The Highlander’s never tried to be the flashiest three-row SUV. It doesn’t chase Jeep off-road cred or Hyundai luxury vibes. Instead, it stays in its lane: reliable, roomy, and now a little more refined.
For 2023, Toyota swapped out the old V6 for a new turbocharged four-cylinder. That means more torque, better fuel economy, and a surprisingly improved ride feel. Add in a hybrid option, solid standard tech, and a full lineup of trims, and you’ve got one of the best all-around family rigs on the market.
💥 Powertrain Options
Toyota made a bold move this year by retiring the long-standing V6 in favor of a new 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder. It may seem like a downgrade, but on paper—and on pavement—it actually delivers.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | MPG (city/hwy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbo I4 | 265 hp | 310 lb-ft | 8-speed auto | FWD / AWD | 21 / 28 (FWD) |
| 2.5L Hybrid I4 | 243 hp (combined) | – | eCVT | FWD / AWD | 36 / 35 (FWD) |
The turbo four brings better low-end torque than the old V6, making daily driving—especially with passengers—feel stronger. And if gas mileage is top priority? The hybrid version is still a class leader.
Ride & Handling: Smooth Cruiser With Smart Options
The Highlander isn’t trying to corner like a German wagon, but it’s surprisingly composed. The turbo engine is quieter and more responsive, and the steering has a direct feel that’s confidence-inspiring.
All-wheel drive is available across most trims, and the ride quality stays smooth even over rough pavement. Hybrid models feel just a bit softer, which some families may actually prefer.
Want a little more grip and visual edge? The XSE trim adds sport-tuned suspension and a more aggressive exterior.
Interior: Practical First, Polished Second
Toyota doesn’t play the soft-touch luxury game like Kia or Hyundai—but what you get here is a clean, well-laid-out cabin that works. Space is smartly used. Storage is everywhere. Controls are intuitive.
The infotainment system ranges from an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims to a sharp 12.3-inch unit on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard now, which fixes a longtime gripe.
The third row’s still best for kids or short hops, but the second row is spacious, and cargo space behind the third row is usable—something a lot of competitors still don’t nail.
Dimensions & Cargo Space
The Highlander’s footprint is just right—not as bulky as a Sequoia, not as cramped as a RAV4. It’s that sweet spot in the middle.
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 194.9 in |
| Width | 76.0 in |
| Height | 68.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Curb Weight | ~4,145–4,595 lbs |
| Cargo Space (behind 3rd row) | 16.0 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space | 84.3 cu ft (2nd & 3rd rows folded) |
If you fold both rows, the Highlander turns into a road trip champ—camping gear, bikes, Costco hauls, you name it.
Safety & Driver Tech
Every Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+—a seriously loaded suite of safety features:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane tracing assist
- Road sign assist
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Higher trims add a 360° camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a digital rearview mirror. No excuses—this thing’s got your back.
Trims & Pricing
Toyota’s offering something for everyone here. Whether you want value, sport, or near-luxury, the Highlander lineup has you covered.
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| L | $36,620 |
| LE | $38,820 |
| XLE | $41,820 |
| XSE | $43,415 |
| Limited | $46,075 |
| Platinum | $49,275 |
| Hybrid LE | $40,220 |
| Hybrid XLE | $43,220 |
| Hybrid Limited | $47,475 |
| Hybrid Platinum | $50,675 |
The XLE trim is the sweet spot for most buyers—plenty of features without pushing into luxury price territory. But if you want max MPG? The hybrid LE and XLE trims are tough to beat.
Final Verdict: Jake’s Take
“The 2023 Highlander is the family SUV that just works—no drama, no surprises, just real capability.”
You won’t be the flashiest one in the school drop-off line, but you’ll have more room, better mileage, and fewer headaches than just about anyone else. This is the SUV for folks who want everything to just work—and it does.