Toyota has announced various changes for the Highlander in its 2023 range, a renewed SUV that is committed to greater efficiency and technology.
Changes to Toyota’s SUV-type model range. The Japanese manufacturer has confirmed that the 2023 Highlander range will be renewed with a technical update that will affect both its propulsion trains and its different equipment items.
Initially, the changes announced for the Highlander 2023 are the benchmarks for the United States, one of the markets in the world where the Japanese brand sells a greater number of SUV-type vehicles. In fact, according to official US registration data, the Highlander has been the best-selling midsize crossover/SUV in a row for six years.
In the update of this SUV, the Asian manufacturer announces, first of all, changes in its offer of gasoline engines. The previous 3.5 V6 engine is going to be replaced by a more modern gasoline engine, specifically a 2.4 four-cylinder supercharged turbocharger. For these new mechanics, a power of 269 hp and a maximum torque of 418 Nm is announced.
Regarding the levels of emissions and consumption, for the moment Toyota has not published data in this regard, although it has assured that this new 2.4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine is much more efficient by reducing NOx levels (nitrogen oxides ) by up to 50 percent, while also substantially reducing CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels compared to the previous 3.5 V6 engine.
In the case of the self-recharging hybrid version of the Highlander (this is the variant that is marketed in Europe), Toyota has not announced changes in this regard, so the technical genes will remain unchanged, specifically a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors, whose joint maximum output for the United States is 246 hp (or 243 hp in Europe). In Europe, this version is called the Highlander Electric Hybrid and receives the ECO environmental label from the DGT in our country.
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2023: RENEWED EQUIPMENT
Inside, the Limited and Platinum trims of the 2023 lineup will feature a 12.3 -inch digital instrument cluster that will replace the previous analog gauges. This instrumentation panel can be customized with four modes: Casual, Smart, Tough, and Sporty.
On the other hand, the most exclusive versions of the range will now incorporate a new multimedia system equipped with a 12.3-inch central screen on the dashboard. In other less equipped variants and access to the commercial offer of this SUV, said screen maybe 8 or 7 inches.
The information, navigation, entertainment, and connectivity system as standard for the entire range is known as Toyota Audio Multimedia. It offers cloud-based navigation, over-the-air updates, and a smart assistant that responds to the “Hey Toyota” wake word. This multimedia system l also has wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity technologies, as well as integrated streaming of Apple Music and Amazon Music with the available Wi-Fi Connect subscription.
On the other hand, a new color (Cypress) and new 20-inch alloy wheels with a black finish will be available on the outside. Inside, new finishes and finishes in Harvest Beige and Glazed Caramel colors.
Finally, regarding the availability of this renewed SUV, it will arrive first at US dealerships at the end of this year, while for the European market, at the moment we have no news about it, although if its arrival is confirmed, it will be with all probability throughout the first half of 2023.
