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The 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Courtesy photo

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The 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Courtesy photo

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The 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Courtesy photo

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In the competitive realm of midsize SUVs in the U.S., the 2023 Toyota Highlander stands as a benchmark of versatility, comfort and performance. Toyota has continued its legacy of producing quality vehicles, as the latest Highlander offering promised a combination of robust power, refined luxury and advanced technology during our weeklong test drive. We will delve into our driving experience and the features of the 2023 Highlander Limited, capturing its essence as a well-rounded and family-friendly SUV.

Exterior and interior design

The 2023 Toyota Highlander struck a balance between ruggedness and sophistication, with a bold, chiseled exterior design, featuring a distinctive front grille and sleek lines, that exuded a modern and commanding presence on the road. The LED headlights and taillights offered both style and functionality and proved to provide excellent illumination for safe nighttime driving, and for keeping us seen during the daytime hours.

Getting inside the cabin, the Highlander impressed us with its refined and spacious interior. The Limited trim provided luxury, showcasing premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. The seats, upholstered in leather, offered us exceptional comfort and support for any long journey we took, ensuring a pleasurable ride for both driver and passengers even on the everyday drive.

We found the spaciousness of the interior to be notable, providing ample legroom and headroom for occupants in all three rows. Our test ride came with a bench second-row seat allowing for one more occupant; however, we may have opted for captain’s chair in our own ride as it would have been easier to get into the third-row seating.

We did find that the third-row seating was surprisingly accommodating for adults. The cargo space in the rear was generous, and the ability to fold down the rear seats created even more room for luggage and cargo.

Performance and handling

The Highlander that we drove this time came equipped with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged motor, coupled with the company’s eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers 265 horsepower and 309 pound-feet or torque. This is a change from the former naturally aspirated V-6 from the past year.

We were split on the power of the new model. However, during our everyday drives, the Highlander exhibited impressive handling, offering a smooth and composed ride. The suspension system would effectively absorb road imperfections, which resulted in a comfortable experience for everyone inside. The steering was responsive and precise, instilling confidence in us wherever we went, particularly around corners and on winding roads, and in navigating tight parking spaces.

Technology and connectivity

Toyota, of course, has equipped the 2023 Highlander with an array of innovative technology features. We especially loved the new centerpiece of the infotainment system, the huge 12.3-inch touch screen, which we found to be very user-friendly and responsive. Integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered seamless connectivity for our smartphone integration, navigation and entertainment.

The SUV boasts a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. These safety technologies that enhance driver and passenger safety are something we always recommend no matter what auto you may be considering and contributed to the Highlander’s reputation as a reliable family vehicle.

Additional tech features include a premium JBL sound system, a wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports, and a Star Safety System connected to a 4G wireless network.

Comfort and convenience

We loved that the Highlander Limited prioritized our comfort with features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. These elements contribute to a sophisticated and enjoyable driving experience especially during the fall days in Utah where the temperature could range from the low 30s to high 70s within hours.

Furthermore, there is no beating the hands-free power liftgate, keyless entry and a plethora of storage compartments to enhance the convenience factor. These would make the everyday use of the Highlander a hassle-free experience for any on-the-go family.

Fuel efficiency and practicality

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Highlander Limited AWD impressed us with a very respectable 25 mpg for our week, which seemed to be a very competitive number for its segment. Highway driving would produce a very nice 28 mpg for us, indicating that maybe the change to a four-cylinder engine was a good move by Toyota.

Moreover, the practicality of the Highlander is shown through its versatility. The third-row seating can be easily stowed away to create a flat load floor, maximizing the rear cargo space. This adaptability allowed the Highlander to cater to our various lifestyle needs, be it for a family road trip or just making a run to the grocery store for the week.

While the Highlander Limited AWD presented a premium offering in the midsize SUV segment, its price was more reflective of the extensive list of features, safety technologies and luxurious design. With a range of trim levels available, the Limited sits at the upper end of the Highlander lineup. However, the abundance of amenities, impressive build quality and overall reliability would make it a value-driven choice for those seeking a well-rounded family SUV.

Base price: $48,025

Destination charge: $1,335

Price as driven: $50,210

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