The fourth generation of the Toyota Highlander debuted in the United States in the spring of 2019, and has now gone through a modest update heading into 2023. The main change concerns the engine lineup.
You will no longer be able to order the V6 version of the SUV with 299 PS (295 hp / 220 kW) and 357 Nm (263 lb-ft) of torque at its disposal. This leaves you with a choice between a four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain. Toyota argues that both options are much friendlier to the environment and come in FWD and AWD flavors to suit different tastes.
Going for the turbo-four nets you 269 PS (265 hp / 198 kW) along with 419 Nm (309 lb-ft) of torque. The hybrid option combines the usual 2.5-liter four-pot with two electric motors for around 245 PS (242 hp / 180 kW) of combined output.\
All top trim levels ship with a 12.3-inch digital dashboard included, a major upgrade over the meager 7 inches from before. Settling on an entry-level trim still gives your infotainment screen 7 inches of diagonal size instead of the former 4.2 inches. Better yet, new multimedia software now supports voice commands and smartphone integration.