for a midsize three-row SUV, which may be all the fun someone shopping this category needs.

2023 Toyota Highlander trim level differences

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers, and for 2023, it's offered in six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum. Midgrade trims and above swap the second-row bench for captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. All models are powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that produces 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque, and it's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available on all trims as an option. There's also a Highlander Hybrid that we review separately on Edmunds. Compare the 2023 Toyota Highlander trim levels in-depth.

Which Highlander trim does Edmunds recommend?

The midrange XLE trim gets our recommendation for its balance of price versus features. For a reasonable premium over the supporting trims, you get several niceties such as heated front seats, faux leather upholstery, second-row sunshades and a wireless charging pad. It also comes with second-row captain's chairs, but you can swap them out for a three-seat bench as a no-cost option.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$164/mo

$199/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #6 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent

#6 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$458/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

0.85x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

11.2%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

Recalls

8 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V744000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25TB13/25L
Manufactured from:: 2024-10-31 to 2025-05-07
Number of vehicles affected:: 1024407
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

Recall Number:: 25V595000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: See Part 5
Manufactured from:: 2024-08-06 to 2024-08-09
Number of vehicles affected:: 591377
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Defect Consequence:: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the instrument panel software for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 27, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.

Recall Number:: 25V040000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25TA02/25L
Number of vehicles affected:: 1716
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.

Recall Number:: 24V548000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 24R2
Number of vehicles affected:: 33848
Defect Description:: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.

Recall Number:: 24V452000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SET24A
Manufactured from:: 2020-06-01 to 2024-06-12
Number of vehicles affected:: 4763
Defect Description:: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.

Recall Number:: 24V419000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 24R1
Manufactured from:: 2022-02-08 to 2024-05-06
Number of vehicles affected:: 4869
Defect Description:: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.

Recall Number:: 23V720000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 23TB12 / 2
Number of vehicles affected:: 750795
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Defect Consequence:: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 11, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.

Recall Number:: 23V480000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 23TA08/ 23
Number of vehicles affected:: 152927
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Toyota Highlander Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.4

47 reviews

5(36%)

4(14%)

3(16%)

2(23%)

1(11%)

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2023 Highlander Features & Specs

Trim:

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$36,620
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$164/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Highlander models:

Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection: Warns of an approaching vehicle or pedestrian, providing additional braking force or applying the brakes automatically if necessary.
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-set distance between the Honda and the car in front.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver of possible unintended lane departures and can apply small corrective steering inputs to keep the vehicle in its lane.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Marginal
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2023 Toyota Highlander Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Toyota Highlander trim level differences

Which Highlander trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Toyota Highlander Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 Highlander Features & Specs

Safety

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