For 2023 Toyota has replaced the Highlander’s long-serving V6 engine with a turbocharged four-cylinder. The turbo-four doesn’t make as pleasant of a powertrain as the old V6, and we didn’t see an improvement in overall fuel economy. Still, the Highlander remains a roomy, comfortable, functional, and likely reliable choice among midsized three-row SUVs. As such, it continues its perch right near the top of our rankings.
The new 265-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine supplies plenty of low- and mid-range power, and it feels more adept than the outgoing six-cylinder when it comes to scooting around slower cars in a two-lane passing zone. But our test numbers say the Highlander with the turbo-four is actually about a half-second slower from 0 to 60 mph, and its gritty sound when accelerating makes us long for the silky-smooth 3.5-liter V6. What’s more, our tests show that fuel economy is the same 22 mpg overall as before. However, Toyota says the Highlander’s emissions are much improved. We still think the Highlander to go for is the hybrid version with its excellent 35 mpg overall.