2023 Toyota Highlander

Scotching the myths. The Highlander manages to dispel a few myths about vehicles of this size, in particular the supposition of minimal driver engagement. While this is no BMW sedan, there’s a pleasing accuracy to the steering and relatively little body sway in corners thanks to the independent suspension. The ride remains composed on 18-inch wheels, though the introduction of sports suspension on XSE models is a step too far. The newly introduced 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine generates 265 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque for healthy mid-range acceleration, and FWD models can hit 60 miles an hour in less than eight seconds. Even specifying one of two available AWD systems only knocks 0.4 seconds off that time, while the more sophisticated of these systems employs torque vectoring across the rear axle to further improve roadholding.

This is one of the few eight-seater vehicles on today’s market that can deliver 36 mpg on the combined cycle, though you’ll need to order the separate Hybrid model with front (rather than all) wheel drive. Gas guzzlers return around 25 mpg combined, while the new engine hasn’t affected the old towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Just keep the engine below 4,000 rpm, otherwise, your eardrums will begin to suffer.

Eight to say I told you so. If you’re hoping to transport seven adult passengers, three of them might be rather disgruntled by the journey’s end. That’s because the Highlander’s third row is weaker than key rivals like Honda’s Pilot; it has less than 28 inches of legroom and limited headroom. The payoff for this is a cargo capacity of 16 cubic feet, while second-row passengers luxuriate in 41 inches of legroom on comfortable bench seats which can be upgraded to captain’s chairs. Either middle-row option slides forward to facilitate easier third-row access and greater legroom.

Up front, things are even better. The seats are wide and extensively adjustable, while XLE models and above receive heating and power; ventilated leather trim awaits higher up the model tree. There’s also impressive storage in a center console that faces onto a driver-canted dashboard, whose eight-inch touchscreen expands to 12.3 inches on Limited and Platinum trims. The big screen looks particularly impressive alongside the identically sized digital gauge display that’s also fitted to these models, replacing the analog dials on cheaper variants.

Toys for the boys (and girls). The high-tech infotainment display reflects the Highlander’s generous approach to standard equipment. Even the $37,635 base model has smartphone mirroring alongside a power driver’s seat and 18-inch wheels. An extra $5,500 nets you a power tailgate and sunroof alongside the big screens, with heating and power in both front seats. You could go even further and spend north of $50,000 on Platinum trim’s head-up display, ventilated leather seats, and surround-view camera system, though you might be expecting a Lexus badge for that sort of money.

Regardless of budget, the Highlander is a very safe vehicle. It’s consistently received top scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA, while every model receives adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It’s disappointing that XLE trim is the first to receive blind-spot monitoring, and you might want to add the surround-view camera system if it’s not fitted to your preferred trim, as judging the vehicle’s extremities is complicated by chunky roof pillars.

Final thoughts. There’s a refreshing honesty to the Highlander. While it attempts to play down its size and mass, Toyota isn’t trying to convince you that you’re in a family sedan or a minivan. If sliding side doors are your bag, the Sienna has you covered – here, it’s all about well-assembled internal components and acres of space. It’s hard to imagine any family needing more space than this unless they have at least four adult children to transport.

With competitive pricing allied to impressive across-the-range safety, the Highlander is a practical option, too. Disappointments are few – the engine becomes rowdy under heavy acceleration, there aren’t many optional extras, and blind-spot monitoring isn’t standard on the cheapest model. Even the underwhelming three-year warranty is unlikely to be an issue given Toyota’s legendary reliability. It’s not an exciting vehicle, but the Highlander makes a great deal of sense as a rugged and commodious family hold-all.

Check prices for the 2023 Toyota Highlander