2023 Toyota Highlander Arrives With New Turbo Gas Engine

The new 2023 Toyota Highlander is replacing its V6 engine for a more powerful turbo four-cylinder engine.

The outgoing 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine was rated for 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, but now a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder will gallop off with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a 17% increase in torque. Though it gives up 30 horsepower, the full 310 lb-ft of torque are available at a low 1700 rpm, whereas the old V6 couldn’t summon full grunt until a relatively high 4700 rpm. That means better low end response and improved in-town towing.

The gas-electric hybrid 2.5-liter four cylinder engine is still available (175 horsepower with 175 lb-ft of torque) and offers an efficient 36 mpg. The new turbo engine doesn’t catch up, but it’s better than previous gas models: 25 mpg combined up from 24 mpg. Toyota claims the new engine (across all its gas options) has fewer emissions, as much as 50% fewer nitrogen oxides and non-methane organic gasses than the V6.

The new turbo can tow up to 5,000 pounds and offers front-wheel drive or a choice of all-wheel drive options. The first is Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD on the higher trims (XSE, Limited and Platinum) with torque distribution between the rear tires. AWD on lower trims (L, LE and XLE) offers 50% of torque to the rear wheels.  

Hybrid Hype

The hybrid Highlander is a popular option with its automatic system optimizing between the gas engine and electric motors. The 2.5L DOHC four-cylinder engine has two electric motor-generators and uses a variable cooling system with an electric water pump and thermostat. 

Optional AWD on the hybrid uses the rear electric motor to power the back wheels as needed. The battery pack is under the second-row seats so the option doesn’t take away trunk or seating space compared to the gas version.

Toyota said its hybrid makes up more than 25% of Highlander sales. It’s one of the rare three-row SUVs with a hybrid option available.

Beyond Turbo

It’s more than just a new engine. 

Inside, Limited and Platinum trims offer a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard instead of optional as before. In the 2022 upper models the screen was too reflective with a shiny black bezel that made it hard to see the screen in sunlight. Toyota says the new screen is glare-reducing. The hybrid Bronze Edition also has the bigger screen as standard. An 8-inch screen comes standard for other trim levels.

Wireless charging has moved up front near the center console across the lineup and there’s dual Bluetooth phone connectivity for simultaneous connection for driver and passenger. 

There’s also a new Cypress green color option, as seen up top. 

Sporty XSE

The sportiest model is back as the XSE with FWD or AWD with all-black 20-inch wheels with trim-exclusive styling on the front, grille, spoiler and headlamps. It has a black finish and black trimmed seats. There’s also a two-tone red and black leather-trimmed interior option with red stitching on the instrument panel. Feisty. 

When Will the New Highlander Be Available? How Much Will it Cost?

The 2023 Highlander will be at dealerships throughout October. The turbo engine starts at $36,420 while the hybrid front-wheel drive starts at $40,220. Both are up slightly from model year 2022 starting prices.