2023 Toyota Highlander versus 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Family Moving Three Row Toyotas

When it comes time to move your family, the 2023 Toyota Highlander or 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are tailor-made for the task. Both models come equipped with three rows of seating as standard (with seating for seven or eight occupants), both provide plenty of cargo space and both come equipped with family-friendly features. Two great vehicles – but which is the correct Highlander for you?

Value Proposition

The cost of entry for the Highlander is a competitive $48,695 for the LE trim (the top Limited AWD trim starts at $56,935) and for that you get AWD, heated front seats, new Toyota Multimedia infotainment with 8-inch touchscreen display, seating for eight, four USB charge ports and compatibility for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

For its part, the Highlander Hybrid starts just a little higher than that, coming in at $48,150 for the Hybrid LE AWD and $59,435 for the Hybrid Limited AWD at the top of the model line. All the standard features mentioned above are also present here, but of course the Hybrid model is the winner at the gas pump, consuming just 6.8L/100 km of fuel in the combined cycle. Compare that to just under 10 litres per with the Highlander. The Highlander Hybrid also comes standard with a blind spot system, a feature that comes as an upgrade for the Highlander. 

Generous Interior Space

For those unsure about the Highlander Hybrid because they are worried the hybrid system’s running gear will get take away from passenger and cargo space: know that both the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid have the exact same dimensions when it comes to passenger space and cargo room. The latter measures up to 2,387 litres with the third and second rows folded, which eclipses figures made by the likes of the Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Sorento. 

For those looking for second row captain’s chairs as opposed to a bench seat, consider upgrading to the XSE model in the Highlander, and the XLE model in the Highlander Hybrid.

Powertrain 

While the Hybrid is the king of the hill in the fuel efficiency department, it’s actually the standard Highlander that wins the laurels in the power department. It makes 264 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque from its standard 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Hybrid gets a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder that combines with an electric motor to make 243 hp and 175 lb-ft. The standard Highlander has power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Hybrid gets a smooth-operating continuously variable automatic. 

That powertrain also helps make the standard Highlander be the towing champ of the two models, with the ability to tow up to 2,268 kg while the Hybrid maxes out at 1,588 kilos.

With these two available versions, there’s a Highlander for everyone. Come pay us a visit and we’ll happily find the right Highlander for you.