The rumors are swirling around that the new 2023 Toyota Highlander will arrive next year with a new appearance. We also heard that the upcoming SUV would ride on the lengthened wheelbase, which should result in more legroom and stretch-out space. That means the next Toyota Highlander could introduce more accommodating and comfortable seats, especially for an adult sitting in the third-row seat.
Under the hood, we expect the same 3.5-liter V6 coupled with the 8-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Optionally, the manufacturer would offer a hybrid powertrain that combines a 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors. However, this SUV has many opponents on the way and the closest ones are the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Mazda CX-9.
2023 Toyota Highlander Redesign
The small changes on the exterior appearance of the 2023 Toyota Highlander will make it more handsome. Toyota confirmed the next Highlanders will gain some modifications on the front fascia, including a refreshed grille and headlights. Also, the wheelbase will be longer, resulting in roomier cabin.
Besides regular model, the manufacturer will introduce the Grand Highlander, which is larger. Along, we can expect a new Hybrid Bronze Edition that will wear Cement or Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint and attractive 18-inch bronze-colored wheels.
Interior Upgrades
On the inside, the 2023 Toyota Highlander will be more modern and spacious for sure, especially the Grand variant. As far as we know, the manufacturer will make some changes on the wheelbase, making it starched to boost legroom and space. The Grand Highlander is a much better choice if you’re looking for a roomier cabin. This model would make the second and third-row seating more accessible.
The cabin also features an 8.0-inch infotainment system, but the Highlander Limited and Platinum include a much larger 12.3-inch display. We also expect an SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
2023 Toyota Highlander Engine Specs
As far as we know, the manufacturer will offer at least two choices of engines. This means the base engine would be a 3.5-liter V6 producing more power than before. This engine should continue to be coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to front-wheel drive (FWD).
All-wheel drive is optional. The next one will probably combine a 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a (CVT). There’s also a chance Toyota might introduce as the third engine a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain to keep up with rivals.
Price, Release Date
We expect the redesigned 2023 Toyota Highlander to cost approximately $35,500 when it hit stores. As mentioned, this SUV is available in a wide range of trims and at least two choices of engine will be on the offer. The Platinum trim is the highest trim, touching near $48,000. All models will be reportedly available next year, likely before summer.
Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Mazda CX-9 are the closest rivals to the Toyota Highlander. In general, if Highlander PHEV happens, it will rival models such as the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.