Here is the review of the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD! For Toyota, the 2023 Toyota Highlander represents a shift. The Highlander will be the first Toyota model to totally drop its V6 engine choice in favour of an inline four-cylinder with less power and more efficiency. Between the large Sequoia and the small RAV4, the Highlander fills the middle position. The Highlander’s fourth generation satisfies families’ demands by offering a fantastic combination of contemporary conveniences, safety, comfort, and dependability, while also hitting the mark for both family friendliness and fuel efficiency. Although the Highlander has always been a luxurious SUV with a large list of standard equipment, it is not without cost.
There is a good reason why sales of Toyota Highlanders have outpaced those of three-row SUV rivals. Together, dependability, safety, technology, comfort, space, and fuel efficiency are combined in a stylish style that endures. And don’t forget about Toyota’s reputation for dependability.
Safety
All Highlanders come standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ system, which includes automatic high beams, lane-departure alert with steering assistance, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assistance, and lane-tracing assist.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The top Platinum and Limited models of the 2023 Toyota Highlander receive a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the majority of vehicles have an 8-inch touchscreen. You have access to Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The high-end JBL audio system in the Highlander has 11 speakers and 1,200 watts of power. On the Limited and Platinum, it is included.
One of the sportiest small SUVs without a luxury tag is the Hornet. A strong competitor, the Hyundai Kona N offers lower pricing, better acceleration, and more adept handling. Its odd style, though, continues to divide opinion. Although it isn’t as dynamic as the Hornet or Kona, the Mazda CX-30 Turbo is more enjoyable than a normal Honda or VW.
Engine and Performance
The single gas-only engine choice for the 2023 Highlander is a new, higher-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged engine that Toyota developed this year. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine’s 264 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque are produced via balancing shafts for incredibly smooth running. This represents a 17% boost over the 263 lb-ft of the prior 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Highlander Hybrid combines an electric motor, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder engine. The hybrid feels speedy from a stop thanks to the electric motor’s rapid power, but it suffers at highway speeds.
Trims and Pricing
The Toyota Highlander is available in five different gas trims. This includes the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. There are also the Hybrid trims, that include the LE, XLE, XLE Special Edition package, Limited, and Platinum.
LE Trim
The LE gas trim starts from about $48,900 and the Hybrid from about $51,400 CDN. It also includes rear cross-traffic warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a height-adjustable power liftgate with keyless remote control. Fog lights, a leather steering wheel, remote engine start, and HD Radio are also included.
XLE Trim
The XLE gas trim starts from about $51,600 and the Hybrid from about $54,100 CDN. The Special Edition is an extra $4,000. The XLE trim gives you softex seats with an 8-way power driver seat and an 8-way power passenger seat, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, a power slide/tilt moonroof, and LED fog lamps.
XSE Trim
The XSE trim starts from about $53,900 CDN. Similar to the XLE in terms of equipment, it differs in terms of exterior appearance, 20-inch wheels, and unique chassis tuning for a touch of sportiness. It boasts a distinctive front fascia with a bigger air inlet and an interior colour scheme of red and black. It sports a sport-tuned suspension, tighter steering, and a rear anti-roll bar to improve handling while using the same engine and transmission as the other gas-powered versions.
Limited Trim
The Limited gas trim starts from about $57,100 and the Hybrid from about $59,600 CDN. It boasts 20-inch wheels and a distinctive external ornamentation. It also has navigation, an in-car intercom, a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system, power-folding exterior mirrors, a hands-free liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded interior with second-row captain’s seats. The Limited additionally receives a second new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in addition to a 12.3-inch multi-information display as standard equipment.
Platinum Trim
The Platinum gas and hybrid trims add an extra $1,870. It has heated second-row captain’s chairs, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a rear camera mirror, and adaptive headlights.
What do you think of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum?
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