A few months after announcing the updates for the 2023MY Highlander in the US, Toyota brought similar upgrades to the European version of the SUV. Thus, the EU-spec Highlander benefits from new tech, new color options, and the addition of a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that is exclusively available in Eastern European markets. Mind you, the Toyota Highlander reached European shores in 2021, so it is a relatively new addition to the range. For the 2023 model year, European buyers gain the option of the Cypress Green metallic paint for the exterior, and a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black. Inside, Toyota added the Beige and Ochre shades for the leather upholstery.
More importantly, the Highlander got the
new configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (with Casual, Smart,
Tough and Sport modes) alongside the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen on the center
console that is integrating Toyota’s latest infotainment. Thus, the SUV now
offers cloud-based navigation, an improved onboard voice agent, wireless Apple
CarPlay / wired Android Auto connectivity, and remote functions through the
user’s smartphone. Furthermore, the Toyota Smart Connect+ brings 3D city
mapping, road sign recognition and fixed speed camera location information.
Finally, the wireless charging pad has been relocated for easier access like in
the recently updated Lexus ES.
In Eastern Europe, the Highlander is now
available with the new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. The
mill produces 265 hp and 418 Nm. Those figures
make it less powerful than the 3.5-liter V6 it replaces. Still, the new engine
brings improved fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. In Western Europe,
the SUV retains its self-charging hybrid setup with a naturally aspirated
2.5-liter engine and two electric motors producing a combined 245 hp, which is obviously the most efficient powertrain of the bunch.
The updated Toyota Highlander is already
available to order in Europe, with the first deliveries scheduled for the
fourth quarter of 2022.
