Key Specifications — 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Engine
2.5L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S6)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Regular
City / Hwy MPG
36 / 35 MPG
Combined MPG
36 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost
$1,900
CO₂ Emissions
245 g/mi
Seating Capacity
7 passengers
Body Style
Hybrid
Base Price
$41,297–$52,792
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Our scoring places the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at 8.1/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this hybrid. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.8/10, reliability is one of this hybrid's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.8/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $41,297–$52,792, 35 MPG, seating 7, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a solid, well-rounded hybrid that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Hybrids
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks #67 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 51% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $41,297 starting price is about 31% above the segment's median of $31,584.
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.1 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Strong fuel economy at 35 MPG, keeping running costs low
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Steering / Column 12/07/2023 · 23V480000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid…
Structure / Body / Bumpers 26/10/2023 · 23V720000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Equipment / Other / Labels 23/07/2024 · 24V548000
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander,…
Steering / Column 29/01/2025 · 25V040000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired…
Back over prevention / Display function 30/10/2025 · 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error…
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Common Questions — 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
We rate the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's reliability 8.8/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid worth buying?
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #67 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 51% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid cost?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts at $41,297 and ranges up to $52,792 across trims (MSRP when new). At 35 MPG, expect roughly $1,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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