If you like a quiet ride, the 2023 Toyota Highlander may not be the car for you. In fact, U.S. News and World Report made a point to call out how noisy the latest model is. So if you prefer a serene drive or at least the ability to hear the music you play clearly, you may need to look at other three-row SUVs besides the Toyota Highlander.

Not a quiet vehicle

Unlike the 2022 and prior models, Toyota outfitted the 2023 Highlander with a turbocharged 2.4-liter turbo-four engine. Compared to the 2022 Highlander’s V-6, which generated 295 hp, the new model generates just 265 hp.

There’s no change in fuel efficiency, as the turbo-four and V-6 are both rated for a combined 24 mpg (as per MotorTrend). However, the new engine does produce more torque than the old one (309 lb-ft versus 263 lb-ft, respectively).

Besides torque, the engine distinguishes itself in one key area: noise. U.S. News and World Report noted that when you press down on the brake, there’s quite a bit of sound. And given that the new Highlander has a different engine, the noise is a new problem for the model.

But while you’re in for a truly thunderous ride when you hit the gas, it’s the only new problem you’ll face with the 2023 model. The engine noise may be the only thing prospective buyers will take issue with.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is excellent otherwise

Overall, ​U.S. News did find much to dislike about the 2023 Highlander. After all, Toyota did not change too much about the perennially popular SUV.

It still boasts Toyota’s renowned reliability and several additional tech features for its premium trims. And it offers the same comfort, cargo space, and amenities that made the 2022 Highlander such an excellent buy.

In addition to the turbo-four engine, the Highlander sports an eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD as standard (AWD is available). The 2023 model lags behind its rivals in cargo space. But with 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 with the third row flipped down (more than the Kia Telluride or Ford Explorer in this regard), and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down, there’s a good deal of room for luggage or equipment. The Highlander also has two cool storage shelves, one under the infotainment screen and another above the glove compartment.

The Highlander L (the base trim), LE, XLE, and XSE come with built-in navigation, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a 7.0-inch instrument cluster.

However, you can upgrade the infotainment screen to 12.3 inches on the XLE and XSE. And on the Limited and Platinum trims, you’ll get 12.3-inch infotainment and instrument displays standard.

Also, opting for trims XLE and higher will get you a hands-free power liftgate, while power-folding mirrors come standard with the Limited and Platinum trims.

Should you buy the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

Not only is the 2023 Highlander competitive from a features perspective, but it’s also affordable, with a starting MSRP of $36,420. You also can’t beat the safety. The 2022 model received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ distinction, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it a perfect five out of five stars.

The 2023 model comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced safety features sure to mitigate the risk of an accident. The suite includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, auto high beams, emergency steering assistance, downhill assistance control, hill start control, and trailer sway control.

Overall, the 2023 Highlander is a solid, safe, and reliable vehicle that’s as worthy of consideration as any of its peers. If a three-row SUV is what you’re looking for, you should take a 2023 Highlander for a test drive to see if you can live with the engine noise. Because otherwise, it’s a great choice.