The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a mid-size SUV that offers a spacious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and a range of modern technology and infotainment options. The Highlander Hybrid has a reputation for reliability, practicality, and versatility, making it a popular choice among families and individuals in need of a spacious and efficient vehicle. With a 2.5-liter gas-and-electric hybrid powertrain driving the wheels, this 243-horsepower SUV isn't the fastest hybrid SUV around, but it's commendably light on fuel. In this review of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, we see if competitors such as the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Ford Explorer Hybrid upstage this fuel-saving Toyota and whether the Highlander Hybrid still has what it takes to take on the rest of the hybrid crowd.
A few feature updates make their way into the 2023 Highlander Hybrid. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that used to be fitted to the Platinum only is now also standard on the 2023 Limited and Bronze Edition trims and becomes optional on the XLE. The base LE's 4.2-inch driver-information display is upgraded to the seven-inch item all the trims above it had last year, the XLE and Bronze Edition retain their seven-inch display screen, and Limited and Platinum now get a 12.3-inch gauge cluster as standard in place of their old seven-inch one. Limited and Platinum trims also gain power-folding side mirrors. For 2023, the wireless charging pad fitted to all trims above LE is no longer in the center-console box, but on a shelf below the audio touchscreen for added convenience.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid LE |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$40,220 |
| Hybrid XLE |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$43,220 |
| Hybrid XLE Bronze |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$45,980 |
| Hybrid Limited |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$47,475 |
| Hybrid Platinum |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$50,675 |
This three-row hybrid SUV is far from being the pinnacle of handling prowess, and Toyota has specifically designed this vehicle to be comfortable, unexciting, and predictable. Behind the wheel, the Highlander Hybrid feels planted and sure of itself, especially in all-wheel drive guise, and feels comfortable on the highway. The light steering makes the city easy to navigate, but the turning circle could be tighter. When driving with enthusiasm, the Highlander fails to impress; the steering isn't very responsive when turning in at speed, and the body will lean through corners, followed by some understeer. It's perfect for delivering kids to school and going on road trips, but won't excite the senses or deliver the punch of the far more powerful Explorer Hybrid.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Toyota knows full well that the mid-size SUV class is packed with some impressive competition, so it has done what it does best with the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: create a good all-rounder that does everything pretty well but nothing particularly great. This car won't stand out in a full parking lot, but it's not ugly either, and the fairly spacious interior is well-equipped, even on the base model. The level of tech is also impressive for the new model year. Behind the wheel, the Highlander Hybrid could do with some more excitement, but the overall driving experience is solid and will satisfy most SUV drivers' needs. The power is enough, but it's the fuel economy that really impresses here. In terms of asking price, the Highlander Hybrid won't break the bank, but it's not the cheapest compared to the Sorento Hybrid. And if you're after something with a bit more kick, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a good option.
The most popular competitors of 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo