For the 2023 model year, the Toyota Highlander has received a helpful change. This is about an all-new, more eco-friendly engine with higher torque.
To improve everyday responsiveness, the manufacturer has equipped the 2023 Toyota Highlander with the standard high-efficiency turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine. Well, customers now have at least one more reason to buy a new Highlander.
The unit has a displacement of 2.4 liters and delivers 265 horsepower. As for torque, it is increased by 17 percent to 209 pound-feet over 263 lb-ft of the outgoing V6 engine. The turbo-four uses balance shafts for super-smooth performance.
The driver will feel the advantage of this engine during daily driving when using the vehicle’s 7- or 8-person seating and great cargo capacity.
Though fuel economy remains the same as the V6’s (24 mpg combined), NOx and non-methane organic gas emission figures have been reduced by more than half. CO2 emissions are also lowered.
The Highlanders with the new engine are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. They come with the Trailer Sway Control feature using Vehicle Stability Control to help control unwanted movements of a trailer.
Moreover, a Stop-and-Start-Engine function is available as standard. This system helps reduce emissions and fuel consumption. It shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a full stop, and immediately restarts the engine as soon as the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal.
Other updates to the 2023 Toyota Highlander include new dual 12.3-inch screens and power-folding mirrors for the Limited and Platinum trim levels, an available hands-free power liftgate, and improved wireless charger location in the dashboard.
The Toyota Highlander is one of the brand’s top sellers. In America, for example, it is the third Toyota model by sales from January thru May 2, 2022, behind the RAV4 (1st) and Camry (2nd). The company sold 85,814 Highlander vehicles in that period, vs 91,510 units (-6%) a year earlier.
Source: Toyota
