Can A Turbocharged Highlander Live Up To Toyota's V6 Legacy? | 2023 Toyota Highlander 

The thing is is that the ones who are not gonna like the removal of the V6 aew car enthusiasts. However, the amount of buyers who buy this don't even know what engine it has. They just know its gonna go.

I drove a '22 with the V6 and a '23 with the new turbo on the same afternoon. No contest. V6 felt strong, quiet & smooth. 4C turbo was just gross & mismatched to the vehicle. Sounded terrible too. Not to mention first gen adoption, reliability, & extra concerns with a turbo in colder climates. Toyota didn't make the change because their engineers told them to or their customers were wanting it. They did it to meet regulations. All V6 Highlanders jumped in price the moment Toyota announced this change. I scooped up a low milage 22 and love it. Also "improved fuel economy" is a joke. The V6 vs the 4C Turbo has the same improvement listed for both city and highway MPG. That improvement for both categories is 1 MPG. Hard pass.

First Lexus and now Toyota getting engine downgrades. Sad to see

Let’s see if the new engine can routinely hit 300k miles with normal maintenance like the V6 can. The minuscule bump in torque isn’t worth the buzz, drone, and vibration. No marked increase in fuel economy nor emissions, and a higher price.

The sound makes all the difference, it’s the feeling…RIP 2GR series, I will hold on to mine until she dies

I get the switch to a turbo 4, but the gas mileage difference is really negligible between this and the V6. Just looked up the specs - 20 city, 28 hwy, 23 combined vs the new turbo at 21 city, 28 hwy, 24 combined. Losing the reliability benefit of the V6, the smoothness, and the quietness makes me sad for the swap. For the average person though, they won't care and it's a car for them at the end of the day.

Got a gas model two weeks ago. It's easily the most sophisticated and refined car/SUV we've ever owned, let alone a great Toyota. This is vehicle No. 6 for us from that company. We are only just getting acquainted, but so far we love ours.

At some point, I’d expect the 2.5+hybrid to become the “standard” Highlander and the 2.4T+Hybrid Max to be the “optional” engine. This is just the bridge to get there for the Highlander…note how Toyota has mostly removed the “hybrid” branding from its hybrid models.

I think Alex is underestimating the importance of a smooth, refined and quiet ride to the average consumer. IMO I think that's one reason his reviews are so popular because he's one of the only reviewers who includes decibel readings in his full reviews. Also, since Toyota kept the Hybrid engine option they should have just kept the V6. Anyone who ranks emissions as a primary concern over performance and refinement can choose the hybrid.

Thank you for the review, specially the driving insight, I was waiting for real world performance and you´ve delivered that.

My first Toyota SUV! Amazing video Alex.

Thank you so much for this! Now only wish the dealers ask "regular" price.

Love your work Alex :-) I completely agree about torque being more important for most situations, but horsepower is down about 30 hp, which I would have *killed* for in my '65 GTO back in the '70's :-) Still, I'll take the extra torque of the turbo I4. I definitely agree with your remarks regarding the seeming lack of sound deadening to quiet the engine down. I guess that's why Lexus will be happy to sell you a TX (someday, which can't come soon enough for me!)

We own a 2013 with 145,000 miles. It’s not the best handling Highlander but it has been a reliable workhorse. 20 mpg mixed and as high as 26 on the highway all at elevations under 1,000 ft. We’ve driven some 4 cylinder turbo SUVs both Japanese and German models. Even the luxury brands are too noisy with turbo 4s. A v6 is just flat out less noisy. It’s sad how much you have to pay to get a quiet vehicle.

Alex, As you have said in earlier reviews and said again today, the Highlander Hybrid is, was and will be the one to get. 🤩 Has anyone else noticed how much more 'traditional' and comforting Toyota's Hybrids seem with each new model introduction? 🤔

Love the Highlander NOT tue turbo, probably off the list or 22 model year, nothing like the old reliable V6 , you said it at the end the reliability will be the issue with the turbo. Nice video!!!

I wish they had continued with the V6

Now that you mentioned it, that same T24A-FTS engine, that requires Premium in the RX, or it will knock and get damaged - is magically tuned down, adjusted to thrive on cheap fuel - for poorer people to enjoy. Genius. Thank you for bringing it up 👍🏻

I know people who will not buy a turbocharged vehicle due to reliability concerns, while for me a turbo would be of little concern IF the engine has been out for a bit and has proven itself.

Love your videos! Please mention if the engine is direct injection or both port and direct or port only. I believe almost all Toyota vehicles are both which I believe is a highly underrated feature, the fact that i dont have to worry about carbon buildup on the intake valves is a huge plus for me!

If Toyota put a “turbo” badge on the back of the Highlander, it would probably alienate most Toyota buyers. Most Highlander shoppers only know it has an engine, much less a turbo. I wish they turbocharged the 3.5L instead.

This still on my list. Now that the beloved 2GR-FE is off the list, (have one and wont sell it ever) it would be interesting to see a head to head tow test with this Highlander and the Subaru Ascent.

I love how all the people in the comments are saying they won’t buy one, Toyota doesn’t care, it sells no matter what.

This is my next vehicle thanks for the info 😊

The Toyota Highlander with the v6 hybrid is way a superior product to the 4 cylinder hybrid, when this new 4 cylinder is loaded with 6 passengers it will struggles to get going

Off my list bc of turbo..if Toyota sold previous v6 along w the new 4turbo..they wld see what smart consumers prefer.RELIABILITY .i dislike it when the manufacturer thinks they know what we prefer..like consumers r 5 y.o. children

You should take it to Lake Tahoe. Where is at elevation, where the turbo will benefit over the V6

The V6 did 20/27, but in reality was much worse since it required high revs to make power.

Pretty much anyone buying a Highlander (or almost any Toyota for that matter) won’t care what engine it has. The engine noise is unfortunate but my experience with pretty much any Toyota in the past decade has had a lot of engine noise anyway, including those with the 3.5 V6. Reliability remains to be seen. Toyotas of the past have been pretty reliable but turbocharged Toyotas of the past have had spotty reliability.

Alex, great review! Question - The 2022 Highlander has the button to turn off the auto start/stop on the center console. But it’s missing in the 2023. Did Toyota get rid of the button?

hello i have a question about turbo 4 cylinder engines . are they capable of long term reliability when only driven short distances ?

Glad we got into a ‘22 with a V6. I’m to scarred by unreliable turbocharged vehicles to jump in to the turbocharged craze now. Time will tell if things have changed

Wish the facia will be more in line with the Tacoma and Tundra

I thought new lcd configurable gauge cluster was coming for 2023. Is it only on top models or all models get analog gauges????

Dang it, just bought a 2020 limited. They completely improved the interior where my biggest gripes were. They moved the wireless charger where I thought they should originally put it and all the hvac controls all are controlled with physical knobs, nothing in the infotainment screen like they did in my 2020. Kudos Toyota, they fixed it, but should have gotten it right in the first place. 😢😊

I wish there were a Prime version of the Highlander. Maybe with around 400hp!

Yes, I like it and I love that engine.

What’s the point of the 4 if no gas mileage difference I love my v6 hi lander

What model is this one?

I have an older V6 Highlander 2013 and is quiet and smooth compare to my noisy V4 2021 RAV4. Is the 2023 Highlander noisy? Thank you.

Since when did the outgoing V6 feel underwhelming ?? Power always seemed adequate to me. You know what has “ underwhelming” power? The Kia telluride IMO…..

Lots of complaints about the buzzy 4 cylinder! What say yee early adapters (guinea pigs)?

Nice quick review - hopefully these turbo engines aren’t plagued ( Honda 1.5 T in CRV comes to mind ) . At least Toyota tends to stand behind their products and offer fixes, and not deny obvious issues (yes, I’m talking to you Mr Honda)!

For the 1000th time the I4 was NOT made for GAS MILEAGE. It was made for EMISSIONS.

wish this engine will make it to the sienna with AWD

Looks good from the outside, inside dated compared to Telluride!!

What he doesn't tell you, is that the refinement of the V6 is far superior than a small 4 inline.

Most people don't even know what type of engine they even have...But you about to find out later on u have turbo and it's having problems😅

Needs the V6 ENGINE

Hey Alex this or the Nissan Pathfinder assuming trims are the same?

My 21 Higlander is falling apart at 25k miles. So much for “Toyota quality”. I wish everyone good luck with these tightly wound turbo vehicles being put out. You will never beat an NA motor for longevity and low maintenance cost.

At our altitude, it's turbos or hybrid systems only.

Purchased a 23 highlander, platinum, four-cylinder turbo, extremely impressed with its power, and I love the economy is only 1 mile better, 50% commission is better for environment. I traded in a Lexus GX, and couldn’t be happier with this vehicle… I have no doubt of Toyotas reliability!!!

I checked my two closest dealers. No 2022s left!

The V6 was far superior, this is now off my list.

I like this new one,i had a Subaru Forester Turbo and went two hundred thousand on it with no issues and you know the Toyota will be a better engine.

Wonder how the turbo will do when there are 7 passengers in the car vs the v6

Waited for years for a Highlander because they were a benchmark in their class for quiet and now they aren’t. Oh well.

If I replace the turbo in every 100k km - 150 k km as a precautionary maintenance, how much will be. Just like the hybrid, it costs so much to replace. If I drive it nicely and no harsh acceleration, the turbo and the engine may have longer life as V6. Am I right ?

Pretty sure the v6 engine will last longer than the new turbo?

Easy to change the spark plugs!

I’d put this engine in my le Camry that would be fun

Well done Toyota. You literally just made the pilot Palisade telluride that much more of a no brainer option. The highlander was already nonrecommendable but with this turbo and making it overpriced, the highlander is just a nonstarter Even the grand highlander lost badly in comparison to the Koreans and we haven’t even seen it yet

Turbo charged gasoline engines are no big deal anymore, and Toyota should have offered a Highlander plug in hybrid (Prime), just like the RAV 4 Prime. That would have been a big deal, and would far outsell any turbo 4 cylinder engine that gets far less MPG's. Gas here in Northwest Oregon is over $5 a gallon for 87 regular gas, MPG is more important now than 0-60 mph times back in the days with cheap gasoline. If Toyota would have offered a 2023 Highlander Prime (plug in hybrid) AWD I would have been the first one the list at our local Toyota Dealer as we have a 2020 Highlander Hybrid model LE AWD that gets high 30's to low 40's mpg and can tow our 3,200 lb travel trailer as well without any issues. We also own a 2022 RAV 4 Prime model SE which we get 45+ miles on a charge and incredible 45+ mpg in hybrid mode with a depleted battery. Try finding a RAV 4 Prime at MSRP and you will be looking for a very long time, so there is a big demand for the prime feature (plug in hybrid) in all the Toyota model lines in my opinion.

I am all for turbos. However my 06 HL V6 awd gets 27-28 highway and 20-22 in around town mixed driving. So why pay 40k to get no real improvement over an older model?

The power gains are nominal and at the expense of noise, vibration and harshness. I would give up better emissions in exchange for that smooth and reliable V6. Some of us actually get on the highway. I’m glad I was able to scoop up a 22’ V6. Toyota is downsizing engines and addling forced induction to transition into electrification.

I wonder if the lack of added sound deadening signifies an incoming redesign? Perhaps trying out a new engine on the old model like Nissan did with the Frontier to give them data for the next-gen Highlander?

There’s no way a turbo 4 can be smoother than an NA 6. I get why the industry is moving towards smaller force inducted engines but they’re NOT smoother.

This is why I’d still take the Pilot. VTEC yo

Concerned that the 4 cylinder engine will not tow well and will not be reliable. I guess I will have to look for a 6 cylinder suv.

Beautiful reliable vehicle

Good luck getting a hybrid highlander without a $3k market adjustment rate added on. Hopefully Toyota cranks more of the hybrids out so the dealers can stop gauging people

Where is the Grand Highlander? Is that next year?

It's off the list, because the 3rd row is too small :) Otherwise, I'd get the hybrid.

The Toyota Highlander won’t be able to Compete with the Honda pilot with it’s v6 engine and it will be the same for the RX vs the MDX.

Can't wait to see more Turbo's engine in Toyota lineups !

Front end is totally different from hybrid. I wish they looked the same. Hybrid not as sporty.

I will stay with my V6 2017 Highlander

We keep our cars forever, so prefer naturally aspirated--turbo implies maintenance issues down the road. I would go for the hybrid; Toyota hybrids are bullet proof.

v6 i 295h sporty it powerfull top speed i like

definitely OFF my list, due to lower long-term reliability, because of the turbo.

I owned 3 v6 engine vehicles. Tested 23 highlander turbo and loved it! Feels solid. People think they are smarter than the toyota engineers lol

. Does it suck that toyota is going the turbo route? Yes. Theres positives and negatives to it. Positives is you get more low end torque and probably better mpgs if you dont have a heavy foot. Im fairly certain toyota wouldve kept the V6 and V8 in the tundra if it wasnt for emissions. What people dont see is Toyota is basically forced to do turbo 4 because of emissions... I bet they wouldve kept the V6 for a long time if it wasnt for that. Knowing toyota though, they will probably make these motors good still, and still be more reliable than the competition. More reliable than a naturally aspirated v6? Probably not but only time will tell. Also, I have a Camry TRD with the 3.5 V6. Beautiful motor but honestly I wouldnt mind more torque, its not that fast until you get the RPMS past about 4500.

I'd have been fine with the V6 turbo V4 Turbo makes no sense at all for me?!

I was looking at pricing. The hybrid looks nice but 54k for a MUCH smaller interior than Palisade which isn't as nice is a no go for me. They're basically selling a sorrento but charging 3 row money for it.

Kia and Hyundai did the same thing with Sorento and Santa Fe. How do those compare? Personally, I just traded my 2015 Sportage for a 2019 Sorento V6, instead of getting a Turbo.

long term it sounds like a turbo creates inefficiencies that were covered with the 6 cylinder engine. Reliability will suffer long term due to turbo maintenance. Could they have re-worked the 6 cylinder engine and added electric motors? to create a more environmentally friendly car? not sure. what becomes an issue is the amount of noise coming into the cabin because of the engine noise, should have done a better job at keeping the noise insulated, i would certainly expect nothing less from Toyota. Maybe its a wait and see, who knows. I own a 2011 MDX with SH-AWD, I am now shopping for a new car. I seem to find that 6 cylinder engines are a thing of the past, the turbo are in every manufacturers list from the Germans, Koreans, Japanese and soon it will make its way to American cars. the turbo was pushed to the sidelines in the 80-90, some cars had it but it was not popular. I had Mazda turbo, totally unreliable, now straight 6 cylinder. i am looking at highlander platinum 2022 and 2023 to test drive the difference and see if I should go down the Turbo path. would like to hear your feedback. I dont want to give up my MDX, torque vectoring is fun to drive but gas consumption is horrible, at best combined 18.5 miles on a good day!

I wonder if you can delete all of these subscription features when ordering your car. Now, they’re charging you extra for a feature you have to pay extra for to have in your car. What a rip off!

I don't miss the 2gr-fe V6 or any other Toyota V6. Working on the rear bank, plugs,coils, or anything else that requires removing the plenum is a nightmare. Now I'm all A25A-FXS, yes that's the 2.5 L hybrid engine that you find in most Toyota recent models (and some Lexus too) such as Camry Hybrid, RAV4 hybrid, Avalon hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, newer Sienna and newer Venza, Lexus ES 300h too. Turbo!! No way.

The V6 is not superior I have a four-cylinder turbo platinum and it’s quicker than my 21 Lexus GX V8. It’s a Toyota product it’s reliability through and through.

I can promise you most highlander buyers wont care or even notice the engine changed. Most buyers look at this and just see "reliable family transportation" and stop the thought right there.

Highlander turbo charger 👍

Was this a quick take? Felt like the usual format of your review was missing here..

The next Tacoma engine right there with 10 speed it be more Ford Ranger clone

Unfortunately the answer is no. They should have at least kept the V6 as an option. I personally would not buy a turbo 4 cylinder. Only a naturally aspirated one.

The turbo everything is just annoying me Why can’t we just have V6’s and V8’s ?

Highlander is now Lowlander 😢

When comes to the hybrid ,you might has well just buy the RAV4 with the same engine and save all that thousands.

off the list because of turbo

Same gas mileage, sounds like shit, less reliable. Thanks but, no thanks.