hi, I had a 2021 HiHy plat now got a 2023 same version, I find it smoother more silent and the main things standing out is the 'upgraded' infotainment system (like it or not..). everything else is pretty much the same IMO. there are more changes tho like relocating thqi charger to the front dash from it previous silly location. I found the premium JBL sound system is not as good as I recall the 2021 to be.

 

What do you mean when you say 'previous years'? Most 2020-2023 Highlander Hybrids will drive exactly the same as long as you are comparing the same trim level. There might be slight differences between trim levels as different trim levels come with different wheel and tire packages. A 2023 XLE with 18" wheels and Michelin tires might result in a slightly different amount tire noise compared to a 2023 Limited that comes with 20" wheels and the Goodyear Eagle tires.

With that said, the Limited and Platinum trim levels come with acoustic noise-reducing front side windows- a feature that the LE, XLE, and Bronze Editions don't have... so wind noise might be less in those trim levels.

The real difference in 'quietness' will be between 2020-23 Highlander Hybrids and previous generation Highlander Hybrids. That's mainly because the powertrain is very different in the 2020+ hybrid compared to the powertrain that was used in the previous generation Highlander Hybrid. The current generation's powertrain utilizes a hybrid setup mated to a 2.5L four cylinder- that can be a bit buzzy and noisy if you rev it a lot. The previous generation's hybrid system was mated to Toyota's very smooth 3.5L V6.

I'll tell you this- in general, any 2020+ Highlander (hybrid or traditional gas engine) is a pretty quiet and refined vehicle. The main source of noise will be from the wind on the highway. It's probably more of an annoyance on lower trim levels than it would be on Limited or Platinum trims with the acoustic front side glass windows. Even with the wind noise (it's kinda relative- as I have an XLE with upgraded 20" wheels/tires), it's still tolerable and probably pretty quiet compared to others in the segment. My wife's 2021 Passport- which is based on the Honda Pilot and is pretty similar- seems to have more wind/tire noise that infiltrates the cabin.

Ultimately- try before you buy. Take it on a long test drive on a variety of different road surfaces- including the highway- and be sure that it's to your liking before buying.

 

My wife's 2021 Passport- which is based on the Honda Pilot and is pretty similar- seems to have more wind/tire noise that infiltrates the cabin.

Honda engineers all their vehicles to incorporate a lot of road and wind noise as a "performance" feature for that enhanced driver experience . I know as I've owned many.