2024 Toyota Highlander Turbo Full Review: Available With an Optional Hybrid Powertrain – Multiple iterations of a V6 gasoline engine have been hidden away in the Toyota Highlander’s hood since the vehicle’s introduction around the beginning of the twentieth century. However, even a mass market brand with a reputation for being as conservative as Toyota must eventually adapt to the changing times. The 2023 Highlander is best prepared to maintain its position as a segment leader thanks to a smaller engine and a long-overdue technological refresh.
2024 Toyota Highlander Turbo Full Review
The most notable change to the 2023 Highlander is not likely to be mechanical, but rather an addition to the inside. Once only available in the 2022 Tundra pickup as well as several Lexus cars, Toyota’s Audio Interactive Multimedia infotainment has now made its way into the 2023 Highlander. It’s a huge step up from the old, depressing Entune method which Japan insisted on for so long. This new telematics improvement, which was developed in the United States, is a significant improvement over previous versions.
The entry-level model comes with a 7″ touchscreen, which is a significant improvement over Entune’s 4.3″ display, but the test unit I had was equipped with the largest available display, which was 12.4″. I think it’s a fantastic system thanks to the built-in Google Maps navigation, user-friendly interface, increased responsiveness, and inclusion of both Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto as standard equipment.
The one major drawback is that occupants can’t make any changes to the settings or interact with some sections of the entertainment system while the car is in motion, possibly to prevent the motorist from distracting as well as forming relationships with a guardrail. However, this can be easily circumvented by linking the accessibility of said menu to the passenger seat sensor typically used to deactivate the airbag whenever the seat is vacant. It seems unnecessary to stop the car so the passengers can get out and use the restroom.
In addition to the conventional instrument cluster, the Limited and Platinum models feature a second 12.3-inch screen. It’s a wonderful bonus for higher trims to have this, as there are a variety of visual themes to choose from and a lot of customizability to tweak via on-screen menus accessible via buttons upon that steering wheel. There are other models that get by perfectly well with a 7″ TFT screen tucked in between analog dials.
Qi wireless sensor charger represents one of my favourite 2023 innovations. Toyota has relocated the gadget from the center console to the nook somewhere under the multimedia display, where it will be more easily accessible and less likely to be lost. There really are two USB-C connectors for the front row as well as two more for the back, plus a USB-A port for those who prefer a cable connection.
2024 Toyota Highlander Turbo Engine
Toyota still offers a hybrid drivetrain as an upgrade for the Highlander, but this year’s most notable modification is to the standard gas model. The outgoing 3.5-L V6 has been retired in favor of a new, more efficient 2.5-L turbocharged inline-four. Power has been reduced by 31 horsepower to a total of 266, but torque has been increased by 47 pounds-feet; this is the kind of low-end grunt that matters more in day-to-day driving than peak output ever could. 2024 Toyota Highlander Turbo Full Review
That is the most important thing I learned during a short road trip I had outside of Nashville. In no way have I felt that the Highlander’s 2.5-L engine was insufficient. It has plenty of go-fast while just tooling around town, and although it has a slightly distinct sound profile than a normally aspirated V6, it is not in any way buzzy or irritating. The conventional 8-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and unobtrusive, smoothly shifting between gears. 2024 Toyota Highlander Turbo Full Review
Also contributing to improved fuel economy is this turbocharged engine with a reduced displacement. Highlanders with a FWD 2.5-L engine get an expected 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the interstate, as well as 25 mpg overall, according to the EPA. The fuel economy drops by 1 mpg when AWD is included. Although the 1-mpg increase over the V6 is really not particularly impressive, switching to the smaller turbo-four did lower emissions by almost 50% comparing to the V6, even while increasing torque. It’s a win situation, as the Highlander’s fuel economy still beats that of the V6-equipped Chevrolet Traverse, Pilot, as well as Kia Telluride.
2024 Toyota Highlander Turbo Price and Release Date
This 2023 Toyota Highlander has been reasonably priced, especially considering the number number of available trims (six) as well as the number of available features (many). Pricing for a base model Highlander L with the FWD and delivery adds up to $37,756. Buying a fully-loaded Platinum FWD will set you back $50,611. The cost to upgrade to AWD begins at $1,601 for the base trim and rises to $1,951 for the following three trim levels.
This 2023 Toyota Highlander is, at its core, the same practical three-row midsize SUV which might carry a family as well as their belongings in more than adequate style and comfort across hell’s half-acre. Improvements towards its powertrain plus cabin technology are noteworthy and stay true to the storyline. 2024 Toyota Highlander Turbo Full Review
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