No one will know much about the 2023 Highlander until Toyota announces anything.

As for the hybrid vs V6... it's all a matter of personal preference. The 3.5L V6 is a very good engine that has been around for quite a while... granted it's been updated pretty substantially over the years. The transmission with the V6 isn't problematic... but not everyone loves the way that it shifts. If possible, it might be a good idea to test drive one that's on the lot. The V6 is plenty powerful and gets decent mileage considering the size and weight of the vehicle.

The hybrid is a very different experience. It's not nearly as strong in terms of power but gets incredible fuel economy. Toyota's hybrid synergy drive system has been around for two decades- and it's generally a really reliable system. The current Highlander Hybrid is a bit different than previous versions... but given how hard Toyota works to make sure that their hybrid vehicles are reliable and durable... I wouldn't worry about long-term issues. The one issue that seems like it might be a consistent problem is with the fuel tank... it's really not a problem in terms of reliability... but lots of people have reported that the Highlander Hybrid won't let you completely fill the tank... which means that you might not get the advertised range between fill ups. If you search this forum- or the highlander hybrid forum- you'll find some info related to that issue.

Should you go through with the purchase of the 2022 Highlander Platinum or wait for the 2023...? That all depends on your priorities, how long you are willing to wait if you decide to reserve a 2023... and how much trouble your dealer will give you if you suddenly want to make changes. Normally I'd say that if you have waited for a specific custom order for a few months- you should just stick with the 2022... but given that it's a $50,000 vehicle... you should also make sure that you are going to get what you want.

To be perfectly honest, if the only thing that's drawing you to a 2023 Highlander is the idea of an updated infotainment system... if it were me I'd probably just stick with the 2022. No Toyota infotainment system is great. They come in horrible, bad, and acceptable in terms of infotainment interface. The one that's in a 2022 Highlander Platinum is what I would consider 'acceptable'. It's not great- but not horrible either. Given that Toyota has only been using that 12.3" display for a few years- and it's used in a few other Toyota and Lexus models... I wouldn't expect for Toyota to really mess with it too much for 2023. I would hope that Toyota would improve the base 8" infotainment interface a bit- but I'm doubtful that they will. The one feature that it would be nice if they offered with the refresh would be wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Right now the only Toyotas that have it are the Tundra with it's completely new system and the Supra- which actually uses a BMW system. I highly doubt that they will add that feature to the Highlander next year though- it's still a relatively new feature that most mainstream brands haven't gotten yet. Lexus doesn't even offer it yet on any of their vehicles- with the exception of the brand new LX600.

 

The one feature that it would be nice if they offered with the refresh would be wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Right now the only Toyotas that have it are the Tundra with it's completely new system and the Supra- which actually uses a BMW system. I highly doubt that they will add that feature to the Highlander next year though- it's still a relatively new feature that most mainstream brands haven't gotten yet. Lexus doesn't even offer it yet on any of their vehicles- with the exception of the brand new LX600.

Which system does the new 2022 Lexus NX offer?

 

+1... we don't know for sure that 2023 will be the mid-generation refresh. It's due based on past history, but who knows with today's supply chain situation. The click-bait sites would have you believe that all Toyota models will be new somehow for 2023.

Given that the US just raised the bar for fleet-average MPG for 2026, I bet that after the mid-gen refresh that hybrid will be the only choice. Toyota has already gone that route with Sienna, Venza, and Sequoia.

 

I don't see Toyota discontinuing the 3.5L V6. I could see them changing the percentages of Highlanders equipped with the 3.5L V6 that are sent to dealerships though. I'm not sure what the percentages are right now- but I could see them gradually increasing the percentage of Highlanders produced with the hybrid powertrain by a little each year and seeing if there's much pushback from buyers.

That seems to be what they did with AWD Camrys over the past few years in my neck of the woods. At first, it was a very small percentage of Camrys that arrived at local dealership in my area (SE Wisconsin)... that percentage has increased little by little- and now roughly a third of the Camrys that arrive on the lot (and there aren't a lot of them) are AWD. Given the limited options, customers are buying them... but I wonder if that would be happening if there was a decent selection on the lot.

 

I don’t even think it will be facelifted for 2023. That would be the 4th year in this generation and Toyota doesn’t generally change the design of their cars that quickly. Look how long it took them to get apple CarPlay in their vehicles.

There are rumors of the grand Highlander which is a bigger three row suv, but that is speculation and who knows if the supply chain issues have moved back the timeline on that vehicle.

 

I don’t even think it will be facelifted for 2023. That would be the 4th year in this generation and Toyota doesn’t generally change the design of their cars that quickly.

Since the second generation, Highlander has traditionally had a re-design every six model years (2008, 2014, 2020) with a mid-generation refresh every three model years (2011, 2017). You can say it's due in 2023 for the mid-generation refresh, but again, who knows with the current circumstances.

The mid-generation refresh isn't a big design change physically. They'll modify some body panels or bolt-on plastic parts just a bit, and usually change the lights for a slightly different look along with some new colors. It's an opportunity to change other things, though. For example, the V6 powertrain changed in 2017. In 2011, they changed option packages around and made more things standard on lower trims.

 

If the Highlander was on the 5-year cycle, 2023 would be the refresh year.

However, it's on the 6-year cycle, so 2024 is the refresh year, but often than not, may come in 2023 a few months early

 

Hello -I have a Highlander Platinum on order, scheduled for delivery by mid may (no production day).

I just came to know that 2023 will be facelifted one. What do you all think? Any news about what changes the new 2023 will have? I don't want to miss on a larger infotainment screen if that will get updated next year.

Also, any thoughts on the V6 engine vs highbred? I have an electric car so am good with city driving; with that said, any preferences for hybrid vs v6 engine? I was toldv^ is more realizable and less stuff to worry about if we gonna keep the car 8 years+

I have the 22 platinum v6, the vehicle is really good but I have to agree with what someone pointed out about the transmission. it feel ( different) Not bad when it's changing from 1st to 2nd gear. I never tested the hybrid but with the gas prices lately, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a hybrid, just make sure you test the hybrid before you make last decision.

 

I agree. I picked up the 22 xle and didn’t really give the hybrid much consideration. I regret that decision now and 36 mpg for a car this size is incredible.

I think Toyota is about this crush the market with their hybrid/phev cars. The sequoia is only available as hybrid, the Lexus RX is supposedly also only going to be offered as a hybrid or phev.

 

How easy is it to get the $1000 deposit back from the dealer? I think I need more time to think and I am not in a rush to get the vehicle right now... i can wait weeks to months in the future (need to think about the v6 vs hybrid) and I am also hopping by June or so we will get some released info about the 2023 facelift highlander.

 

Call them! They may be happy to have your "ordered" Highlander for inventory.

 

As we saw in the 2022 version, Toyota made some changes due to the chip shortage. I expect Toyota to continue to run into a chip and supply shortage, so some modification will probably be made to account for it, like less electronic options.

 

is there any changes other than the digital rear view mirror that has taken place for 2022?

 

Update: I canceled my order for the v6 engine. Hopefully I could find a hybrid one soon.