Sophisticated And Versatile: The Upgraded 2023 Toyota Highlander And Highlander Hybrid Are The Perfect Suvs To Drive Your World

The Toyota Highlander is everything you need it to be: your everyday sanctuary on wheels, the perfect partner for a weekend getaway, and so much more. With a choice of gas and hybrid powertrains, the Highlander series gets a major upgrade for 2023 with Toyota Multimedia and other amenities. Also new this year, Toyota enhances the Highlander gas models with an all-new turbo engine that delivers more torque while reducing emissions.

“Refined and elevated, the Toyota Highlander series is a beautiful blend of design, performance, and technology. It’s the premium SUV that helps Canadians enjoy the rewards of a life well lived,” said Cyril Dimitris, Vice President, Toyota Canada Inc. “For 2023, we’ve fitted a new engine to gas models that makes Highlander even more fun to drive, and upgraded all models with our powerful yet intuitive Toyota Multimedia system. Then we’ve rounded out the improvements with new amenities on every trim level – making the Highlander series the perfect partners for shaping and celebrating all the best moments in our lives.”

The 2023 Highlander lineup introduces a new, higher-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged engine to gas models. This 265 peak horsepower, 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 309 lb-ft of torque – a 17 percent boost over the 3.5-litre V6 engine it replaces. At the same time, this engine – which features stop and start technology – reduces NOx and NMOG emissions by more than 50 percent, and improves CO2 emissions compared to the outgoing V6.

Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the new Highlander turbo models are equipped to tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs.) and include Trailer Sway Control to help rein in unwanted trailer movement.

Highlander Hybrid models are built around Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, featuring a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, two electric motor-generators, and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. This combination delivers 243 total system horsepower, a remarkable fuel efficiency rating of just 6.7L/100 km (city/highway combined), and a 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) towing rating.

All models confer the all-weather confidence of Toyota all-wheel-drive. Highlander LE and XLE trim levels feature a Dynamic Torque All-Wheel-Drive system, while Highlander XSE, Limited, and Platinum grades step up to a more performance-minded, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system with Drive Mode Select and Driveline Disconnect. All Toyota Highlander Hybrid models feature AWD-I technology employing a separate, rear-mounted electric motor to power the back axle when required.

Highlander’s low, wide, and aggressively sculpted exterior expresses its powerful stance and sophisticated attitude. The design is more than eye-catching: It also delivers superior aerodynamic performance for enhanced vehicle stability, improved fuel efficiency, and a quieter ride.

Inside, all Highlander series models offer impressive amounts of comfort, space, and versatility. The cabin’s premium interior is characterized by soft-padded surfaces and a tailored look. Eight-person models feature a 60/40 split folding second row seat that accommodates three people. For extra comfort, seven-person models replace this with a pair of captain’s seats. All models feature a third-row 60/40 flat folding bench. With all second and third row seats stowed, Highlander owners can fill the back with up to 2,387 litres (84.3 cubic feet) of gear.

New this year, every Highlander and Highlander Hybrid now features an all-new technology package, upgraded with the Toyota Multimedia system. This system integrates wirelessly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features Toyota’s newest interface, which improves interaction between people and vehicle through sight, touch, and voice. Many functions may be controlled via the touch screen via the same gestures used on mobile phone screens.

As a Toyota, every Highlander also features an impressive bundle of active and passive safety technologies. All models feature Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, designed to enhance driver awareness, decision-making, and control. All models also feature the Toyota Star Safety System, a backup camera, eight airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system with automatic location.

As icing on the proverbial cake, the 2023 Highlander adds an elegant new Cypress green exterior colour.

Toyota Canada is offering the 2023 Highlander series in a range of models and trim levels. The gas-powered Highlander is available in five distinct models, as follows:

The 2023 Toyota Highlander LE introduces the all-new Toyota Multimedia system to the Highlander line, receiving the Remote Connect package with an 8” touch screen. Also new this year, this model is equipped with a 7” multi-information display. Other features on this impressively equipped eight-passenger entry model include Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system with rear driveline disconnect and Multi-Terrain Mode, 18” alloy wheels, a power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, LED headlights, dual-zone air conditioning, the Smart Key System with Push Button Start, and the Blind Spot Monitoring system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE enhances the LE trim level with many upgrades. New for 2023, this eight-passenger model now includes a wireless charging system for personal electronics. Other XLE level features include a power lift gate, silver roof rails, unique 18” alloy wheels, a power moon roof, LED fog lamps, a heated steering wheel clad in Softex, a Softex-clad shifter, Softex upholstery, a power adjustable front passenger’s seat, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with integrated HomeLink system, and an anti-theft system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE starts with the XLE trim level, then injects the Highlander with sportier style and performance. New for 2023, this model now rides on distinctive black 20” alloy wheels. Other upgrades on this seven-passenger model include a sport tuned suspension, sport grille, sport front and rear bumpers, a dual-tip exhaust, black roof rails and mirror caps, smoked headlight and tail lamp surrounds, and a unique interior design including sporty ambient lighting.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Limited further enhances the XLE trim level. New this year, this model features the all-new Toyota Multimedia system with the Drive Connect package and a 12.3” touch screen. Other features new for 2023 include a 12.3” multi-information display, 2nd row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating, and auto retractable side mirrors. These join a long list of upgrades from the XLE trim level, including Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel-Drive system, an 11-speaker, 1,200-watt JBL Audio surround sound system with Clari-Fi, 20” alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front row seats, a driver’s seat memory system, a panoramic moon roof, premium LED headlights, a hands-free power liftgate, a 120-volt/100-watt power outlet, and the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Brake.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum adds even more luxury to the Limited trim level. This seven-passenger model receives heated second-row captain’s chairs, a head-up display, the Panoramic View Monitor, rain-sensing wipers, and unique, platinum exterior and interior design features including 20” alloy wheels.

The 2023 Highlander series is also available in five trim levels built around Toyota’s advanced and proven hybrid powertrain, as follows:

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE introduces the all-new Toyota Multimedia system to the Highlander line, receiving the Remote Connect package with an 8” touch screen plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Also new this year, this model is equipped with a 7” multi-information display. Other features on this impressively equipped eight-passenger entry model include 18” alloy wheels, a power liftgate, a power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, Softex-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, LED headlights, LED fog lamps, three-zone independent automatic climate control, the Smart Key System with Push Button Start, electronic parking brake, and the Blind Spot Monitoring system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE enhances the LE trim level with many upgrades. New for 2023, this eight-passenger model now includes a wireless charging system for personal electronics. Other XLE level features include chrome roof rails, unique 18” alloy wheels, a power moon roof, a heated steering wheel, Softex upholstery, a power adjustable front passenger’s seat, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with integrated HomeLink system, and an anti-theft system.

This model may also be ordered as the limited production 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE Bronze Edition. This uniquely styled seven-person model features a hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, a driver’s seat memory system, a dash camera, a 1,500-watt power outlet, in-dash ambient lighting, satin bronze 18” wheels, bronze door sills, and puddle lamps fitted with the Highlander logo.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited further enhances the XLE trim level. New this year, this seven-passenger model features the all-new Toyota Multimedia system with the Drive Connect package and a 12.3” touch screen. Other features new for 2023 include a 12.3” multi-information display and auto retractable side mirrors. These join a long list of upgrades from the XLE trim level, including an 11-speaker, 1,200-watt JBL Audio surround sound system with Clari-Fi, 20” alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front row seats, a driver’s seat memory system, a panoramic moon roof, premium LED headlights, a hands-free power liftgate, two 110v, 1,500-watt power outlets, and the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Brake.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum adds even more luxury to the Limited trim level. This seven-passenger model receives heated second-row captain’s chairs, a head-up display, the Bird’s Eye View Monitor, rain-sensing wipers, and unique, platinum exterior and interior design features including 20” alloy wheels.

Interested in seeing one? Check out Kentville Toyota and book a test drive today!