Part of the Highlander mid-sized SUV’s 2023 refresh, the new 2.4-liter unit makes 265 horsepower and 419 Nm of torque—a significant 17 percent increase over the normally-aspirated V6. Despite the added power and torque, it shows a 50 percent reduction in NOx and NMOG as well as an improvement in carbon dioxide emissions. And thanks to an idle start-stop system, it can deliver a combined city/high fuel economy figure of 10.2 km/L.

The engine, the T24A-FTS, was introduced first in the all-new Lexus NX. In the premium compact SUV, it makes slightly more power and torque: 275 horsepower and 430 Nm.

Aside from the new engine, the 2023 Highlander also benefits from a larger 12.3-inch center touchscreen along with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster. Toyota also moved the wireless device charger to a more convenient location.

It’s been reported that the turbocharged 2.4-liter turbo will make its way to more Toyota and Lexus models such as the Harrier (North American Venza). It will also likely replace the 3.5-liter V6 currently found in Lexus models such as the upcoming all-new Lexus RX and rumored first-ever TX.

For the Philippine market, the remaining vehicle powered by the 3.5-liter V6 is the Alphard. And for that one, rumors are swirling around that Toyota Motor Philippines is also set to discontinue that engine in favor a 2.5-liter hybrid (2AR-FXE). That move may happen sometime in 2022, if the whispers are true.