Probably the most competitive sector in the auto industry for years has been the midsize SUV arena. The midsize SUV is such a perfect size for so many people that it’s taken over much of America’s highways, particularly in Northern California, where active lifestyles are the norm. It’s amazing to consider, then, that the Toyota Highlander has been the hands-down #1 selling midsize SUV for the past 6 years in a row! Improving on a Winner The 2023 Toyota Highlander is likely going to extend its lead in this competitive category with a few significant enhancements. The big change that most people are talking about is the replacement of the 3.5 liter V6 engine that has been at the heart of the Highlander for years, with a high-efficiency 2.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder that has more horsepower and more torque, delivering superior performance when the Highlander is loaded with people and cargo. However, the 2023 Toyota Highlander maintains the same impressive manufacturer-estimated gas mileage of 24 MPG combined. The new engine is also far more environmentally friendly, reducing NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and NMOG (Non-Mehtane hydrocarbons and Oxygenated hydrocarbons) by 50%, as well as a reduction in CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions. Remember, that’s the version with the new, higher performance gas engine. The Highlander Hybrid delivers an astounding manufacturer-estimated 36 MPG combined! (Actual EPA estimates will be available soon). The other big improvements are more tech-related. The Limited and Platinum editions will include a large, 12.3-inch touchscreen — Multi-Information Display (MID) — that allows content to occupy the full space. That combines with a second 12.3-inch Full Digital Instrument Cluster. There’s also improved wireless charger capability in the dash.  Drivers will also appreciate the power-folding mirrors for the Limited and Platinum editions, along with a hands-free power liftgate. Naturally, Toyota hasn’t eliminated any of the many other features that Highlander enthusiasts appreciate, such as Toyota Audio Multimedia, which allows for dual BlueTooth® phone connectivity, support for Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Adventure Seekers Delight An option that we know is appreciated by many of our customers in the Santa Rosa / Sonoma County area is AWD. Lots of Highlander buyers share that, beyond exploring the backroads of Northern California, many take their SUV’s into the Sierra Nevadas for vacation, particularly the Lake Tahoe area for skiing and snowboarding. The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers a choice of standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and an upgraded version with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, which assumes a more active role in distributing power to the wheels that need it most. Also a delight for those Californians with active lifestyles is knowing that the Highlander offers both 7- and 8-passenger configurations without compromising on cargo space. Imagine 16.0 cu. ft. of cargo space… behind the 3rd row of seats! Fold the 3rd row and available cargo space jumps to 48.4 cu. ft. for all your gear. Need even more room? Fold the 2nd row and now you have a cavernous 84.3 cu. ft. of storage, all within the protection of your stylish Highlander and without imposing on your comfy front row.  Safety First Your new 2023 Toyota Highlander will feature Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system, which is a suite of advanced safety features that includes:

• Pre-Collision System
• Pedestrian Detection
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert
• Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams

Keep in mind, the Toyota Highlander is already an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recipient, so these are added protection. Depending upon on the model selected, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, and a Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan are also available. All the Rest For those not already familiar with the Toyota Highlander, we don’t want to fail to mention what we sometimes take for granted. We think one of the greatest benefits of owning any new Toyota is ToyotaCare, which is a Genuine Toyota Service plan that covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2-Years / 25,000-Miles, whichever comes first. That also includes 2 years of Roadside Assistance with unlimited mileage. Your 2023 Toyota Highlander will also come with a 36-Month / 36,000-Mile warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items, plus additional 60-Month / 60,000-Mile powertrain protection against perforation from corrosion. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are cover for a full 8-Years / 100,000-Miles! The hybrid battery is covered for 10-Years / 150,000-Miles and is transferable across ownership. Basically, Toyota has you covered. Buy or Lease Your New 2023 Toyota Highlander or Highlander Hybrid at Freeman Toyota If you decide you want to buy or lease a 2023 Toyota Highlander, we highly suggest that you get in touch with us soon so we can either reserve or order one for you. We expect demand to be high and supplies to be limited for the Toyota Highlander, particularly while supply chain issues remain. We would be delighted to be the Toyota dealership you choose to visit first whenever considering a new or used Toyota. Freeman Toyota prides itself on an impressive selection of new Toyotas, so we expect to see a nice flow of the 2023 Toyota Highlander throughout the model year. Please contact Freeman Toyota so we can get you onto the reservation list for when the next shipments of the popular 2023 Toyota Highlander. Freeman Toyota is a family-owned, family-operated, fully authorized Toyota dealership and Toyota Service center. We have served the Santa Rosa community for nearly 60 years with expert advice, incredible selection, and authorized Toyota service. Shop for a New Toyota, Certified Pre-Owned Toyota, or other quality used cars at Freeman Toyota. And when it comes time to service your Toyota, trust the experienced factory-trained Toyota technicians at the Freeman Toyota Service Center in Santa Rosa, California. Freeman Toyota, family-owned and operated – and doggone friendly – since 1963!