2023 Toyota Highlander SUV

　　

2023 Toyota Highlander Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Toyota's Highlander is one of the most well-known three-row midsize SUVs around. It's a great choice for growing families and offers versatility similar to a minivan but is more enjoyable to drive and easier to maneuver in most cases. The 2023 Highlander is based on the most recent generation Highlander that debuted in 2020 and receives some updates this year.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota Highlander L 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$152/mo  for Highlander L

　　Highlander L

　　L 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,620 MSRPL 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,220 MSRPLE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,020 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,620 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,020 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,620 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,615 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $45,565 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,275 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $48,225 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,475 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $51,425 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Most notably, Toyota has dropped the Highlander's previous V6 engine in favor of a new turbocharged four-cylinder. It's down on horsepower compared to its predecessor but makes more torque. The new engine feels more substantial than you'd expect from a smaller four-cylinder engine in a vehicle this large. The new four-cylinder engine also gets slightly higher EPA-estimated fuel economy than the old V6, helping to make this one of more fuel-efficient three-rows on the market.

　　Inside, the digital information display on the Limited and Platinum trim levels grows from 7 inches to 12.3 inches, matching the size of the central touchscreen on those trims. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is now optional on the midtier XLE and XSE, allowing more price-conscious shoppers to upgrade the infotainment system if they want. Those models also get the hands-free liftgate that used to come standard on more expensive levels. Finally, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard across the lineup.

　　Overall, the 2023 Highlander is a likable SUV and is competitive with other top models such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas. You should also consider the Highlander Hybrid, which is covered in a separate review on zzdcar. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about this year's updated Highlander.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Highlander drive? The latest Highlander has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the long-running V6. Well, color us impressed because we don't miss the V6. The four-cylinder makes plenty of torque at low rpm, and that helps make the Highlander pleasant to drive around town. At the zzdcar test track, our all-wheel-drive Highlander accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which is a bit quicker than most V6-equipped three-row midsize SUVs.

　　The Highlander's ability to stop quickly and confidently as well as negotiate a twisty road is solid. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system also helps by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance. (It also has the usual benefit of extra traction in slick conditions.) All of this advanced technology helps the Highlander feel more nimble than the average midsize SUV. Overall, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or vague at higher speeds. The front seats are comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs (which our test Highlander had) provide nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a narrow space and a cushion mounted low to the floor make the third row ill-suited for adults.

　　The climate controls are easy to use, and the standard tri-zone system provides ample heating and cooling capacity, which helps make up for the mildly effective seat heat and ventilation. The only area we think the four-cylinder falls short of the V6 is sound. You don't really hear much of it when cruising along, but a request for substantial acceleration reveals the four-cylinder's less refined soundtrack. Otherwise, our complaints are few. There are no vibrations, squeaks or wind noise to speak of, even at higher highway speeds. Road noise is minimal.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below