The 2023 Toyota Highlander gasoline fashions are geared up with a brand new, higher-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged engine. The 265-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes use of stability shafts for super-smooth efficiency, delivers 310 lb-ft (420 N·m) of torque. This ends in a major 17% improve over the earlier 3.5-liter V6 engine’s 263 lb-ft (357 N·m).
Gas effectivity can be improved for this higher-torque engine with an EPA-estimate of as much as 25 MPG mixed. The brand new engine, commonplace throughout all gasoline grades, can be extra environmentally aware, with greater than a 50% discount in NOx and NMOG in comparison with the outgoing V6 engine.
The brand new Highlander turbo fashions are geared up to tow as much as 5,000-pounds and embrace Trailer Sway Management (TSC), which makes use of the Automobile Stability Management (VSC) to assist management undesirable trailer motion. To assist scale back gasoline consumption and emissions, the usual Cease and Begin Engine System permits the engine to close off when the car comes to a whole cease and immediately restarts when the motive force’s foot lifts from the brake pedal.
Arriving at dealerships nationwide this month, the 2023 Highlander with the brand new turbo engine can have a beginning MSRP of $36,420 and the 2023 Highlander Hybrid can have a beginning MSRP of $40,220.
The 2023 Highlander turbo fashions supply a alternative of FWD or two totally different out there AWD techniques. For the Highlander Fuel L, LE and XLE fashions, the non-compulsory AWD system can ship as much as 50% of accessible torque to the rear wheels to assist counter wheel slip when crucial.
The Highlander XSE, Restricted and Platinum turbo fashions step as much as a extra performance-minded system, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Choose and Driveline Disconnect. Along with governing torque distribution between the entrance and rear wheels, this superior system makes use of particular couplings to actively handle torque distribution between the left and proper rear wheels.
For much more management for the gasoline all-wheel drive iteration, Downhill Help Management (DAC) can be out there. When AWD will not be wanted, resembling in regular freeway cruising, rear Driveline Disconnect mechanically disengages drive to the rear wheels and stops the propeller shaft’s rotation, serving to to scale back gasoline consumption. The system seamlessly re-engages when AWD is required to deal with highway situations.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD doesn’t merely react to wheel slippage. An AWD Built-in Administration (AIM) system manages Electrical Energy Steering (EPS), throttle management, transmission shift management and drive torque distribution to repeatedly assist optimize dealing with.
Utilizing the Multi-Terrain Choose management dial on the console, the motive force can maximize traction for prevailing situations. Mud & Sand mode works properly for seaside driving, whereas Rock & Grime mode optimizes AWD traction for trails. The motive force can monitor, in actual time, torque allocation and slip management on the Multi-Info Show (MID).
Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid, with its 36 mixed MPG EPA-estimated ranking, accounts for greater than 1 / 4 of Highlander gross sales within the US. The 2023 Highlander Hybrid, supplied in each FWD and AWD, combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electrical motor-generators. The gasoline engine employs Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electrical motor (VVT-iE) on the consumption camshaft, and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electrical water pump, electrical thermostat) and a totally variable oil pump assist to additional improve engine effectivity.
The gasoline engine and Motor Generator 2 (MG2) work in live performance to ship dynamic efficiency, whereas each MG1 and MG2 cost the hybrid battery. The hybrid delivers 243 whole system horsepower, EPA-estimated 36 mixed MPG and a towing capability of as much as 3,500 kilos for all grades. The Highlander Hybrid’s battery pack is put in below the second-row seats, so it doesn’t take away any cargo or passenger house.
The distinctive AWD system for Highlander Hybrid employs a separate rear-mounted electrical motor to energy the rear wheels when wanted. Just like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD system is designed to work seamlessly.
As well as, all Highlander fashions, along with hybrid, embrace Hill Begin Help Management (HAC) and Trailer Sway Management (TSC) for optimum on-road and off-road efficiency and security.
The Highlander Hybrid affords selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes that allow the motive force select the car’s efficiency persona. ECO mode extracts most effectivity from the gasoline and battery, whereas NORMAL mode is right for on a regular basis driving. SPORT mode quickens the throttle response from the hybrid system for improved acceleration management. A bonus is the EV mode, which permits electric-only driving at low speeds for brief distances.
Regenerative braking captures the vitality of the turning wheels because the car slows, sending it to the hybrid battery. To foster better management when driving in hilly areas, the motive force can manually management regenerative braking in steps, just like the engine braking impact of downshifting a handbook transmission.
Highlander Hybrid’s Predictive Environment friendly Drive (PED) analyzes the motive force’s every day driving habits and upcoming highway and site visitors situations to optimize battery utilization and charging. The extra the car is pushed, the extra knowledge is collected, thereby serving to to help gasoline environment friendly driving patterns.
