2023 Toyota Highlander

Don't expect fuel economy to be significantly different either — the new powertrain gets an estimated 24 mpg combined with all-wheel drive (25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive). That's the same number that the current FWD Highlander achieves. Toyota says that the four-cylinder's NO_x and CO2 emissions are reduced versus the old V6, but don't expect to see big savings at the pump.

Much like this engine does in its Lexus counterparts, it feels more substantial than you'd expect a smaller four-cylinder engine to in a vehicle this large. Power delivery is very smooth at all speeds thanks to the additional torque. From a stop, while accelerating to highway speeds, or when performing passing maneuvers on the highway, the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission work in harmony to respond quickly to throttle inputs and get the SUV up speed easily. It's not a leap forward in performance over the V6, but it is an overall improvement — except in one area: noise.

Turbo-fours don't really make pleasant noises and this one is no exception. While the buzziness at speed that you'd get from a CVT is somewhat tamed, the cabin gets very noisy under acceleration when the engine hits around 3,000 rpm. And on downhill grades, the transmission likes to hold the revs a bit higher so you don't have to lean on the brakes (and with the adaptive cruise control activated) but unfortunately that triggers the engine to start to whine again. I had to turn up a podcast to be able to hear it in those instances.

Otherwise, the Highlander drives well enough. In our review of the 2022 Highlander we wrote that "the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity" and that rings exactly true for the 2023 model as well. Having a bit less weight out over the front wheels makes the handling feel a touch more lively, but these improvements are incremental and enough to keep the Highlander slightly above average compared to the rest of the class.

The wireless charging pad that's standard on the XLE and above is perfectly executed. Oftentimes these pads are put in spaces that could double as storage for other things, or below USB ports so if you have wires they get in the way. But in this application, it puts the phone right below the screen in an easy-to-reach spot that keeps the center console free for other items. And you don't have to reach into the center storage bin, which gets cumbersome over time.

Note that some of the Highlander's extra features on the upper trims are offered on supporting trims as options.

L
The base L is well equipped and comes with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Heated mirrors
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Second- and third-row 60/40-split folding seats
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 7-inch digital instrument panel display
• Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Amazon Alexa smartphone integration
• Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot
• Four USB-C charging ports, one USB-A media port
• Emergency communications (Toyota's Safety Connect)
• Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced safety features:
• Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Automatic high beams
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Traffic sign reader

LE
The LE trim adds a handful of convenience and safety features such as:

• LED foglights
• Height-adjustable power liftgate
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

XLE
The seven-passenger XLE upgrades the Highlander with:

• Roof rails
• Sunroof
• Wireless charging pad
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Simulated leather upholstery (SofTex)
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable passenger seat
• Second-row captain's chairs
• Second-row sunshades

There are a couple of options for the XLE:

• Second-row bench seat (no-cost option)
• Navigation system

XSE
The XSE trim represents the sporty choice in the lineup. It builds off the XLE model and adds:

• 20-inch wheels
• Unique sporty styling cues
• Sport suspension
• Chrome exterior trim
• Dual exhaust tips
• Interior ambient lighting

Leather upholstery and the larger 12.3-inch center touchscreen are optional.

Limited
Stepping up to the Limited trim adds plenty of luxury items that include:

• Upgraded foglights
• Hands-free liftgate
• Leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Memory functions for the driver's seat
• Heated steering wheel
• Household power outlet
• 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Intercom system that broadcasts the driver's voice through the speakers
• 11-speaker JBL audio system
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

A second-row bench is also optional for the Limited as a no-cost option.

Platinum
At the top of the range, the Platinum includes everything above, plus:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Automatic wipers
• Panoramic sunroof
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• Heated second-row seats
• Surround-view camera