2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| 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.
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 →
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.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking → · Best Hybrids under $50k →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.3/10 | $43,852 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $43,852 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.2/10 | $42,575 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $41,297 | |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $40,020 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $38,743 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $37,466 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $36,188 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $34,911 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $33,634 | Read review → |
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.
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).
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
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.
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.