2023 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2023 Toyota Highlander

The biggest change for the 2023 Toyota Highlander is the gas lineup’s switch from a V6 to a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This is a meaningful mid-cycle powertrain and technology update, not a full redesign.

Shop 47 in stock at Carvana

About the 2023 Toyota Highlander

4th generation Highlander (2020-2026), mid-cycle powertrain and technology update year.

Toyota positions the Highlander as a family-focused midsize three-row SUV that blends everyday comfort, easy drivability, strong safety content, and available hybrid efficiency. It is meant for buyers who want room for kids, friends, and cargo without moving up to a larger truck-based SUV. Compared with rivals, Highlander leans more on a smooth ride, user-friendly controls, strong resale reputation, and the choice between a turbo gas model and a high-mpg hybrid.

The 2023 Highlander remains a three-row SUV offered in practical, comfort-focused, sporty, and upscale forms, along with hybrid versions. The XLE emphasizes family comfort with heated front seats and a moonroof, the XSE adds sportier styling and suspension tuning, and the Limited and Platinum pair leather seating with larger displays and added visibility features. The hybrid-only Bronze Edition stands out with unique trim details and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
Every gas Highlander replaces the previous 3.5-liter V6 with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Output changes from 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque to 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, while the gas models’ city rating rises from 21 to 22 mpg.
Tech
Toyota’s newer touchscreen system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard across the lineup. L, LE, and hybrid LE models move from a 4.2-inch to a 7-inch driver display. Limited and Platinum gain a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, while Limited and the hybrid-only Bronze Edition receive a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Several trims also gain equipment updates, including an eight-way power front passenger seat on XLE and Bronze Edition and power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum.
Styling
The XSE makes its black 20-inch wheels standard for 2023.

2023 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim

2023 Toyota HighlanderL9 in stock
2023 Toyota HighlanderLE15 in stock
2023 Toyota HighlanderXLE19 in stock
2023 Toyota HighlanderXSE3 in stock
2023 Toyota HighlanderLimited4 in stock
2023 Toyota HighlanderPlatinum3 in stock
2023 Toyota HighlanderBronze Edition1 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, 8-SpdAutomatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential ModeAutomatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-SpdAutomatic, 8-SpdAutomatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-SpdAutomatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-SpdAutomatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode
DrivetrainAWDAWDAWDAWDAWDAWDAWD
Fuel TypeGasGas / HybridHybrid / GasGasHybrid / GasHybrid / GasHybrid
MPG City22 mpg22–36 mpg22–36 mpg22 mpg22–36 mpg22–36 mpg36 mpg
MPG Highway29 mpg29–35 mpg29–35 mpg29 mpg29–35 mpg29–35 mpg35 mpg
Horsepower265 hp243–265 hp243–265 hp265 hp243–265 hp243–265 hp243 hp
Torque310 lb-ft175–310 lb-ft175–310 lb-ft310 lb-ft175–310 lb-ft175–310 lb-ft175 lb-ft
Max Towing5000 lb3500–5000 lb3500–5000 lb5000 lb3500–5000 lb3500–5000 lb3500 lb
Trunk/Cargo84.3 cu-ft84.3 cu-ft84.3 cu-ft84.3 cu-ft84.3 cu-ft
Rear Legroom28 in28 in28 in28 in28 in28 in28 in
Seats88877–877
Doors4444444
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Hill Descent Control
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Head-Up Display
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2024 Toyota Highlander compares

The 2024 Toyota Highlander gets a light update rather than a redesign, led by new LE Nightshade and XLE Nightshade hybrid trims with blacked-out styling. The gas and hybrid powertrains carry over from 2023.

See the full 2024 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest difference between the 2023 and 2022 Toyota Highlander?

The biggest difference is the gas engine. The 2023 gas Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in place of the 2022 model’s V6, bringing more torque but less horsepower.

Does the 2023 Toyota Highlander still have a V6?

No. Every 2023 gas Highlander has a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder instead of the previous V6. The Highlander Hybrid keeps its gas-electric powertrain.

Did the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get a new powertrain?

No. The major engine change applies to gas Highlanders, while the hybrid powertrain carries over. Hybrid trims still receive technology updates, including the newer touchscreen system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Does every 2023 Toyota Highlander have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2023 Highlander lineup through Toyota’s updated touchscreen system.

Which 2023 Toyota Highlander trims have the larger 12.3-inch displays?

Limited has a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument display, while Platinum has the 12.3-inch digital instrument display as part of its expanded technology package. The hybrid-only Bronze Edition also has a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

2023 Toyota Highlander Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

4.2
2023 Toyota Highlander
(535 reviews)
5 stars (239)
4 stars (200)
3 stars (76)
2 stars (15)
1 star (5)

About owner reviews

Carvana owner reviews are provided in partnership with Strategic Vision, one of the largest automotive consumer research providers in the U.S. Star ratings are from ranking surveys completed by owners one to six months post-purchase. Comments from owners are optional, but included here when available.

“Toyota is a company that is a customer favorite, the resale is amazing and the quality of the vehicle is outstanding and it is built to last.”

DHDenise H.
2023 Toyota Highlander AWD (4-Cyl)

“The reliability and the attention to detail is impressive. Quality is foremost important as well as comfort and ease of access.”

HMHelene M.
2023 Toyota Highlander AWD (4-Cyl)

“If they want 5 in the vehicle, go with a bench seat for the 2nd row and forget the 3rd row.”

BBBob B.
2023 Toyota Highlander FWD (4-Cyl)

Sources