Great news for Toyota Highlander fans looking for some turbo-charged action. The 2023 Highlander, which arrives this month, will offer an all-new turbo engine. The lineup also offers a number of upgrades and a new for 2023 Cypress green exterior color. (Of course the lineup returns with a hybrid model, Toyota says the hybrid with its 36 combined EPA MPG rating accounts for more than a quarter of sales.)
Turbocharged
Starting with the biggest news -- the 2023 Highlander's new, higher-torque 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 265-horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque – a 17% increase over the previous 3.5-liter V6 engine's 263 lb.-ft. Toyota says it's also more fuel efficient too - delivering an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. Toyota also says the new engine, standard across all gas grades, is more eco-friendly with more than a 50% reduction in NOx and NMOG compared to the outgoing V6 engine. It also comes with an engine Stop Start system.
Towing Capability
It follows that towing capability gets a boost, too, for the 2023 model year. The new Highlander turbo models can tow up to 5,000-pounds and include Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help control unwanted trailer movement.
Available All-Wheel Drive
The 2023 Highlander turbo models come with a choice of FWD or two different available AWD systems. For the Highlander Gas L, LE and XLE models, the optional AWD system can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels to help counter wheel slip when necessary.
The Highlander XSE, Limited and Platinum turbo models step up to a more performance-minded system, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select and Driveline Disconnect. In addition to governing torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, this advanced system uses special couplings to actively manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.
For even more control for the gas all-wheel drive iteration, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is also available. When AWD is not needed, such as in steady highway cruising, rear Driveline Disconnect automatically disengages drive to the rear wheels and stops the propeller shaft's rotation, helping to reduce fuel consumption. The system seamlessly re-engages when AWD is needed to handle road conditions.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD doesn't simply react to wheel slippage. Rather, a sophisticated AWD Integrated Management (AIM) system manages Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle control, transmission shift control and drive torque distribution to continually help optimize handling.
Multi-Terrain Select gives driver's a choice of modes: Mud & Sand mode works well for beach driving, while Rock & Dirt mode optimizes AWD traction for trails. The driver can monitor, in real time, torque allocation and slip control on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
Other Model-Year Updates
Toyota is also updating the Highlander's cabin tech. The Limited and Platinum grades now have two 12.3-inch screens as standard; one Multi-Information Display (MID) screen and one multimedia screen. Toyota says content can now occupy the full 12.3-inch, glare-reducing optically bonded screen. On both grades, a second new 12.3" Full Digital Instrument Cluster screen replaces the former 7-inch TFT, with four different visual modes: Casual, Smart, Tough and Sporty mode. Toyota says these Highlander grades provide the most screen area than previous generation Highlander models. Both grades have a carry-overJBL Premium Audio System with 11 speakers.
The 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen will also be optional for the XLE and sporty XSE grades, which have an 8-inch screen as standard. These two grades will still have a 7-inch MID gauge cluster screen. On the L and LE grades, this same 7-inch MID replaces the 4.2-inch MID for enhanced usability. The 12.3-inch audio multimedia touchscreen is also now standard for the Hybrid Bronze Edition.
The Limited and Platinum grades (both gas and hybrid) now come standard with power folding exterior mirrors for 2023. Also Toyota says its made the available wireless charger more accessible by moving it from the center console box to the center dashboard shelf below the audio multimedia touchscreen.
Availability
Rolling into dealerships this month, the 2023 Highlander equipped with the new turbo engine will have a starting MSRP of $36,420. The 2023 Highlander Hybrid will start from $40,220.
Photo: Toyota.