The Highlander has been marking excellent sales numbers for years and it has always been among the most popular models in the class. The current generation is no exception, as the 2021 model ended in second place, behind the Grand Cherokee and in front of Ford Explorer. However, the current generation has been around for a while and it’s time for updates. Although the officials are still quiet, it looks like the 2023 Toyota Highlander is about to receive an update.
At this point, we don’t know much about this update but presume this is going a typical facelift, with a couple of visual changes, along with few tweaks on the inside. Also, some sources speculate about the stretched version, which would come as the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander.
All in all, we presume that these updates mean a little bit earlier arrival than usual, though still within the second half of the year.
2023 Toyota Highlander Design
As we’ve just mentioned, this should be a typical mid-cycle update. So, what we expect to see are some styling changes, mostly at the front. We presume that the 2023 Toyota Highlander would come with some revisions in terms of the grille design, new bumper and some headlights revisions. A few tweaks to the rear end are possible too. Typical updates like new color options and wheels designs are another thing we expect to see.
On the other hand, we don’t expect to see mechanical changes. Some sources speculate about the Grand Highlander. This would be a stretched version of the vehicle, with a longer wheelbase and bigger overall dimensions. We presume that this version would have a task to compete with the biggest models in the class, such as VW Atlas, Chevy Traverse etc.
Interior
On the inside, a few updates are possible too. This refers primarily to new color schemes and materials, while the overall dashboard should remain pretty much the same. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, considering that the current model already looks pretty nice from the inside. It combines nice materials with attractive aesthetics, while the long list of tech features makes the cabin look even more upscale.
The Highlander is a typical three-row mid-size crossover. The first two rows are very generous with space, while the third row is typically tight for the class. The new 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander would bring changes in this aspect and offer more room in the third row. We presume that this stretched version would also offer more cargo room, though we have to say that the current model already stands pretty well in this aspect. It offers around 16 cubic feet of cargo space, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 84.3 cubic feet of the total cargo volume. That’s about average for a mid-size SUV.
Features
This update would also bring novelties in terms of standard equipment. We don’t believe that we could see too many all-new things. On the other hand, some of the current options would become part of the standard equipment.
For reference, the current model comes standard with tri-zone climate control, proximity keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, satellite radio, five USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Among options, you can find goodies like a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation, an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo, wireless device charging, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, a moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, ambient interior lighting, a household-style power outlet, a panoramic moonroof etc.
When it comes to safety, the current model comes standard with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams etc.
2023 Toyota Highlander Engines
We expect that the 2023 Toyota Highlander will continue with two familiar powertrain options on the offer. Base models will continue with a good-old 3.5-liter V6, which puts out 295 horsepower. That’s more than enough power to satisfy most buyers. Besides good driving dynamics, we also like the fuel economy. It goes around 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is very good for the segment. The engine comes in pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which does a great job too.
Of course, the hybrid version will remain in the offer too. This one uses a system based on a 2.5-liter inline-four, which features a combined output of 243 horsepower. The system comes coupled with a CVT gearbox and, as you may presume, great fuel economy is its main strength. You may count on something like 35 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
2023 Toyota Highlander Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Toyota Highlander will hit the market sometime in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 37.000 dollars.
