2023 Toyota Highlander; Why Does Launch Control Exist? | Talking Cars

[@TealSide]

Enjoying Mike on the show. He doesn't interject his thoughts when someone else is talking like most people do, which is fine to an extent, and just has a different pacing I appreciate as a viewer. It's good to have a mix of different conversation styles.

[@n_conway7571]

I bought the last 2022 highlander with a v6 in a 250 mile radius. Bought it specifically for that engine.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Now more than ever, why would anyone consider any Highlander other than the 35 mpg Hybrid? 🤔

[@ms-jl6dl]

Price? Reliability?

[@chubbysumo2230]

@@ms-jl6dl nearly the same price, and the hybrids are just as reliable as the gas engine.

[@Zeracho]

$4000 difference between the base, and base hybrid trims. $3.24/gal where I live atm, makes base trim (27 mpg) $.12/mi in gas, hybrid (35 mpg) $.0926/mi. $.0274/mi more expensive for the non-hybrid means you'll make up that difference in cost at 145,986.40 miles. Very crude calculations with only gas factored in, but it's interesting at least.

[@sandeepcheema8279]

It’s good calculations on paper given that nothing goes wrong with hybrid set up. What about cost of repairs on hybrid compared to regular models?

[@foxlake6750]

I bought the 2021 Highlander with the V6 for towing (5,000 lbs.) vs. the Hybrid (3,500 lbs.). Our other SUV is a Highlander Hybrid and if you tow 3,500 lbs., it’s a real struggle and you don’t want to do it often. The new 4 cyl. is rating to tow 5,000 lbs. and my bet is the turbo will on a lot of the time snd that will really impact the gas mileage.

[@matthelms4167]

Dropping the better V6 engine in favor of a less refined engine dropped me as a future customer. I can stomach an economy car with much less refinement because I may not have many options, but heading over $45k - I have options. Honda hasn’t dropped their V6 in the Pilot. I currently have a Honda V6 (Ridgeline) and love it.

[@jtjt8331]

Purchased a 2023 Highlander.. the 4 turbo is really fast !! Test drive it

[@S_Paoli]

am I the only one who thinks it's silly to pay over $50,000 for a Highlander without a proper V6 engine? I test drove the 2023 Highlander with the turbo 4-cylinder engine and it was just too unrefined. I don't object to having a turbo charged engine. Many other small/midsize SUVs in this price range have much smoother turbo 4-cylinder engines.

[@Justmejbful]

The turbo is more efficient, more complicated, and uses newer technology. There is no reason for it to cost less than the v6. Toyota probably already made back all the money spent to develop the v6 yeats ago. The Turbo now needs to pay for itself. Also performance is similar...sound and smoothness are the trade offs but most will get used to it. Less emmisions is the key. Most manufacturers will move to turbos sooner or later.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Engines are on their way out. Smaller, more efficient engines are going to be used instead of what we're used to. Honda will end up dropping their 6 cylinders as well. About 8-10 years ago Volvo got rid off all of their 5 and 6 cylinder cars and exclusively went with turbo-4s. They're an expensive brand of cars. With all of the speeds transmissions have, unless you get a CVT, you won't sense the engine that much. Yes, a 6 is nicer but 4s are better for the environment and are more efficient.

[@billyshannon6454]

The headlight glare from Highlanders is insane.

[@twintippedweez]

Drove the '23 4C Turbo and '22 V6 back to back. No contest. Turbo felt & sounded vastly inferior. Happy with my '22 packing the tried & true V6. V6 Highlanders are extremely reliable and will hold value.

[@eazy529]

The interesting that the new 2023 Honda Pilot, Honda upgraded its V6 to a DOHC. But Toyota changed their engine for the non hybrid Highlander to a turbo 4. Another item getting into the 3rd row is a lot easier in the pilot than the highlander

[@zjd5352]

dropping the naturally aspirated V8 & V6 from Toyota/Lexus line up, has more to do with emissions than anything else, carmakers have had to pay hefty fines for not meeting CAFE and EPA emissions standards, not just in the US but equivalents around the world.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

Honda still uses a timing belt. It’s not the 90s anymore. The engine will blow when the belt goes. Most people can barely afford oil changes never mind a timing belt service.

[@Doc1855]

I Loved the 3.5 V6 that I had in my 11 Rav 4WD Limited. It was a fast small SUV.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

The V6 required more maintenance and lacked low end torque.

[@drj6418]

Give me a Highlander any day of the week vs a Telluride or Palisade. The reliability of the Toyota vs any Hyundai product makes it a no brainer in my opinion, not too mention I kind of hate it when engines tend to catch fire as is the case with Hyundai/Kia.

[@donaldwilson2620]

The V6 engines in the Hyundai and Kia models don't really seem to have that many issues. It's the 2.4L 4 cylinder engine that seem to have the most problems. And also, the Telluride and Palisade are nice vehicles, but Toyota owners are a loyal bunch, and they most likely will stick with the Highlander.

[@MaGiKRat420]

Typical Toyota propaganda. Next, I bet you'll tell me how Toyota cars are better because of some company-wide design philosophy bullshit. I'm not defending Hyundai or any other company, although find me a warranty as long as Hyundais. I just want people to stop pretending like Toyotas are a gift from God.

[@MaGiKRat420]

Plus, Toyota donates to House Republicans. Blecchh!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

They Hyundai and Kia products have more style. Maybe the Highlander has a better build quality and definitely seems to have better reliability. But the Hyundai products are good and competitive.

[@magnoliap5824]

The lack of a true shifter (Hyundai) is a dealbreaker! I’d consider the Telluride however.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

Not sure why Toyota puts the tiny volume button way over yonder on the other side of the screen, basically in the passenger seat? Do they sell more right hand drive versions eg in Japan, Australia and the UK?

[@zenon3021]

there's volume control on the steering wheel, so you don't have to take 1 hand off the wheel to reach over. Probably did it for safety + convenience.

[@atmartens]

Honda keeping the V6 for the new Pilot sounds like it’s going to win a lot of Highlander drivers over. I own an RDX with a 4 cylinder turbo but I couldn’t imagine a 3 row suv having such a smaller engine. V6 is for the win on that size.

[@davidhillbrand2302]

I will miss the smooth V6.

[@magnoliap5824]

I have 2 yes 2 prior year highlanders, best vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’m a bit cautious about the new engine so I’m going to wait and see if there are any issues. I’ve had zero problems with mine.

[@AW-fb8hr]

Lot of interrupting when someone else is talking, I hate that. Let them finish

[@eto2352]

Forget "LAUNCH CONTROL" I want something really useful like, "FART CONTROL" or "SELF CONTROL"

[@carljaekle]

Just a thought on controls. We hear a lot from car testers, well, when you move from car to car, you want controls that are very simple, and just like the older version. Most owners, understand that, particularly if you switch brands, that there will be a need to familiarize yourself with the new vehicle control layout. It's a one time process, and people quickly pick up on the how their new vehicle functions. I personally don't mind a fresh look at the situation, which often offers new functionality, that never previously existed.

[@foxlake6750]

I bought a 2021 Highlander because of the V6 and towing capacity over the hybrid, I figured Toyota was going to the 4 cyl. in the future, but it only gets one mpg better per the EPA. Same situation when you compare the 4 cyl. CX-9 and the V6 Highlander. Not only that, when the turbo kicks in, gas mileage gets much worse. The manufacturers set up the turbos and transmissions to provide the best mpg at 60 mph, once the turbo kicks in….look out. A friend of mine has an F-150 with twin turbos, at 60 mph he gets 28 mpg, go 65 mph and it drops to 20 mpg as the turbos kick in.

[@Pube83]

Lol turbos don't work like, engaging when cruising 5mph faster.

[@Sashazur]

It’s normal for mpg to drop the faster you go.

[@chubbysumo2230]

the infotainment system is what was normal in the platinum versions of the prior MY highlanders. my hihy has the big touch screen, and its nice. it still has the climate control as their own buttons, which is 100% needed.

[@LionRunner]

Looks like CR got the new engine but a trim with the old AWD system. One with a new 2.4 Turbo + new TV-AWD system could have helped with driving experience rating. Especially on that poor weather that TV-AWD would have been a different experience. Since old Dynamic Torque Control AWD does not shift power left to right. That's why its important to test one with a Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD.

[@Justmejbful]

They bought the version most ppl will buy. Also would most people be able to identify when torque vectoring is in play?

[@fartman10284]

the L, LE, and XLE trims have the simpler Dynamic Torque Control AWD. XSE, Limited & Platinum gets the Torque Vectoring AWD. All Hybrid trims gets the rear electric motor AWD.

[@MetroidMagmoor-629]

Launch control is in so many vehicles these days… The vehicle also needs to be in proper settings and conditions for this to work

[@J.W.W.]

We’re keeping our 2017 XLE AWD. The new generation of Highlander gave up too many features, and now gave up the excellent 3.5 V6

[@Justmejbful]

Which features were given up? Rear glass opening? Engine had to be updated at some point and the performance is similar.

[@zenon3021]

do you expect all the features in the lowest trim level? The features are there, you just gotta pay for them: XSE The XSE trim represents the sporty choice in the lineup. It builds off the XLE model and adds: • 20-inch wheels • Unique sporty styling cues • Sport suspension • Chrome exterior trim • Dual exhaust tips • Interior ambient lighting Leather upholstery and the larger 12.3-inch center touchscreen are optional. Limited Stepping up to the Limited trim adds plenty of luxury items that include: • Upgraded foglights • Power-folding mirrors • Digital instrument panel • Leather upholstery • Ventilated front seats • Driver's seat memory function • Heated steering wheel • Household power outlet • 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen • Intercom system that broadcasts the driver's voice through the speakers • 11-speaker JBL audio system • Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

[@hereigoagain5050]

Do drivers of turbos get the stated EPA numbers? My belief is that turbos are a ploy to cheat the EPA test. So sad that Toyota has given up on its amazing V6s and V8s.

[@sandrametcalfe7483]

So glad I have a 2022 V6 Toyota Hylander.

[@shopwithaaron]

Launch control works great in my 2020 stinger gt line! Sadly only tried it once!

[@cityatlant1238]

Does Toyota still use the dual injection system even for the turbo charged engine. Dual injection is supposed to reduce carbon built-up significantly.

[@toronado455]

Thanks for the video.

[@TheUsflow]

Why does the Model Y Long Range AWD have more CR tested range than the Model 3 Long Range AWD? CR says Y got 315 miles and the 3 got 310 miles.

[@future62]

Sad the turbo 4 is unrefined. The old V6 was too, and it didn't have enough torque. Was thinking about the rumored Grand Highlander but I think I'm done with Toyota. Dead reliable but that's pretty much it.

[@killabandit]

I have the v6 and its smooth and strong. It is also fairly quiet, way better than the new 4.

[@Justmejbful]

Gone are the days when everyone wants an exciting turbo huh

[@kyle910910]

I have launch control and I use it at every red light!

[@Jalexander61]

Visited Toyota the other day and test drove a 2022 V6 and the new 2023 4cl turbo. The turbo was powerless and noisy. The V6 had great longevity, not these 4cl turbos. I'd lease but wouldn't own one.

[@killabandit]

Kia and Hyundai may look good, but unreliable and with all their issues right now, i wouldn't touch one.

[@eugenet6632]

Seems all new cars are getting worst and worst to comply with the eco requirements to save tiny amount of fuel.

[@KarlLetcher]

Launch control exists to give KZbin car reviewers something to flesh out their content with.

[@carljaekle]

I think it does 2 things. One, maximizes performance, in a way that does not damage the car. 2. Hopefully prevent idiots from coming up with their own ideas as to how to maximize the performance, in a way that will damage the car. Car magazines also make a big deal out of it. Seldom used by actual users.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Yeah, I see zero point to launch control. I don't see much of a point to paddle shifters either.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

While I love my ‘15 Highlander, it’s almost 200,000 miles. Time t move on. Nervous about the 2.4 turbo. Honestly the 2.5L hybrid has a tried and true motor.

[@toronado455]

They were way off on the trim availability. The XLE is the unobtainium right now because everybody wants that. Plentiful on dealer lots are the limiteds and platinums because nobody wants those.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

Lots of XLE models in the Midwest. I am actually waiting for a platinum hybrid, and they are pretty rare around here.

[@randy7068]

2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum out the door price? $70.000 Cdn and a 2 year wait.

[@gordonschiff3621]

Geez it’s a car not a navigation system. I do fine with my iPhone on a mount. Maybe people should get pacifiers issued with new cars.

[@Universal_Consciousness]

I agree, I hate the screens in all cars now, hate hate hate that.

[@professionalics]

4 cylinder and a turbo… thats a no from me!! Straight 6 is the way.

[@Justmejbful]

The number of v6/v8/non turbo SUVs continues to dwindle every year. Consumers will adapt.

[@twintippedweez]

@@Justmejbful You're right. Just like cereal box sizes and everything else - it's worse but will become the norm. It doesn't mean you can't buy the last good version before they're gone for good.

[@Humandriver5280]

A turbo cramming air into the cylinders can only shorten engine life.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It doesn't, really.

[@MattCookOregon]

I can't say I have ever been bothered by a 4 vs 6. Like who cares if you just drive normal? Maybe towing something and full car?

[@Pube83]

People dropping $45k+ with a brain, care.

[@hatalatesting6476]

Emily is an incredibly good addition to the panel.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Too big and heavy for 4 cylinder……same as Lexus RX 👎

[@Justmejbful]

No it is not. The turbo specs are similar to the v6.

[@tomdrummy4984]

@@Justmejbful numbers on a piece of paper means nothing. But you are entitled to your opinion, as am I.

[@brandoncho2587]

Get Hybrid

[@kelRGo]

Does she have to interrupt every single question?

[@Pube83]

Lol every woman on this show is annoying. The red heads voice is like nails on a chalkboard.

[@anotheran]

Summary: the highlander is a boring vehicle with a whiny turbo 4. Buy the hybrid. Top tier is a detergents in the car. It’s good to use to reduce carbon build up in direct injection engines. Launch control on a traditional automatic brake torques to maximize boost from the turbo so accelerates faster (no turbo lag) but it wears out your automatics clutch faster. A dual clutch transmission decouples the engine from the transmission so it doesn’t rely on the brakes to hold the car from moving thus much less wear than an automatic. Outside note: launch control is needed for other publications to get the lowest possible 0-60 time to publish. CR does not use launch control for any of their 0-60 tests.

[@Roddy451]

Launch control, drift mode, brake lock (Ford Mustang), "adaptive" exhaust system, etc., are just gimmicks. It is just cluttering the computer hard drive with BS.

[@datrc51]

We, car buyers, need to stop buying cars. To stop Dealer "mark up", it is a ripped off.

[@grunherzjg-5443]

V6 3,5L only💚 2,4L i4 turbo👎

[@hughvines4585]

Don't like turbo

[@gianfrancoa]

Gotta love the $1500 they paid for $200 worth of accessories

[@jtjt8331]

Poor review, clearly Toyota is the most reliable vehicle.. the telluride & Palisade uses “older engines” in their vehicles and the reliability is less than Toyota…

[@ricky8780]

I couldn’t hate this car any more. Whenever I see it, it’s lines and curves just shout out Jason X mask. It’s so god damn hideous. That alone makes everything else irrelevant for me. Kick rocks on this one Toyota.

[@Universal_Consciousness]

I think all the new Toyotas except the Prius are ugly. I love Toyotas but I'm sad they look so hideous.

[@robryan8983]

t glottalization. I cannot stand the way she pronounces the work "important." otherwise helpful as i wan the highlander. Isn't the Grand Highlander coming and worth a mention?

[@jacksonm.5314]

What is it with people not being able to pronounce "T.s" bu-ens, Impor-ant. Drives me nuts. Ruined the video for me!

[@Universal_Consciousness]

I agree, it was awful to hear that repeatedly.

[@gurp1116]

Performance zero Driving dynamics zero Luxury zero off road capability zero Reliability gone with the v6 Its a lifted van built in america