2023 Toyota Highlander XLE

he 2023 Toyota Highlander XLE is widely considered the absolute "sweet spot" of the Highlander lineup. It acts as the gatekeeper to the luxury features family buyers want, stepping away from the more spartan, rental-car feel of the baseline L and LE trims without forcing you to pay top dollar for the Limited or Platinum tiers.For 2023, Toyota also introduced a massive change under the hood that radically altered how the truck feels to drive. Its biggest selling and value features include: 1. The Big Update: A Punchier Turbocharged EngineFor the 2023 model year, Toyota completely retired the old, naturally aspirated V6 engine on gas models. The New Specs: It is powered by a 2.4L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It pumps out 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. How it Feels: While it drops 30 horsepower compared to the old V6, it gains a massive 17% increase in torque, which peaks at a very low 1,700 RPM. This means the Highlander feels much quicker and more responsive when pulling away from a stoplight or passing on the highway. Towing Capability: Despite having fewer cylinders, it retains a robust 5,000-lb towing capacity and includes standard Trailer Sway Control. 2. A Significant Interior Quality BoostThe XLE trim completely transforms the cabin ambiance by swapping out base materials for premium convenience features:SofTex® Upholstery: It replaces standard cloth with Toyota's highly durable, easy-to-clean SofTex synthetic leather seating across the first two rows. Power-Adjustable Luxury: Up front, you get an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, an 8-way power passenger seat, and heated front seats as standard hardware. Acoustic Glass & Moonroof: Features an acoustic noise-reducing windshield to keep wind drone out of the cabin, alongside a standard power sliding moonroof. 3. Upgraded Family Utility PackagingThe XLE adapts beautifully to road trips and daily carpool duties:Second-Row Captain's Chairs: It shifts the standard layout to a 7-passenger configuration featuring dual second-row captain's chairs. This creates a clean pass-through lane straight to the third row. (Note: A 3-passenger second-row bench can be opted back in for free if you absolutely need 8 seats). Hands-Free Power Liftgate: New for the XLE tier in 2023, the power liftgate gains a hands-free kick sensor. If your hands are full of groceries, you simply kick your foot under the rear bumper to open the trunk. Sunshades & Device Charging: Includes manual pull-up sunshades built right into the rear doors to protect children from glare, a Qi-compatible wireless phone charger, and 5 total USB ports scattered throughout the cabin.