- New high-efficiency turbo gas engine increases torque for
better everyday responsiveness
- New dual 12.3-inch screens for Limited and Platinum Models
- Power-folding mirrors add convenience to Limited and
Platinum
- Hands-free power liftgate available on additional grades
- Improved wireless charger location in dash
PLANO,
Texas, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toyota
Highlander has been the No. 1 retail midsize SUV for six years
running, no easy feat in one of the most intensely competitive
segments. Now, for 2023, Highlander is giving buyers even more
reasons to choose this hands-down winner, starting with an all-new
engine for the gas models and also including larger multimedia
screens and other amenities for greater value across all grades and
powertrains.
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.
2023 Highlander Updates
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.
Style Machines: Hybrid Bronze Edition and XSE
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.
Versatility Abounds Inside
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.
Multifaceted Multimedia
The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch, and available
12.3-inch, Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered
by Toyota's Texas-based Connected
Technologies team. Highlander drivers will be at the ready thanks
to a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features,
including being Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable. Users can interact
with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation
controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect,
drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud
Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant,
simple phrases like "Hey Toyota" awaken the system for voice
activated commands to search for directions, find Points of
Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin
temperatures and more. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard
navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest
available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users
have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is
provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also
gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next
destination.
The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone
connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and
Android Auto™ compatibility. With further connectivity, the
Highlander has an available Wi-Fi Connect subscription that offers
4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the Highlander
into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of
audio playback ability with HD Radio®, USB data and a SiriusXM®
Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect also
enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing the ability
to link their separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions
to the vehicle for onboard control.
For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the
Highlander has an available with a JBL® Premium Audio system
boasting 1,200 watts of power playing through 11 speakers in nine
locations creating a mobile concert from any music genre. With the
use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe
life into compressed digital music formats enhancing the audio
experience. This system is available on XSE grades, while the
Limited and Platinum grades include it as standard.
Each Highlander comes with a host of additional available
Connected Services. Safety Connect includes an Emergency Assistance
Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic
Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision
Assistance with a 1-year trial service. Service Connect gives
drivers the capability to receive Vehicle Health Reports,
Maintenance Alerts and reminders with a 3-year trial.
With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their
Highlander with a 1-year trial of Remote Connect service, available
on L grades and standard across the rest of Highlander grades.
Users can activate headlights, lock/unlock the doors and remote
start the vehicle. Users can also check vehicle status, receive
reminder notifications and set Guest Driver Alerts.
Being ready to handle all your device charging needs, the
Highlander is equipped with 5 USB ports in the cabin. Up front, two
Type-C USB ports plus one Type-A port are located at the bottom of
the center stack. For second-row passengers, two Type-C USB ports
are located at the bottom rear of the center console.
All-Wheel Drive
The 2023 Highlander turbo models get a grip on just about any
road 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.
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.
Using the Multi-Terrain Select control dial on the console, the
driver can maximize traction for prevailing conditions. 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).
Remarkably Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid, with its remarkable 36 combined MPG
manufacturer estimated rating, accounts for more than a
quarter of Highlander sales in the U.S., a testament to its
innovation, quality and value.
The 2023 Highlander Hybrid, offered in both FWD and AWD,
combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with
two electric motor-generators. The gas engine employs Variable
Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the
intake camshaft, and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable
cooling system (electric water pump, electric thermostat) and a
fully variable oil pump help to further enhance engine
efficiency.
The gas engine and Motor Generator 2 (MG2) work in concert to
deliver dynamic performance, while both MG1 and MG2 charge the
hybrid battery. The bottom line is an eye opener for the
efficiency-minded: 243 total system horsepower,
manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG and a towing capacity of up
to 3,500 pounds for all grades. The Highlander Hybrid's battery
pack is small enough to be installed under the second-row seats, so
it does not take away any cargo or passenger space.
The unique AWD system for Highlander Hybrid employs a separate
rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed.
Like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD system is designed to
work seamlessly and transparently.
In addition, all Highlander models, in addition to hybrid,
include the following features for optimal on-road and off-road
performance and safety:
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (available on gas turbo AWD
only)
Like all Toyota hybrid vehicles, the Highlander Hybrid simply
goes about its business in a transparent way. For example, the
system optimizes the level of electric motor assistance and gas
engine speed without the engine running at high revs. Engine speed
is synchronized with vehicle speed, yielding effortless and quiet
acceleration.
The Highlander Hybrid offers selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT
driving modes that let the driver choose the vehicle's performance
personality. ECO mode extracts maximum efficiency from the fuel and
battery, while NORMAL mode is ideal for everyday driving. SPORT
mode quickens the throttle response from the hybrid system for
improved acceleration control. A bonus is the EV mode, which allows
electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances.
Regenerative braking captures the energy of the turning wheels
as the vehicle slows, sending it to the hybrid battery. To foster
greater control when driving in hilly areas, the driver can
manually control regenerative braking in steps, similar to the
engine braking effect of downshifting a manual transmission.
Highlander Hybrid's Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) analyzes
the driver's daily driving habits and upcoming road and traffic
conditions to optimize battery usage and charging. The more the
vehicle is driven, the more data is accumulated, thereby helping to
support fuel efficient driving patterns.
High Comfort as A Priority
The 2023 Highlander offers plush accommodations across all
grades. Taking inspiration from luxury-crafted interiors to create
a premium ambience, details include soft-padded surfaces and a
tailored look with stitching that extends from the door trim to the
instrument panel. Inset steering wheel controls are a modern luxury
touch on all grades.
Highlanders have long been renowned for a quiet ride, and, with
the high-strength TNGA platform, Toyota raised the bar even higher.
Sound-dampening and soundproofing materials are optimized
throughout the vehicle with the takumi approach, focusing
particularly on minimizing noise in the frequencies that interfere
with conversation. As an example, Limited and Platinum grades have
acoustic glass on the front side windows to further isolate the
driver from outside noise. The available Driver Easy Speak feature
is a built-in PA system that carries the driver's voice through the
audio system's rear speakers.
Highlander L and LE grades offer comfortable woven cloth seat
surfaces in Graphite or Black; the XLE offers SofTex® trim in
Harvest Beige, Graphite or Black, while the Limited offers those
colors in perforated leather trim. XSE grade sticks to its sporty
nature thanks to black SofTex®-trimmed seats with fabric inserts;
while the Bronze Edition for Highlander Hybrid keeps it classy with
mid-century modern-inspired SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric
inserts and bronze stitching. The Platinum grade, the most
luxurious Highlander, exclusively features embossed, perforated
leather-trim in those three colors (Harvest Beige, Graphite and
Black) plus a luxuriously delicious brown called Glazed
Caramel. On XSE, Hybrid Bronze Edition, Limited and Platinum
grades, ambient LED cabin lighting sets a relaxing mood.
Safety Leader, Too
Highlander is a repeat IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipient. This is
the organization's highest rating, and one that acknowledges the
standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system that includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is
standard on the LE grade and above. Front and Rear Parking Assist
with Automatic Braking is available on Limited and Platinum. A
Bird's Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan is available on Limited
and standard on Platinum and provides a live rotating 360-degree
view around the vehicle.
The 2023 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags, including
side curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota's Star Safety
System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control
(TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
(BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology
(SST).
Hybrid models employ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
(VDIM), which provides integrated control of the ABS, Brake Assist,
TRAC, VSC, Hill-Start Assist control and electric power steering
(EPS) systems. The system helps to maintain vehicle stability when
swerving on slippery road surfaces by controlling the brakes,
hybrid system output and steering assist.
Toyota Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies
to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000
miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no
mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs
needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered
for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date
of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10
years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferrable
across ownership.
The 2023 Highlander also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering
normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000
miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance,
unlimited mileage.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S.
who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of
nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants.
By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North
Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for
electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road
than any other automaker, a quarter of the company's 2021 U.S.
sales were electrified.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in
STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual
education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience
and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing
facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based
lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota, visit
www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
Media Contacts:
Nicky Hamila
469-292-3596
nicky.hamila@toyota.com
Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll can be found on
ToyotaNewsroom.com
For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331
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