Toyota Motor Corporation announced that now for 2023, the Highlander gas models receive a big and helpful change with a new, higher-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged engine. The 265-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which uses balance shafts for super-smooth performance, delivers 309 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant 17% increase over the previous 3.5-liter V6 engine's 263 lb-ft.

The driver will feel this gain in everyday driving situations, especially when taking advantage of the Highlander's 7- or 8-person seating and generous cargo capacity. Just as important, fuel efficiency remains the same as the V6 for this higher-torque engine with a manufacturer-estimated 24 MPG combined. The new engine, standard across all gas grades, is also more environmentally friendly, with more than a 50% reduction in NOx and NMOG as well as an improvement in CO2 emissions compared to the outgoing V6 engine.

The new Highlander turbo models are equipped to 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. To help reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the standard Stop and Start Engine System allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and instantly restarts when the driver's foot lifts from the brake pedal. Updates for Highlander go beyond as Toyota is also turning the spotlight on value for the 2023 SUV.

Buyers want larger, more versatile multimedia screens, and the Highlander delivers. In addition to the JBL® Premium Audio System with 11 speakers as carryover from 2022, the Limited and Platinum grades now have two 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) screens as standard. Just as important to users, 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, now with four different visual modes for a personalized touch: Casual, Smart, Tough and Sporty mode. So now, these premium Highlander grades provide the most screen area than previous generation Highlander models. The 12.3-inch center touch screen will also be optional for the XLE and sporty XSE grades, which have an 8-inch screen as standard.

These two grades continue to use the 7-inch TFT gauge cluster screen. On the L and LE grades, this same 7-inch TFT replaces the 4.2-inch TFT for enhanced usability. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is also now standard for the Hybrid Bronze Edition.

For added convenience and value, the Limited and Platinum grades (both gas and hybrid) now come standard with power folding exterior mirrors for 2023, a real help for entering and exiting home garages. And, inside the 2023 Highlander, the available wireless charging feature just got better for front-seat passengers. In an effort to be more accessible, Toyota moved the Qi-compatible charger from the center console box to a more convenient location on the instrument panel shelf.

The XLE and XSE grades join the Limited and Platinum in featuring the convenience of a hands-free power liftgate. A kick of a foot under the bumper opens or closes the liftgate. As icing on the proverbial cake, the 2023 Highlander adds an elegant new available Cypress exterior color, and the Harvest Beige and Glazed Caramel interiors now feature Black as the accent color, replacing Noble Brown.Those looking for revved up style in the super-practical and comfortable Highlander will find it in two compelling choices for 2023, one each for hybrid and one for gas.

The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition launched last year, making a striking design statement. Available in Cement (exclusive to Bronze Edition), Wind Chill Pearl or Midnight Black Metallic exterior colors, the Bronze Edition features bronze-colored accents, starting with 18-inch bronze wheels. Mid-century modern-inspired SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric inserts and bronze-colored stitching seem like something from a concept car, an effect amplified by the Captain's Chair's layout.

Illuminated bronze door sills and unique floor and cargo mats embroidered with a special bronze-stitched logo complete the designer look. Tech features only enhance the Bronze Edition – thanks to two interior 120V/1,500-watt outlets, a hands-free power liftgate and rain sensing wipers, to name a few.On the gas side, the Highlander XSE is available with either front-wheel drive or Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive. The XSE for 2023 will now roll on exclusive all-black 20-inch wheels, wrapped in 235/55R20 all-season tires.

A specially tuned suspension with high-rate springs and rear stabilizer bar and low-friction shock absorbers work in concert with tuned electric power steering to give the XSE a distinctly sporty feel. XSE-exclusive styling applies to the front fascia, grille, lower spoiler and headlamps. Unique rocker panels add an edgy accent to the Highlander XSE's sculpted lines.

Black roof rails, mirror caps and window moldings dial up the subtle cool factor, finished off by a twin exhaust tip. Inside, the Highlander XSE rocks black SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric inserts, while ambient lighting and carbon-fiber style finish on the instrument panel sets the sportier mood. A striking two-tone red and black leather-trimmed interior with red-stitched instrument panel is available at no additional cost.

Highlander L and LE grades come standard with second-row bench for seating for eight, while the XLE and Limited grades go with a standard Captain's Chair second row for seven-seat capability. Buyers can choose a second-row bench for the XLE Gas, XLE Hybrid and Limited Gas grades. The Hybrid Bronze Edition, XSE, Limited and Platinum grades come standard with seven-passenger seating with second-row Captain's Chairs.

Large rear doors provide easy access, while versatile seat folding features allow passengers to easily access the third row. Standard three-zone climate control ensures ample flow of warmed or cooled air to all aboard.There's plenty of space for carrying stuff, too. With all seat rows in use, Highlander offers 16.0 cu.

ft. of space behind the third row. Folding the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seatbacks expands the space to 48.4 cu.

ft., and then folding the second row raises that to 84.3 cu. ft. The versatile cargo area makes the most of the additional length with side surfaces and pockets shaped for maximum space utilization.