New Turbocharged Engine Revs Up 2023 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has been the No. 1 retail midsize SUV for six years running, no easy feat in one of the most intensely competitive segments.

Photo Insert: The 2023 Toyota Highlander

For 2023, Highlander is giving buyers even more reasons to choose this hands-down winner, starting with an all-new engine for the gas models and also including larger multimedia screens and other amenities for greater value across all grades and powertrains, PR Newswire reported.

For 2023, the Highlander gas models receive a big and helpful change with a new, higher-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged engine. The 265-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which uses balance shafts for super-smooth performance, delivers 309 lb-ft of torque.

This is a significant 17% increase over the previous 3.5-liter V6 engine's 263 lb-ft. The driver will feel this gain in everyday driving situations, especially when taking advantage of the Highlander's 7- or 8-person seating and generous cargo capacity.

Just as important, fuel efficiency remains the same as the V6 for this higher-torque engine with a manufacturer-estimated 24 MPG combined.

The new engine, standard across all gas grades, is also more environmentally friendly, with more than a 50% reduction in NOx and NMOG as well as an improvement in CO2 emissions compared to the outgoing V6 engine.

The new Highlander turbo models are equipped to tow up to 5,000-pounds and include Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help control unwanted trailer movement.

To help reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the standard Stop and Start Engine System allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and instantly restarts when the driver's foot lifts from the brake pedal.

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