2023 Toyota Highlander: Choosing the Right Trim

With seating for up to eight people, the 2023 Toyota Highlander appeals to families needing lots of room, good fuel economy, and exceptional value.

For 2023, the Highlander gets a new 265-horsepower, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and a host of new standard and optional features. The new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine has more torque than the outgoing V6, giving the Highlander better acceleration and passing power but no change in fuel economy.

All-wheel drive (AWD) remains an option across the range, adding between $1,600 and $2,000 depending on trim.

In these times of high gas prices, buyers may want to look to the fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid (reviewed separately). The Highlander competes with such vehicles as the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.

Highlander L
Starts at $36,420 | See listings

• 8-inch touchscreen
• 6-speaker audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Power driver’s seat
• Adaptive cruise control
• LED headlights
• Five USB ports
• Heated power-adjustable mirrors
• Adaptive cruise control
• Optional AWD
• 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats
• See more

Highlander LE
Starts at $38,820 | See listings

• Blind-spot monitor/rear cross-traffic alert
• Power rear liftgate
• Leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel
• See more

Highlander XLE
Starts at $41,820 | See listings

• SofTex seat upholstery
• 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs
• Optional 8-passenger seating
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Second-row sunshades
• Optional 12.3-inch touchscreen
• See more

Highlander XSE
Starts at $43,415 | See listings

• 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs
• Heated power front seats
• Optional leather upholstery
• Ambient interior lighting
• Blind-spot monitor/rear cross-traffic alert
• Optional 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Optional 11-speaker sound system
• See more

Highlander Limited
Starts at $46,075 | See listings

• 7-passenger seating with captain’s chairs
• Leather upholstery (first and second row)
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Faux wood door trim
• Cargo cover
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• 11-speaker audio system
• Optional Panoramic View Monitor
• Front and rear parking assist
• Cargo cover
• See more

Highlander Platinum
Starts at $49,275 | See listings

• Heated second-row seats
• Digital rearview mirror
• Head-up display
• Panoramic View Monitor
• Illuminated metal front-door scuff plates
• See more

2023 Toyota Highlander L: $36,420

The Highlander L is the least expensive way to get the most from the Highlander’s 3-row interior. It features second- and third-row bench seats providing seating for up to eight people.

Putting safety front and center, the Highlander L comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5+. The suite includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with steering assist that helps nudge the vehicle back into its lane.

Also included are automatic high-beam headlights, lane-tracing assist (keeps the car centered between lane markings), full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, and Toyota’s Road Sign Assist, which can recognize various road signs and alert the driver to take notice.

Other safety systems include a rear backup camera, anti-lock brakes, electronic traction and stability control, and eight airbags that include a driver’s knee airbag and three-row side curtain airbags.

The Highlander is tow-rated up to 5,000 pounds and comes standard with Trailer Sway Control.

A quick walk around the L reveals 18-inch painted alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED taillights, heated power side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and rear privacy glass.

Additional equipment includes washer-linked variable intermittent front wipers with de-icers and a rear wiper with a washer for the rear window and rear backup camera lens.

Thanks to the Smart Key system, gaining entry to the Highlander L couldn’t be easier. Smart Key uses a proximity key fob that alerts the vehicle to your presence, allowing the doors to unlock when touched and the liftgate to open hands-free. Also, the engine can be started remotely with the push of a button.

Once inside, you’ll find handsome and durable cloth upholstery covering all three rows, with an 8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way manual passenger seat. The Highlander’s 60/40 second-row seats recline and fold flat, as does the 60/40-split folding third-row seating.

Standard amenities include auto-up/down power windows, tri-zone automatic climate control with second-row control panel, sliding front sun visors with lighted vanity mirrors, an overhead console with conversation mirror, sunglass storage, and map lights.

A tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls greets the driver and a 7-inch digital multi-information gauge cluster screen. The Highlander provides no less than 14 cup and bottle holders throughout the cabin to ensure everyone remains hydrated.

An 8-inch color touchscreen controls the 6-speaker sound system, which links to an AM/FM radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa. Owners can access Toyota’s Connected Services through a subscription, which includes Safety Connect and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The Highlander L has five USB ports total: one data port in the front console, two USB charge ports in the front row, and two more in the second row.

Opting for AWD brings Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system, with settings for Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Normal.

With the $1,335 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Highlander L is $37,755. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $712. See 2023 Toyota Highlander L models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Highlander L includes:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control – Provides automatic climate settings for the first and second rows and includes a separate control panel for rear passengers.
• Adaptive cruise control – An advanced cruise control system allows the driver to set the distance between the Highlander and the car ahead. The system will automatically slow or speed up to maintain the desired range as traffic patterns change.
• Power driver’s seat – Provides 8-way power adjustment helping drivers of all sizes find the perfect driving position.
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – Grants access to a smartphone’s messages, music, apps, and navigation via the car’s infotainment system.

2023 Toyota Highlander LE: $38,820

Building off the L, the LE adds a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, a height-adjustable power rear liftgate with remote operation via the key fob, LED fog lights, plus a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel.

The LE features an upgraded infotainment system with a 1-year trial subscription to Remote Connect services. Remote Connect allows a smartphone or smartwatch to communicate with your car, enabling remote start, last parked location, and vehicle status alerts, among other services.

With the $1,335 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Highlander LE is $40,155. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $758. See 2023 Toyota Highlander LE models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE: $41,820

The XLE trim begins to move the Highlander into a more luxurious place, with a bit more style and optional upgrades. The XLE ditches the second-row bench seat in favor of captain’s chairs, which reduces the total passenger count to seven. However, the bench seat can be added back at no additional charge.

Building off the LE, the XLE gains a hands-free power liftgate, 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, a power moonroof, and silver-painted roof rails.

Additional convenience features include a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and second-row sunshades.

SofTex vinyl upholstery covers the seats, looking and feeling like leather but with a more durable lifespan. Heated front seats are standard, as is a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support and an 8-way power passenger seat.

Optional for the XSE is a Premium Audio Package that adds a 12.3-inch center touchscreen, premium audio, and a 3-year trial to Dynamic Navigation featuring over-the-air updates.

A popular standalone option is Driver Easy Speak, which amplifies the driver’s voice through the speakers, making it easy to converse with rear-seat passengers.

With the $1,335 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE is $43,155. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $814. See 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Highlander XLE includes:

• Hands-free liftgate – There is no need to fumble with the key fob or even have a free hand to work the touchpad. Just swipe your foot under the bumper, and the liftgate opens automatically.
• Captain’s chair seating – This helpful upgrade provides second-row passengers with individual seats, a folding armrest, and a place to put their drinks.
• Power sunroof – The Highlander’s tilt-and-slide glass sunroof can be left unshaded to let in more light, vented for a bit more air circulation, or fully opened.
• Heated front seats – With multilevel heated front seats, both driver and passenger can keep warm without adjusting the interior climate controls.

2023 Toyota Highlander XSE: $43,415

The XSE adds a sporty feel to the Highlander with racy 20-inch black alloy wheels, a mesh front grille, and a lower front spoiler. Color-keyed side rocker with chrome trim, black roof rails, and twin-tip exhaust outlets complete the look.

Upgrades for the XSE include ambient interior lighting and a sport suspension featuring high-rate springs, a rear stabilizer bar, and low-friction shocks.

The XSE offers two interior upholstery options. Buyers can choose between black SofTex trimmed seats with fabric inserts or an attractive red and black leather combo with a red-stitched dash pad.

Other options include an upgraded audio setup with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Dynamic Navigation, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.

The addition of AWD brings a more advanced drive system featuring Active Torque Vectoring and Driveline Disconnect. Active Torque Vectoring actively manages torque distribution between left and right wheels, helping improve performance when cornering or encountering slippery road conditions. Driveline Disconnect automatically disconnects the driveline to the rear wheels, helping save on fuel when AWD isn’t needed.

With the $1,335 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE is $44,750. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $844. See 2023 Toyota Highlander XSE models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Highlander Limited: $46,075

The Limited ups the Highlander’s game, bringing more luxury and technology and a few exclusive features shared only with the top-line Platinum.

New for 2023 is a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Limited also gains power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights and a reverse tilt-down feature.

Building off the XSE, the Limited adds leather upholstery, Dynamic Navigation, the 11-speaker JBL audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, plus front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.

Also standard on Limited are high-output LED fog lights, LED daytime running lights, acoustic noise-reducing front side windows, and 20-inch chrome wheels.

The Limited amenities include 2-position memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors, a heated steering wheel, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, and the Driver Easy Speak system.

Additional options include a Bird’s-Eye View Camera with 360-degree views and a free-of-charge second-row bench seat.

With the $1,335 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Limited is $47,410. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $895. See 2023 Toyota Highlander Limited models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Highlander Limited includes:

• 12.3-inch digital cluster – This large digital cluster replaces traditional gauges and is configurable with four modes: Casual, Tough, Sporty, and Smart.
• JBL audio – This impressive system features a 1,400-watt amp driving 11 speakers and comes equipped with surround sound and Clari-Fi music restoration technology.
• Heated and ventilated front seats – Equipped with tiny fans, the ventilated front seats circulate chilled air, helping occupants stay cool and dry.
• Heated steering wheel – Heating elements inside the rim quickly warm the wheel, making it more comfortable to grip after a night standing in subfreezing temperatures.

2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum: $49,275

The Platinum trim approaches Lexus-like luxury levels and is without question the ultimate Highlander.

Offering no options, the Platinum builds off the Limited with heated second-row seats, adaptive headlights that swivel in the direction of the steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and the 360-degree Bird’s-Eye View Camera.

Also included are illuminated front-door metal scuff plates, rain-sensing wipers, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

With the $1,335 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum is $50,610. On a 60-month loan with 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $955. See 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum models for sale near you

2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum includes:

• Panoramic sunroof – This massive glass panel covers the first and second rows and includes a power sunshade for easy 1-button operation.
• Head-up display – Projects pertinent information such as speed and navigation directions onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
• Heated second-row seats – Give passengers the ability to quickly heat their seats, keeping them warm and comfy without the need to crank up the climate control.
• Bird’s-Eye View Camera – With cameras at the front, rear and sides, this system can display a 360-degree view outside the vehicle, helping you avoid obstacles that otherwise might be out of sight.