The 2023 Toyota Highlander remains one of the most sensible family SUVs on the market. While newer competitors continue to chase larger dimensions, bigger screens, and increasingly complex technology, the Highlander focuses on what matters most to everyday families: comfort, efficiency, safety, and long-term dependability.
For 2023, Toyota introduced one of the most significant updates in the model’s recent history. The long-running V6 engine was replaced by a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers stronger low-end torque, improved drivability, and competitive fuel economy. Combined with Toyota’s proven hybrid option, buyers now have more flexibility than ever before.
The Highlander may not be the largest three-row SUV in its class, but it continues to excel as an all-around family vehicle. With seating for up to eight passengers, a comfortable cabin, excellent safety technology, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the 2023 Highlander remains one of the smartest choices for buyers who want a well-rounded SUV without unnecessary compromises.
Our Take
The 2023 Toyota Highlander succeeds because it understands its mission.
Rather than trying to be the most powerful, most luxurious, or most off-road capable SUV in the segment, the Highlander focuses on delivering a balanced ownership experience. It offers a comfortable ride, impressive fuel economy, strong safety ratings, and enough flexibility to satisfy the needs of most families.
The introduction of the turbocharged engine improves everyday performance while the hybrid model remains one of the most efficient three-row SUVs available. Add Toyota’s excellent resale value and reputation for durability, and the Highlander becomes a vehicle that is easy to recommend.
Its biggest limitation is interior space. Competitors such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota’s own Grand Highlander offer roomier third rows and larger cargo areas. However, for families that rarely use the third row and prioritize efficiency, reliability, and ease of ownership, the Highlander remains an outstanding package.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient hybrid powertrain available.
- New turbocharged engine delivers stronger low-end torque.
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality.
- Excellent standard safety technology.
- Strong reputation for reliability and resale value.
- User-friendly technology and controls.
Cons
- Not as engaging to drive as certain competitors.
- Third-row space is tighter than key competitors.
- Cargo capacity trails larger three-row SUVs.
- Higher trims become expensive quickly.
- Some rivals offer more upscale interiors.
What’s New for 2023
The biggest story for the 2023 Toyota Highlander is what sits under the hood.
Toyota retired the long-running 3.5-liter V6 engine and replaced it with a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder across the gasoline-powered lineup. While horsepower drops slightly on paper, torque increases significantly, improving low-speed responsiveness and everyday drivability. The new engine produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving the Highlander stronger pulling power where families actually use it most.
Technology also receives meaningful upgrades. Limited and Platinum trims now feature a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the available 12.3-inch infotainment display becomes one of the largest screens offered in the segment. Toyota also expanded wireless smartphone integration and added several convenience upgrades throughout the lineup.
Rather than redesigning the Highlander, Toyota focused on improving the ownership experience through better technology, a stronger powertrain, and updated convenience features. For most families, these changes are far more important than cosmetic revisions.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Toyota Highlander may not be the newest-looking SUV in the segment, but its design continues to age remarkably well.
Toyota avoided the overly aggressive styling trends seen on some competitors and instead created a clean, mature design that appeals to a broad range of buyers. The front fascia features a wide grille, slim LED lighting elements, and subtle sculpting that gives the Highlander a refined appearance without looking overly flashy.
Unlike the larger Grand Highlander, the standard Highlander feels more compact and easier to manage in urban environments. Its proportions are tighter, making parking lots, garages, and narrow city streets noticeably less stressful. For many families, that smaller footprint is actually an advantage.
Sportier trims such as the XSE add more aggressive styling details, unique wheels, and darker exterior accents that help the Highlander appear more athletic. Meanwhile, Limited and Platinum models lean toward a more upscale appearance with premium trim elements and larger wheels.
Overall, the Highlander’s styling focuses on long-term appeal rather than short-term trends. It may not immediately stand out in a crowded parking lot, but it remains handsome, practical, and appropriately upscale for a family SUV.
Driving Experience
The Highlander’s greatest strength is how easy it is to live with every day.
Toyota tuned the suspension to prioritize comfort, predictability, and confidence rather than sporty handling. The result is an SUV that feels calm and composed in nearly every driving situation. Whether navigating city traffic, commuting to work, or taking a family road trip, the Highlander rarely feels demanding or stressful.
The new turbocharged engine improves everyday drivability thanks to its stronger low-end torque. Unlike the previous V6, which required higher engine speeds to access its power, the turbocharged four-cylinder delivers its peak torque much earlier, making acceleration feel more immediate during daily driving. Several reviewers noted that the new engine feels stronger than expected despite having fewer cylinders.
Ride quality remains one of the Highlander’s best attributes. Road imperfections are absorbed smoothly, highway stability is excellent, and cabin isolation keeps wind and road noise at comfortable levels during long journeys. Toyota’s focus on refinement makes the Highlander feel more expensive than many buyers might expect.
It is not the most engaging SUV in the class. Competitors such as the Mazda CX-90 offer sharper handling and a more driver-focused personality. However, the Highlander excels at delivering exactly what most families want: a smooth, comfortable, quiet, and dependable driving experience.
For buyers who spend more time transporting children, groceries, and luggage than attacking mountain roads, the Highlander’s balanced character remains one of its strongest selling points.
Performance & Acceleration
The introduction of Toyota’s new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine fundamentally changes the Highlander’s driving character.
Producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the engine delivers significantly more low-end pulling power than the outgoing V6. While the old engine generated slightly higher horsepower figures, it required much higher engine speeds to access its performance. The new turbocharged unit feels more responsive in daily driving, especially during highway merging, passing slower vehicles, and climbing steep grades.
The eight-speed automatic transmission works well with the engine’s torque-rich nature, delivering smooth shifts and predictable behavior. Most buyers will find the gasoline-powered Highlander more than capable for family duties, whether commuting to work or embarking on long-distance road trips.
The hybrid model takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on acceleration, it prioritizes efficiency and smoothness. Its combined output of 243 horsepower provides adequate performance for everyday driving, while the electric assistance helps the vehicle feel refined and effortless in city traffic.
Neither powertrain turns the Highlander into a performance SUV, but both deliver exactly what family buyers need: dependable, stress-free performance with enough power for real-world driving situations.
Ride Comfort & Cabin Refinement
Comfort has always been one of the Highlander’s strongest attributes, and the 2023 model continues that tradition.
The suspension is tuned to isolate passengers from rough pavement and road imperfections, creating a smooth and composed ride. Whether navigating urban streets or cruising down the interstate, the Highlander remains comfortable and relaxed. This easygoing nature is one of the primary reasons families continue to gravitate toward Toyota’s midsize SUV.
Cabin refinement is equally impressive. Wind noise is well controlled, road vibrations are kept to a minimum, and the overall driving experience feels quiet even at highway speeds. Long journeys are particularly pleasant thanks to the supportive seats and excellent ride quality.
Families comparing alternatives should also consider the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, both of which offer exceptionally comfortable interiors and generous passenger space. However, the Highlander counters with superior hybrid efficiency and Toyota’s long-established reputation for long-term reliability.
The Highlander may not offer the sporty personality of the Mazda CX-90, but it excels at creating a calm, comfortable environment that reduces driver fatigue and keeps passengers happy during extended trips.
Interior & Comfort
The Highlander’s interior reflects Toyota’s practical approach to family transportation.
Rather than relying on flashy design elements, the cabin emphasizes functionality, durability, and ease of use. Controls are logically positioned, visibility is excellent, and the overall layout feels intuitive from the moment drivers step inside.
Material quality is strong throughout the cabin, particularly on higher trims. Soft-touch surfaces, attractive trim accents, available leather upholstery, and thoughtful details help create an upscale atmosphere without pushing the Highlander into luxury-SUV territory. Limited and Platinum models feel especially premium, offering a level of refinement that many buyers will find more than sufficient.
The first and second rows provide excellent comfort for adults, with generous headroom and supportive seating. Captain’s chairs are available in certain trims, creating a more luxurious second-row experience for families that prioritize passenger comfort.
The third row remains functional but is not the Highlander’s strongest area. Children will fit comfortably, and adults can use it for shorter journeys, but competitors such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander offer noticeably more space. For many families, however, occasional third-row use is perfectly acceptable.
What the Highlander may lack in maximum passenger space, it makes up for with thoughtful design, comfortable seating, and a cabin that feels built to withstand years of family use. It’s a practical, welcoming interior that perfectly complements the vehicle’s overall mission..
Technology & Infotainment
Toyota significantly improved the Highlander’s technology package for 2023, making it more competitive with newer rivals while maintaining the user-friendly approach that has long defined the brand.
The centerpiece of the system is the available 12.3-inch touchscreen, which replaces the smaller displays found in lower trims. The interface is cleaner, faster, and more intuitive than previous Toyota infotainment systems. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing seamless smartphone integration without the need for cables.
Voice controls have also improved considerably. Drivers can activate Toyota’s voice assistant using natural commands, making it easier to adjust navigation, audio, and vehicle settings while keeping their hands on the wheel. The system responds quickly and accurately, helping reduce distractions during everyday driving.
Additional features include multiple USB ports, available wireless charging, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an optional JBL premium audio system that delivers impressive sound quality throughout the cabin. Limited and Platinum trims further enhance the experience with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that provides customizable vehicle information.
Most importantly, Toyota avoids unnecessary complexity. The Highlander’s technology feels approachable and easy to learn, which is exactly what many families prefer.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency remains one of the Highlander’s biggest advantages.
The standard turbocharged gasoline engine delivers competitive fuel economy for a three-row SUV, making it a practical choice for buyers who prefer traditional gasoline power. Toyota estimates up to 25 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive configurations, with all-wheel-drive models sacrificing only a small amount of efficiency.
The real star of the lineup, however, is the Highlander Hybrid.
Capable of achieving up to 36 mpg combined in certain configurations, the hybrid model remains one of the most fuel-efficient three-row SUVs available. Few competitors can match its ability to transport seven or eight passengers while delivering fuel economy that rivals many smaller crossovers.
For families covering significant annual mileage, the hybrid’s savings can become substantial over time. Whether commuting daily, handling school runs, or embarking on long road trips, the Highlander Hybrid offers a compelling combination of efficiency and practicality.
This is one of the areas where the Highlander continues to separate itself from many rivals. While competitors may offer larger cabins or more powerful engines, very few can match Toyota’s blend of space, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Practicality & Cargo Space
The Highlander was designed with family life in mind, and its practicality reflects that mission.
Storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin. Large door pockets, numerous cupholders, a spacious center console, and multiple storage compartments provide plenty of room for everyday items. Families will appreciate the ease with which phones, tablets, snacks, water bottles, and travel essentials can be organized.
Cargo space is generous enough for most family needs. Behind the third row, there is room for groceries, backpacks, and smaller luggage. Folding the third-row seats significantly expands cargo capacity, while lowering both rear rows creates a large and versatile storage area capable of handling furniture, sporting equipment, or camping gear.
Where the Highlander falls slightly behind is in outright cargo volume compared with larger competitors. Vehicles such as the Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade provide more space for passengers and cargo alike. Families that frequently travel with a full load of passengers and luggage may appreciate the extra room offered by those alternatives.
For most households, however, the Highlander strikes an excellent balance. It provides enough passenger and cargo capacity for daily family life while remaining easier to maneuver and park than some of the larger three-row SUVs on the market.
That balance of usability, efficiency, and practicality continues to be one of the Highlander’s most appealing qualities.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Toyota has built its reputation on safety, and the 2023 Highlander continues to be one of the safest family SUVs in its segment.
Every model comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies designed to reduce fatigue and improve driver awareness. Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and road-sign recognition.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also available on most trims, while higher trims add parking assistance technologies and additional convenience features. These systems work smoothly and predictably, helping drivers without becoming overly intrusive.
One of the Highlander’s greatest strengths is how naturally these technologies operate. Rather than constantly intervening, they quietly assist in the background, creating a more confident and relaxed driving experience for families.
Combined with Toyota’s strong crash-test performance and proven safety record, the Highlander remains one of the most reassuring vehicles in the midsize SUV category.
Competitors Worth Considering
The 2023 Highlander faces fierce competition from several excellent three-row SUVs.
The Kia Telluride continues to be one of the strongest rivals thanks to its spacious interior, premium cabin design, and exceptional value. Families seeking maximum space and features for the money will find it difficult to ignore.
The Hyundai Palisade offers a similarly upscale experience, combining generous passenger room with a luxurious interior and advanced technology features. It remains one of the segment’s most refined family vehicles.
The Honda Pilot is another compelling alternative, particularly for buyers who prioritize interior flexibility, passenger comfort, and rugged capability. Recent updates have made it one of the Highlander’s strongest challengers.
Buyers interested in a more engaging driving experience may also consider the Mazda CX-90, which delivers sharper handling and a more premium feel. However, few competitors can match the Highlander’s combination of hybrid efficiency, reliability, resale value, and long-term ownership confidence.
Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?
If we were buying a 2023 Toyota Highlander ourselves, the Hybrid XLE would be our choice.
It represents the sweet spot in the lineup by combining excellent fuel economy, strong standard equipment, advanced safety technology, and a reasonable price point. Most families will find that it includes everything they need without requiring a move into the significantly more expensive Limited or Platinum trims.
The XLE also adds several comfort and convenience upgrades that make daily ownership more enjoyable, including enhanced interior materials, additional technology features, and improved overall refinement.
While the Platinum trim offers luxury-level amenities and the Hybrid Limited provides additional premium touches, the Hybrid XLE delivers the strongest value proposition for the majority of buyers.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander remains one of the most balanced family SUVs available.
It may not dominate any single category, but it performs exceptionally well across nearly every area that matters to real-world buyers. It offers comfortable seating, excellent safety technology, impressive fuel economy, strong resale value, and Toyota’s well-earned reputation for long-term reliability.
The addition of the new turbocharged engine improves everyday performance, while the hybrid model continues to set the benchmark for efficiency among three-row SUVs. Combined with a comfortable ride and a thoughtfully designed interior, the Highlander remains an easy vehicle to recommend.
Families needing maximum passenger space may be better served by the larger Toyota Grand Highlander or certain competitors. However, buyers seeking a practical, dependable, efficient, and easy-to-own SUV will find very little to dislike.
FAQ
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander better than the 2023 Kia Telluride?
Both are excellent family SUVs. The Telluride offers more interior space and a more premium cabin, while the Highlander counters with superior hybrid efficiency, stronger resale value, and Toyota’s long-standing reliability reputation.
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid worth the extra cost?
For many families, yes. The fuel savings over time can easily justify the higher purchase price, particularly for drivers who commute regularly or cover significant annual mileage.
Does the new turbocharged engine feel weaker than the old V6?
Not in everyday driving. Although the new engine produces slightly less horsepower, its significantly higher torque arrives earlier, making the Highlander feel more responsive during normal driving conditions.
Can adults comfortably sit in the third row?
Adults can fit in the third row for shorter trips, but it is best suited for children and teenagers. Larger competitors provide noticeably more third-row space.
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander still worth buying after the arrival of the Grand Highlander?
Absolutely. The Grand Highlander offers more space, but the standard Highlander remains easier to maneuver, more affordable, highly efficient in hybrid form, and perfectly suited to the needs of many families.
