2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - Upgraded But Is It Enough?

In this video I review the new 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid with a new infotainment system. Is this new 12.3" touchscreen a big upgrade? Also there is also a new turbo powertrain option for the Highlander as well. Check out the exterior and interior and learn more about the Highlander's features, powertrain, and drive. Is the 2023 Highlander still a worthy midsize SUV to buy?

[@jackwwPTTOS]

35MPG, reliability and resale value... that's all that matters for me

[@daviddonaldson5076]

I want 35 mph, don’t need the third row and want reliability. Keeps alluding to telluride and palisade. You can have the fancier interior. I will take the gas savings and reliability all day as I tour the country.

[@cia9419]

Why don’t you go for Rav 4 Hybrid?

[@kimmerkt6710]

I pick mine up Monday. It will be my first Toyota. I test drove a bunch of them and felt most comfortable in the Highlander. The steering is amazing, easy to see, comfortable streets and great gas mileage

[@paulm6481]

Great review, love the fact you are not sugar coating anything.

[@jtjt8331]

Impressed with the turbo 4 just traded in a V8 Lexus for the Highlander in Black .. can’t beat Toyota Quality!!!

[@josephlan373]

Digital review mirror is standard on the Platinum trim (I just picked up mine). Toyota had a parts shortage problem on the DRM for a period of time last year, so some Highlanders (and Siennas) were built without them. That shortage has been resolved, and new builds have the feature.

[@randy7068]

I just ordered one and I am happy. I have owned 4 Toyota's and not one has ever had anything break on it. Have your Palisade or whatever in the garage after the warranty runs out and see how much you like it. My 2015 Rav 4 looks like new and runs like new. Reliability is one important thing that car reviewers always forget to mention. Kia and Hyundai don't have the reliability that Toyota has.

[@leilaalexandralopezramirez7626]

which exterior color do y’all love between the wind chill pearl or moon dust for the toyota highlander?

[@rohankapoor5423]

Moon dust

[@jtjt8331]

Black or blueprint

[@paulm6481]

I think where Toyota has to be careful, is that really all important reputation for reliability may be jeopardized by these newish turbo engines.

[@BuccaneersBliss]

Smaller displacement turbo engines are not new. Been around for at least 10 years

[@Tosabang]

Really you think palisade and telluride comfort level kinda botter smooth? Really? Did u check tire pressure? Man after drove palisade i felt like i came to heaven while i drove Highlander. Definitely better ride quality it has.

[@hsbd-hl7gn]

Change to 2.4 turbo is because of emissions and compliance

[@winstondeocampo699]

Spot on review. Aside from its reputation for reliability, most toyotas are like appliances. Really nothing to write home about. I think Honda and Mazda are better vehicles.

[@Fokkkker]

our 2023 highlander hybrid platinum has the digital rear view mirror

[@wabbit7608]

This engine noise is nothing compared to the new replacement 4 cylinder turbo engine. That is why I thought I'd look at a hybrid, I don't like a lot of engine noise like I'm on a racetrack. I don't need attention with a loud muffler or engine noise.

[@Twisted_Individual]

Don't even talk about Korean cars... look good and that's it. So much issues with Hyundai and Kia..

[@paulm6481]

I think these new engines are compliance engines. On paper they emit few pollutants even if fuel economy may only be marginally better. People who buy Toyotas don’t care. They want something reliable. Toyota’s reputation will sell these. Looks and performance are really secondary. It sure doesn’t look pretty though in or out.

[@JohnSmith-qy2wm]

👍

[@vagabond1776]

All the cheap trim pieces is why I’ve stayed away from Toyota for the longest time. HOWEVER, they’re currently the only econo brand that offers both direct and port fuel injected engines….and the GR Corolla is pretty badass.🤪

[@naveenthemachine]

Nothing good to say about this Highlander. The turbo will significantly reduce reliability so there goes the whole Toyota reliability argument. Not to mention it’s not as well built as others, and the interior space is too small. Plus it can get very expensive So idk why you’d buy one when other SUVs that are far better in styling, build quality, materials, tech, space, cargo, comfort, NVH, ride/handling, value, etc. Your forcing yourself to sacrifice too much for the expectation of future reliability Every brand is reliable these days, as long as you take care of it. Yes eve Hyundai kia jeep can all be reliable for a while as long as you maintain them and don’t stress the drivetrain. Plain and simple

[@rafars2246]

There's no transmission, no cvt at all, even if called that.

[@Redneckboy991]

I ordered the Highlander hybrid platinum to replace my 2012 Chevy Traverse. The test drive was a Highlander limited. I was surprised that my 13 year old Traverse still drives and handles better than the Highlander.

[@totiriel6079]

ARE YOU SERIOUS COMPAIRING TOYOTA TO KIA AND HYUNDAI? THOSE VEHICLES ARE DISPOSABLE AND LIKE CHINA MADE PRODUCT THAT EASILY BREAKS. THE MAIN REASON WHY PEOPLE BUY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IS THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COST!

[@anwarulhoque3059]

Please don't review Toyota. It is not for you.

[@tommytufguy3432]

The CX-90 will eat this alive

[@curlykoa6814]

Tiny

[@naveenthemachine]

Literally anything will eat the Highlander alive. Is that a surprise

[@jtjt8331]

Toyota quality.. suggestion, do not review Toyota’s you clearly do not like

[@zenon3021]

so you want him to lie to you and say everything is awesome? o.O

[@YellowRoseDrones]

I'm getting anywhere from 33 MPG to 37 MPG, sometimes higher, on my 2023 Highlander Hybrid bronze Edition. I love it.

[@HarjanLidder]

if you want 3rd row comfortable seats you should get a Tahoe or suburban you also have to consider this highlander is way cheaper then the telluride and palisade and more reliable. nothing beats toyota reliability

[@paulc2548]

Toyota sells because of its reputation to be very reliable. Toyota rarely is a "great/beautiful" looking car, it technologies rarely on the cutting edge, and its interior materials rarely is top notch (like faux lather seats and hard plastic used through the car). Quite frankly, I buy Toyota because I hate auto repair bills :)...that is about it.

[@naveenthemachine]

You’ll be seeing auto repair bills on this once the turbo goes out. So already your argument is invalid

[@paulc2548]

@@naveenthemachine My reasoning is based on my forty plus years of ownership of four different Toyota vehicles. None ever gave me any unexpected problem. I don't know if their latest engines with turbos will be reliable or not because I don't own ones. Be as it may, most peoples buy a Toyota because they believe in Toyota's reliability. If the Toyota reliability suffers, then Toyota will be doomed.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@paulc2548 well Toyota quality has really degraded lately. Not to mention issues like the bz4x wheels falling off, rav4 hybrid cable gate etc. Toyota and Lexus going turbo 4 on most cars means lower reliability. It’s just a fact. Taking a complex powertrain and sticking a Toyota logo on it doesn’t make it instantly reliable

[@paulcheang1470]

@@naveenthemachine I do agree with you and complexity of the late may lower Toyota reliability a bit. I am not a big fan of smallish engine with turbo vs a naturally aspirated V6 and etc…. I wish they keep the V6 option opened.

[@java2894]

@@naveenthemachine that turbo engine is in the lexus for some years and no problem so that proves it

[@jimmypowell7508]

From what i understand - Toyota went to the 4cyl Turbo for emissions

[@jaywho476]

So why not mention which cars in this class ride better? Exasperating.

[@thatkidjoly]

Would be perfect if it still had the 3.5 V6

[@paulc2548]

I totally agree that Toyota should leave the v6 as an option!

[@jtjt8331]

The 4 turbo is amazing same as 6 just bought one

[@MathewBT81]

Highlander gets all the important bits right and all the extra fluff is really just that. Great review as always 🏆

[@markdougherty1636]

Good review.

[@K1600-l7f]

Scratch your head no longer, wondering why they ditched the smooth V6 for the future problem-prone 2.4 turbo. It was simply for a decrease in certain engine emissions. Period. The green weenies won that battle and buyers who choose this turbo option will end up paying the price in decreased engine longevity.

[@terencetiu5099]

Hey George! Great review as always. Long time fan. I have a Lucid Air Touring if you're interested in reviewing it. Would be great to get your thoughts on it.

[@wyw201]

By the time Toyota clears their backlog of highlanders, a new model would’ve arrived to generate more demand.

[@java2894]

i want a vehicle to last and its toyota because looks is deciving

[@CarlosMartinez-mr1qb]

Great Review!!! Thanks

[@zemo2332]

Great review 👍

[@RichQ01]

Thanks G! 🙌🏽

[@eddieg9381]

Great Video, you were great, I’m definitely not buying this vehicle!! Keep up your great works!

[@famicomnintendo]

How many bitcoins does it cost?

[@tommytufguy3432]

2.2

[@paulc2548]

@@tommytufguy3432 or... 30oz of 24k gold :).

[@NoorAdin99]

Then or now

[@jimsmith8324]

Just wait until the 2024 update of the Hyundai Santa Fe, with the longer wheel base, comes out. The upgrades to the Highlander won't be enough.