2013 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2013 Toyota Highlander is the new Plus trim, a standalone convenience model that replaces the previous Tech Package idea. This is otherwise a light update and the final year before the fully redesigned 2014 Highlander.
About the 2013 Toyota Highlander
2nd generation Highlander (2008-2013), final model year before the all-new 2014 redesign.
Toyota sells the 2013 Highlander as a family-first three-row crossover that blends SUV space with easier, more car-like driving. The core appeal is simple: usable seating for seven, flexible cargo space, a comfortable ride, and a choice between regular gas power or a fuel-saving hybrid. Against truck-like SUVs and minivans, the Highlander's identity is being the easygoing middle ground: roomy enough for family duty, but calmer and easier to live with every day.
The 2013 Highlander lineup ranges from a practical seven-seat base model to the V6-powered SE and comfort-focused Limited. The new Plus bundles useful family features such as a backup camera, heated mirrors and easy-clean seating, while the hybrids pair three-row seating with an efficient V6 hybrid system, all-wheel drive and built-in navigation.
What changed, by category
2013 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 2WD / AWD | 2WD / AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 17–20 mpg | 28 mpg | 18–28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 22–25 mpg | 22–25 mpg | 28 mpg | 24–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 187–270 hp | 187–270 hp | 280 hp | 270–280 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft | 186–248 lb-ft | 186–248 lb-ft | 215 lb-ft | 215–248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 95.4 cu-ft | 95.4 cu-ft | 95.4 cu-ft | 94.1 cu-ft | 94.1–95.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.9 in | 29.9 in | 29.9 in | 29.9 in | 29.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2013 Toyota Highlander redesigned?
No. The 2013 Toyota Highlander is the final model year of the second generation, with a new trim and upgraded touchscreen equipment rather than a full redesign. The redesigned third-generation Highlander arrived for 2014.
What is the 2013 Toyota Highlander Plus?
The 2013 Highlander Plus is a new convenience-focused trim positioned above the base model. It bundles a backup camera, heated mirrors, easy-clean seat fabric, driver lumbar support, fog lights and roof rails.
Does every 2013 Toyota Highlander have a touchscreen?
Yes. Every 2013 Toyota Highlander has a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system. The exact setup differs by trim, with navigation and upgraded audio fitted to selected upper and hybrid models.
Which 2013 Toyota Highlander trims have standard navigation?
The 2013 Highlander Hybrid, Hybrid Limited and gas-powered Limited have standard navigation. The hybrid versions also include Entune, while the Limited models use upgraded JBL audio.
What makes the 2013 Highlander different from the 2012 model?
The 2013 Highlander mainly differs through its new Plus trim and broader standard touchscreen equipment. It is a modest update rather than a major mechanical or styling change.