2023 Toyota Highlander to swap out V-6 for less-polluting I-4

Toyota Motor Corp. will change the engine on its three-row Highlander crossover for the 2023 model year from a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 to a turbocharged inline-four to improve its emissions.

The automaker said Thursday it will offer an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as part of the vehicle's planned reengineering.

The engine change will not impact the Highlander's current EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined for gasoline models and 36 mpg combined for hybrid versions, Toyota says, but will result in an estimated 50 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides emissions and improved carbon dioxide emissions.

The new turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four is rated at 265 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque, compared to the outgoing V-6's rating of 295 hp and 263 pound-feet of torque. Stop-start now comes standard.

Inside the cabin, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will come standard on Limited and Platinum grades, pairing with those trim levels' 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is expected to begin arriving in U.S. dealerships this month, and will come in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, as well as with standard and hybrid powertrains. Pricing will start at $37,755, including shipping, Toyota said.