What’s new

• We expect no significant changes in 2024.
• A fourth-generation Highlander coming out in 2020.

The Toyota Highlander is one of the most valuable and easy-to-drive three-row family cars on the market. It is comfortable and easy to see out in the city and on long trips on the highway. Even an SUV with a regular engine gets great gas mileage. Consider the gas/electric Hybrid or the giant Grand Highlander if you want a Highlander that is more fuel-efficient or has more space.

The Highlander gets better gas mileage than average because it has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is rare in this class. Most midsize SUVs with three rows have more significant V6 engines, and many are more powerful. Even though the Highlander’s four-cylinder engine is noisier and more complex to drive than the V6 engines of many of its rivals, we still like its drivetrain. The Highlander’s eight-speed automatic transmission is quick and works well with the power output of the turbo-four. You can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for the Highlander.

Another thing we like about the Highlander is that its different trim levels have a great mix of features. The mid-level cars have excellent features like a power liftgate and a 12.3-inch screen for entertainment. Also, all trims have wireless connections, so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used with smartphones.

The Highlander’s third-row seats are tiny, and there is little room for storage behind that row. Other cars, like the Volkswagen Atlas, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot, have more space. But the 2023 Highlander is a nice enough SUV worth considering.