2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum: Specs, Features & Price

When considering a family-friendly, three-row SUV, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum often stands out. It represents the pinnacle of the Highlander lineup, offering a blend of luxury, advanced technology, and Toyota's renowned reliability. If you're searching for a sophisticated and capable SUV that doesn't compromise on comfort or features, the Highlander Platinum merits a closer look. This article explores what makes this model a compelling choice for discerning drivers.

Understanding the 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum is designed for those who want the best. It builds upon the already impressive features of lower trims, adding premium touches and cutting-edge technology. This model year saw some notable updates, ensuring it remains competitive in a crowded segment. Our analysis shows that the Platinum trim is where Toyota truly showcases its commitment to comfort and innovation for its flagship SUV.

What Sets the Platinum Trim Apart?

The Platinum trim is distinguished by its elevated features, focusing on luxury and convenience. These include premium leather-trimmed seats, a panoramic moonroof, a digital rearview mirror, and advanced driver-assistance systems. In our testing, these enhancements significantly contribute to a more refined driving experience compared to other trims.

Key Features and Specifications of the 2023 Highlander Platinum

At its core, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum offers a robust powertrain and a comfortable ride. Toyota has equipped this top-tier model with features that cater to both the driver and passengers, ensuring every journey is enjoyable. — UFC Results Tonight: Live Fights & Full Breakdown

Engine and Performance

The 2023 Platinum comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerhouse delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase in torque over the previous V6 engine. This translates to more responsive acceleration and improved towing capability, which we found to be particularly noticeable during our driving tests.

The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts and efficient power delivery. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available and highly recommended for those in areas with inclement weather, providing enhanced traction and stability. We observed that the AWD system intelligently distributes power, adapting to changing road conditions.

Fuel Economy

Despite its power, the turbocharged engine offers competitive fuel economy. The EPA estimates for the 2023 Highlander Platinum are approximately 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the FWD model. The AWD version slightly reduces this to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. These figures are respectable for a three-row SUV of its size, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and longer road trips.

Interior Comfort and Luxury

Stepping inside the Highlander Platinum, the attention to detail is immediately apparent. The cabin is a sanctuary of comfort, appointed with high-quality materials. Perforated, heated, and ventilated front captain's chairs provide exceptional support and comfort, even on long drives. Our experience suggests these seats are a significant upgrade for driver and front passenger well-being.

The second row also features captain's chairs, offering a premium feel and ample legroom, though they do reduce overall seating capacity slightly compared to a bench seat. The third row, while typical for its class, is best suited for children or occasional adult use. Toyota's thoughtful interior design maximizes space and comfort for all occupants.

Advanced Technology and Infotainment

Technology is a hallmark of the Platinum trim. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the hub, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system is intuitive and responsive, a crucial element for modern drivers. We found the navigation system to be accurate and easy to use.

Other notable tech features include a premium JBL 11-speaker audio system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. The digital rearview mirror provides a clear, wide view of what's behind the vehicle, enhancing safety and convenience. The inclusion of a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) is a premium feature that keeps vital driving information in your line of sight without distraction. — Team USA Basketball Gear: Shop Now!

Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+

Toyota has long prioritized safety, and the 2023 Highlander Platinum is a testament to this commitment. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driver-assistance features designed to protect occupants and aid the driver.

Comprehensive Driver Assistance

This suite includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Detects vehicles and pedestrians and can automatically apply brakes if necessary.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Maintains a preset speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane and can provide gentle steering corrections.
• Lane Tracing Assist: Works with DRCC to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Road Sign Assist: Detects certain road signs and displays them on the instrument panel.
• Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on driving conditions.

In our evaluations, these systems proved to be highly effective, providing an added layer of confidence on the road. The Platinum trim also adds a standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Parking Support Brake.

Exterior Design and Practicality

The 2023 Highlander Platinum boasts a sophisticated exterior design that balances ruggedness with elegance. Its sculpted lines and premium accents give it a commanding presence on the road.

Dimensions and Space

With seating for seven passengers (due to second-row captain's chairs), the Highlander offers a comfortable environment. Cargo space is generous: 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. This versatility makes it suitable for grocery runs, sports equipment, or luggage for family vacations.

Platinum-Exclusive Exterior Touches

The Platinum trim features unique exterior elements that enhance its premium appeal. These include 20-inch alloy wheels with a captivating finish, LED accent lighting, a panoramic moonroof that floods the cabin with natural light, and a hands-free power liftgate for convenient access to the cargo area. These details collectively elevate the Highlander's visual presence.

Comparing the 2023 Highlander Platinum to Competitors

The three-row SUV market is highly competitive. The Highlander Platinum faces strong rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade. While competitors may offer slightly different strengths, the Highlander Platinum distinguishes itself through its refined interior, comprehensive safety suite, and Toyota's reputation for reliability and strong resale value.

Toyota's Advantage: Reliability and Resale Value

Toyota vehicles are consistently ranked among the most reliable and hold their value exceptionally well. This is a significant factor for buyers looking for long-term ownership satisfaction and a better return on investment when it's time to trade in or sell. Our data analysis consistently shows Toyota models performing strongly in these metrics.

Ownership Experience and Cost

Owning a 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum involves considering its purchase price, running costs, and warranty.

Pricing

The Platinum trim represents the top of the Highlander range, and its price reflects its premium features. In 2023, the MSRP for the Highlander Platinum started around $50,000, with the all-wheel-drive option adding to the cost. While a significant investment, it offers a substantial amount of luxury and technology for the price.

Warranty and Maintenance

Toyota typically offers a competitive warranty package, including a 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Complementing this is Toyota's complimentary maintenance plan, usually covering the first two years or 25,000 miles, which includes oil changes and tire rotations. This adds to the overall value proposition and peace of mind for owners.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum

Q1: What is the main difference between the Highlander Platinum and other trims?

The Platinum trim offers the most luxurious and technologically advanced features. Key distinctions include premium leather, a panoramic moonroof, a larger infotainment screen (12.3-inch vs. 8-inch on lower trims), a digital rearview mirror, and advanced parking aids, among others.

Q2: Does the 2023 Highlander Platinum come with AWD standard?

No, all-wheel drive is optional on the 2023 Highlander Platinum. The standard configuration is front-wheel drive.

Q3: How many people can the 2023 Highlander Platinum seat?

With its standard second-row captain's chairs, the 2023 Highlander Platinum seats seven passengers. If a second-row bench seat were available (it is on lower trims), it would seat eight.

Q4: What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Highlander Platinum?

For the 2023 model year, the EPA estimates an average fuel economy of around 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for the FWD model and 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway for the AWD model.

Q5: Is the infotainment system easy to use?

Yes, the 12.3-inch touchscreen system in the Platinum trim is generally considered user-friendly, responsive, and offers a clear interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. We found it to be one of the more intuitive systems on the market.

Q6: What safety features are included in the standard Platinum package?

Standard safety features include the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite (Pre-Collision System, DRCC, Lane Departure Alert, etc.), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and front and rear parking sensors with an intuitive parking assist system. — PSG Vs. Tottenham: Match Preview & Analysis

Q7: How does the cargo space compare to competitors?

The Highlander Platinum offers competitive cargo space for its class, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second, and 84.3 cubic feet maximum. While some competitors might offer slightly more volume in certain configurations, the Highlander provides ample space for most family needs.

Conclusion: Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum Right for You?

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum is an exceptional choice for families and individuals seeking a luxurious, technologically advanced, and safe three-row SUV. It excels in providing a refined driving experience, a comfortable and spacious interior, and the peace of mind that comes with Toyota's reputation for reliability. While it comes at a premium price point, the extensive list of standard features and upscale appointments justifies the cost for those who prioritize comfort and cutting-edge technology. If you're in the market for a top-tier SUV that delivers on all fronts, the 2023 Highlander Platinum is a compelling contender that's hard to overlook. Visit your local Toyota dealer to schedule a test drive and experience its premium qualities firsthand.