The 2013 Toyota Highlander emerged as a compelling option in the midsize SUV market, offering a blend of comfort, versatility, and Toyota’s renowned reliability. This model year introduced enhancements that further solidified the Highlander’s appeal to families and individuals seeking a dependable and well-equipped vehicle. The Toyota Highlander 2013 lineup presented various choices, from fuel-efficient four-cylinder models to powerful V6 options and the eco-conscious Highlander Hybrid.
Exploring the 2013 Toyota Highlander Model Lineup and New Features
For the 2013 model year, Toyota refined the Highlander range by introducing the Highlander Plus grade, effectively replacing the previous Tech Package. This new trim level brought together a collection of sought-after features as standard, enhancing the overall value proposition. A significant addition was the inclusion of a rear back-up camera, a feature increasingly important for safety and convenience in family SUVs.
Beyond the new grade structure, the toyota highlander 2013 models received updates to their multimedia technology. Display Audio became standard on the base Highlander, SE, and the new Highlander Plus trims. The Highlander Hybrid took connectivity a step further by incorporating Display Audio with Navigation and the Entune™ multimedia package as standard equipment. These upgrades reflected the growing demand for integrated technology and user-friendly infotainment systems in vehicles.
Manufactured at Toyota’s Motor Manufacturing facility in Princeton, Indiana, the Highlander maintained its three-row seating configuration, a hallmark of its design. Customers could choose between a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and a more powerful V6, along with front-wheel-drive (FWD) or full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. The toyota highlander 2013 Hybrid models continued to impress with their exceptional fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, while exclusively offering four-wheel-drive with intelligence (4WD-i) and being available in Hybrid and Limited grades.
The Highlander’s legacy as a pioneer in the midsize crossover SUV segment was built upon its car-like driving dynamics, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency, combined with the spaciousness and versatility expected from an SUV. The second-generation toyota highlander 2013 further emphasized these qualities while prioritizing safety with a comprehensive suite of standard active and passive safety features.
The toyota highlander 2013 gasoline models were available in Highlander, Highlander Plus, SE, and Limited grades, each offering front-wheel or four-wheel drive. A robust 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine was standard on the SE and Limited trims and offered as an option for the other grades, catering to drivers seeking more power. Full-time four-wheel drive was available across all V6-equipped models.
Performance and Powertrain Options of the 2013 Toyota Highlander
The toyota highlander 2013 offered a range of powertrain options to suit diverse driving needs and preferences. The base engine for the Highlander and Highlander Plus models was a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine provided a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 25 MPG on the highway. Key technologies like a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) optimized both torque delivery and fuel economy. The 2.7-liter engine was paired with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
For those desiring more power, a 3.5-liter V6 engine was available and standard on the SE and Limited grades. This V6 produced a substantial 270 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. Similar to the four-cylinder, the V6 incorporated dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. It was matched with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that included selectable manual sequential shifting for a more engaging driving experience.
The toyota highlander 2013 Hybrid model featured Toyota’s advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system. This system combined a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric motor-generator, resulting in a total system output of 280 net horsepower. Notably, the Highlander Hybrid 4WD utilized a separate electric motor to power the rear wheels, providing on-demand all-wheel-drive capability without the need for a traditional mechanical linkage. This system intelligently distributed torque between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions, enhancing traction and stability.
The Highlander Hybrid also offered driver-selectable modes to optimize efficiency and driving dynamics. An EV-mode switch allowed for short-distance, low-speed driving in electric-only mode under certain conditions, ideal for maximizing fuel economy in stop-and-go traffic. The ECON drive-mode switch adjusted throttle response to further enhance fuel efficiency during acceleration. A Hybrid System Indicator in the instrument panel provided real-time feedback to the driver, aiding in optimizing fuel consumption.
Ride and Handling Characteristics of the 2013 Toyota Highlander
The toyota highlander 2013 continued to prioritize a comfortable and composed ride, a characteristic that had become synonymous with the model. It featured a four-wheel independent suspension system, utilizing MacPherson struts at the front and a dual-link strut system at the rear. This suspension setup contributed to a smooth and quiet ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections.
The Highlander, SE, and Highlander Plus grades were equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 245/65 R17 tires, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The Limited trim elevated the visual appeal and handling with larger 19-inch alloy wheels and 245/55 R19 tires. All toyota highlander 2013 models included a direct tire-pressure monitoring system, alerting the driver to critically low tire pressure, enhancing safety and tire longevity.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies in the 2013 Toyota Highlander
Safety remained a paramount concern for the toyota highlander 2013, which came standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System™. This comprehensive suite integrated several key safety technologies, including Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electric Power Steering (EPS), and the anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). These systems worked in concert to enhance vehicle control and stability in various driving situations.
Enhanced VSC played a crucial role in maintaining driver control by automatically adjusting engine output and applying braking force to individual wheels when needed. It also provided steering assistance through EPS to help the driver steer in the correct direction during challenging maneuvers. Gasoline-powered toyota highlander 2013 models further benefited from a straight-line steering feature, which compensated for uneven braking forces caused by varying traction, enhancing directional stability during braking.
The Highlander Hybrid utilized the more advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. VDIM built upon the functionalities of the Star Safety System by proactively anticipating tire slippage and integrating all dynamic control systems, including VSC, TRAC, BA, EPS, EBD, and ABS, along with Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i) and Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB). This sophisticated system aimed to intervene smoothly and progressively to maintain vehicle stability before skids or wheelspin occurred.
All toyota highlander 2013 models incorporated a corner-braking feature, which subtly reduced brake pressure on the inside wheels during cornering, improving control and handling through turns. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), standard on all models, prevented rollback when starting on an incline by automatically applying braking pressure for a short duration.
For gasoline-powered toyota highlander 2013 4WD models, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) was standard equipment. DAC helped maintain a constant speed and enhance control on steep or slippery downhill slopes by automatically managing braking force to prevent wheel lockup.
The V6 engine option, available across several trims, also unlocked a significant towing capability, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making the toyota highlander 2013 suitable for families with towing needs.
In terms of occupant protection, the toyota highlander 2013 was equipped with seven standard airbags, including advanced airbags for the driver and front passenger, front-seat-mounted side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags that covered all three rows. Front-seat active headrests were also standard, mitigating whiplash injuries in certain types of collisions.
Comfort, Convenience, and Interior Amenities of the 2013 Toyota Highlander
The toyota highlander 2013 prioritized passenger comfort and convenience with a well-appointed interior and a generous list of standard features. All models featured standard three-row seating with a 50/50 split third-row seat and rear climate control, ensuring comfort for all occupants.
Standard features on the base Highlander grade included front and rear air conditioning, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, power door locks and windows, manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry, UV-reduction windshield, rear privacy glass, and more.
The new Highlander Plus grade added significant enhancements, including a 3.5-inch Multi-Information Display showing essential vehicle data, a rear back-up camera displayed on the 6.1-inch audio screen, easy-clean fabric seats with power lumbar support for the driver, dual extendable sun visors, and second-row reading lamps. Exterior upgrades for the Highlander Plus included black roof rails, a lift-up glass hatch, fog lamps, and an engine immobilizer for enhanced security. The cargo area gained convenient one-touch fold-flat levers for the second-row seats and a cargo area cover.
The Display Audio system, standard on Highlander, Highlander Plus, and SE grades, offered a USB port, Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free phone calls and music streaming, and in the Plus and SE grades, integrated the back-up camera display.
For the toyota highlander 2013 Hybrid, the Leather Premium Package replaced the previous Leather Package, offering a power moonroof, leather-trimmed seats in the first and second rows, leatherette-trimmed third-row seats, heated front seats, a HomeLink® universal transceiver, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with metallic accents and Bluetooth voice controls, leather-trimmed shift lever, metallic interior trim, and an engine immobilizer.
The toyota highlander 2013 Hybrid models featured standard Display Audio with Navigation and the Toyota Entune multimedia system. The steering wheel gained controls for audio, the Multi-Information Display, and Bluetooth hands-free phone functionality. The Highlander Hybrid Limited further enhanced the experience with a JBL® Premium Audio system, automatic climate control for the rear seats, and perforated leather seating surfaces.
The Entune Multimedia system provided access to a suite of mobile applications and data services through a connected smartphone, offering features like Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora®, fuel price information, sports scores, stocks, traffic, and weather.
Optional features for the toyota highlander 2013 included heated side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, voice-activated touch screen navigation, JBL audio systems, and rear-seat entertainment systems for Limited grades.
Exterior and Interior Design of the 2013 Toyota Highlander
Designed at Calty Design Research in California, the second-generation toyota highlander 2013 presented a contemporary and dynamic exterior with sculpted lines, a wide stance, and muscular contours. The base Highlander trim offered a refined appearance with 17-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed mirrors, and a silver-painted grille.
The Highlander Limited trim exuded a more luxurious presence with 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and roof rails, puddle lamps, and a rear spoiler. The toyota highlander 2013 Hybrid models were visually distinguished by a unique grille and bumper design, color-keyed rockers with chrome accents, vertically stacked fog lamps, and blue lens covers for the projector-beam headlights and taillights.
Inside, the toyota highlander 2013 offered a spacious and versatile cabin with seating for up to seven and a maximum cargo capacity of 95.4 cubic feet (94.1 cubic feet for the Hybrid). Numerous storage compartments, 10 cup holders, bottle holders, and power outlets were strategically placed throughout the cabin.
The second-row seats featured a 40/20/40 split and the innovative Center Stow™ seat, which could be removed to create captain’s chairs and a walk-through to the third row. A Center Stow console could also be placed between the second-row seats for added storage. The second-row seats also reclined and slid forward and backward for enhanced passenger comfort and access to the third row.
The third-row seats had a 50/50 split and folded flat into the floor, maximizing cargo space when needed. One-touch levers in the cargo area (standard on Highlander Plus, SE, Limited gas models, and all Hybrid models) allowed for easy folding of the second-row seats.
The toyota highlander 2013 Hybrid models featured unique Optitron meters with blue graphics and a power meter with a hybrid system indicator, further differentiating them from the gasoline models.
Warranty and Toyota Care for the 2013 Toyota Highlander
The toyota highlander 2013 was backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 60-month corrosion warranty with no mileage limit. Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, were covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Additionally, the toyota highlander 2013 came standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever came first, providing added peace of mind to owners.
In conclusion, the toyota highlander 2013 represented a refined and well-rounded midsize SUV, offering a range of models and features to appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers. Its combination of practicality, comfort, safety, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability made it a strong contender in its class, especially for families seeking a dependable and versatile vehicle.
