The 2023 Toyota Highlander Positive aspects a Turbocharger

It’s tough to not be impressed by the sportier choices manufactured by Toyota, like the GR Corolla or Supra. Nonetheless, autos like the Toyota Highlander are the bread and butter of the automaker’s mannequin vary. Whereas the model’s automobiles and crossovers are seen as boring, they no less than carry a stamp of reliability. So when Toyota introduces the brand new 2023 Highlander, there’s not a ton of pleasure, however enhancements below the hood may entice a little bit extra of your curiosity.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander will include a brand new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine within the SUV’s gasoline-powered fashions. The 265-horsepower inline-four makes 30 horsepower lower than the three.5-liter V6 engine it replaces. Although, the brand new engine is an enchancment in two areas, torque and emissions. The turbocharged engine produces 310 pound-feet of torque, a 17 % enhance when in comparison with the outgoing V6 engine’s benchmark of 263 pound-feet. Toyota additionally claims that this new engine reduces the Highlander’s NOx and NMOG emissions by greater than 50 %.

The extra premium trim ranges of the Highlander akin to XSE, Restricted and Platinum fashions provide all-wheel drive. The performance-minded system options Dynamic Torque Vectoring with Drive Mode Choose and Driveline Disconnect. The Highlander Hybrid Restricted and Platinum fashions additionally function all-wheel drive. Nonetheless, on hybrid fashions, the gas-powered engine is mounted to the entrance axle whereas the electrical motor drives the rear wheels.

The brand new Toyota Highlander will probably be arriving at dealerships this month. The bottom mannequin with the brand new turbocharged four-cylinder engine begins at $36,420. The hybrid mannequin begins at an MSRP of $40,220. Whereas each Toyota on the highway can’t be a GR Corolla, it’s fascinating to see the prolific Japanese automaker hold efficiency in thoughts for the Highlander.