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Imagine owning a 2023 Toyota Highlander, disliking the 2.4L Turbo so much that you get rid of it. Now, you want to get a 2023-2025 Highlander Hybrid, but the dealer wants a deposit to take a test drive. Check out Rachel’s incredible story and what Highlander Hybrid shoppers should know.
Rachel Auge King on the Toyota Highlander Owners Club Facebook page says,
“We bought a new 2023 Highlander when they first came out. I hated the engine and got rid of it. We are looking for a new SUV, and I am not finding any comparable to the Toyota. We used to have a Camry hybrid and loved it before it got totaled. How are the 2023-2025 Highlander hybrids holding up? Our dealership doesn’t have any vehicles to test drive, and we can’t easily travel to a different state to do so, as we live in Alaska. Basically, we would have to put a down payment down to test drive a new one, which I refuse to do.”
The Turbo Engine Problem: Why Rachel Hated It
Why did she dislike the new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the non-hybrid 2023 Highlander?
The standard Highlander shifted away from the smooth, proven 3.5-liter V6, which provided excellent, linear power and a refined sound, especially at highway speeds. The replacement 2.4L Turbo is certainly more fuel-efficient and offers slightly better torque figures, but it delivers power differently. Because it is a smaller displacement engine relying on forced induction (the turbocharger) to move a large, three-row SUV, it often has to work much harder.
What she likely experienced—the noise, the feeling of high revs on acceleration, and a lack of refinement—is the engine spending more time in its stressed zone. This is a crucial distinction when comparing the 2.4L Turbo vs the Hybrid Highlander. The experience is not comparable in terms of sound and feel, which is where the Hybrid shines.
The Hybrid Difference: Refinement and Delivery
The 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid does not use the 2.4L turbo engine. It utilizes Toyota’s highly proven and well-regarded Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system, pairing a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators.
Here is the most important insight for Hybrid shoppers: The Hybrid’s primary goal is not raw speed (it has a combined 243 horsepower, slightly less than the 2.4 T’s 265 HP), but delivery and smoothness.
- Low-End Torque: The electric motor provides instant torque from a standstill. This means when you lightly press the accelerator, the car moves off the line with quiet, effortless authority, which is exactly what a driver appreciates in daily commuting or stop-and-go traffic.
- Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT): While the name “CVT” sometimes raises eyebrows, the Toyota eCVT is fundamentally different from the belt-driven CVTs found in other makes. It uses planetary gears that simulate gear ratios and acts as a power splitter, making the power delivery seamless and almost vibration-free.
- Noise: Because the electric motors handle the initial acceleration, the gasoline engine often stays off or runs at a lower, less intrusive RPM compared to the 2.4T. This makes the driving experience significantly quieter and more refined, similar to the Camry Hybrid that she loved.
2023-2025 Highlander Hybrid Performance
The Hybrid excels in composure, not competition.
- Acceleration: The 0-60 mph time is leisurely—around 7.5 to 8.0 seconds—but this figure is misleading. The initial feel is sprightly due to the electric motors. Once the gasoline engine kicks in, the system works harmoniously to keep the large SUV moving efficiently.
- Fuel Economy: The headline figure is the phenomenal fuel economy: 36 MPG combined (36 city/35 highway for FWD, or 35 combined for AWD). This is a massive improvement over the turbo model’s average of 24-25 MPG. Even allowing for the harsh realities of Highlander Hybrid fuel economy real-world test conditions—especially Alaskan winters—you will still see significant savings.
Reliability and Cold Weather Performance
Rachel specifically asked how the 2023-2025 Highlander Hybrids are “holding up.” This brings us to a topic where Toyota stands head and shoulders above the competition: long-term hybrid durability.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s long-term reliability is not just good; it’s legendary. The Hybrid Synergy Drive has been in production for over two decades, and the system is known for consistently exceeding expectations. The large, high-voltage battery packs used in these models are incredibly resilient. It’s highly common for these batteries to last the entire lifespan of the car (15+ years/200,000+ miles), often only needing replacement due to specific failures, not general degradation.
Furthermore, let’s discuss what to expect from a Toyota Hybrid system in your climate. She’s in Alaska, and cold weather is a unique test.
- Battery Management: The battery system is robustly insulated and self-manages its temperature. In extremely cold conditions, the car’s engine will run more frequently than in milder climates to generate heat and charge the battery, maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
- AWD Capability: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Hybrid models use a separate, dedicated electric motor to power the rear wheels. There is no physical driveshaft connecting the front and rear axles. This electronic AWD system is highly effective on snow and slick surfaces, providing immediate and precise power distribution when traction is lost. For your locale, the AWD Hybrid is the only choice I recommend.
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This brings us to the best midsize SUV for extreme cold weather. While pure gasoline vehicles can offer more potent cabin heating, the Hybrid system provides a reliable and time-tested platform, offering superior efficiency and adequate capability in Alaskan conditions.
How Does She Overcome the Test Drive Barrier?
The requirement to place a down payment to drive the car is unacceptable. Shoppers have a few ways to proceed while minimizing risk:
Since she loved her Camry Hybrid, Rachel already appreciates the core Toyota Hybrid System (HSD). Try to find any used Toyota vehicle built on the TNGA platform with the 2.5L HSD system—a used RAV4 Hybrid, a newer used Camry Hybrid, or even a Sienna Hybrid. The acceleration feel (the smooth, initial electric surge) is similar across the family. This will confirm if the power delivery addresses your dissatisfaction with the 2.4T.
Highlander Hybrid Walkthroughs: Leverage video content. Search for specific “Highlander Hybrid Cold Start” or “Highlander Hybrid Highway Acceleration” videos. Pay attention to the RPM gauge and the sound when the driver accelerates to merge. This is the next best thing to a test drive.
The Dealership Commitment (The Buy-Back): If you absolutely must proceed with buying a new Toyota without a test drive, your strongest negotiation point isn’t the price—it’s the commitment.
Before you sign any papers, have the dealership document a specific, time-limited, no-penalty buy-back or trade-in policy in writing if you find the vehicle unsuitable within, say, 72 hours of delivery. Given the extraordinary circumstances of your location and the dealership’s “no test drive” policy, a reputable dealer should be willing to provide this reassurance.
Confirm Options: Ensure you are looking at models with features essential for Alaska, such as the heated steering wheel, heated seats (mandatory), and the advanced AWD system.
Conclusion
Based on Rachel’s previous experience with the Camry Hybrid and her dislike for the noisy, high-revving nature of the 2.4L Turbo, the 2023-2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid would be an excellent fit.
The Hybrid’s focus is on effortless, low-speed torque and incredible Toyota Highlander Hybrid long-term reliability. It delivers a driving experience that is far more enjoyable and composed than the non-hybrid model that disappointed her.
The proven HSD system, combined with available electronic AWD, makes it an excellent choice for extreme conditions in Alaska.
Key Question for Readers:
For those of you who have driven both the 2.4L Turbo Highlander and the 2.5L Hybrid Highlander, what was the most significant difference in the feel and refinement that you noticed immediately? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Toyota Highlander story: I Got A Great Deal On a 2023 Toyota Highlander, and Then Found Out Why the Deal Was So Good Because the Dealer Sold Me a FWD Car
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Rachel Auge King
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Source: torquenews.com
