2023 toyota highlander 2nd row middle seat conversion

Q: Will there be any changes in the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

For model-year 2023, Toyota replaces the Highlanders proven 3.5L V6 engine (295 horsepower / 263 lb-ft of torque) with a new 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder (265 horsepower / 310 lb-ft of torque). Horsepower drops by 30, but torque output climbs by 47 lb-ft.

Potential buyers are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the redesigned 2020 Highlander, which should start shipping to dealerships later this month. This newest generation offering has the potential to make a gigantic splash in a crowded midsize SUV field. Highlander features bold new styling, both inside and out. Drivers and passengers will also benefit from and enjoy a plentiful assortment of new safety and technology features.

Table of Contents Show

Does the Highlander have a removable middle seat?
Will there be any changes in the 2023 Toyota Highlander?
Does Toyota Highlander have 2nd row captain's chairs?
Can you get bench seat in Highlander?

MY RECENT TORQUE NEWS STORY: Standard features across-the-board for 2020 Highlander.

I’ll take “7 versus 8” for $200 please Alex

All households come with different family sizes. With each varying family dynamic comes the need for more or less seats in a vehicle. The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers the flexibility for families to have seating for up to 7 or 8 people, depending on the second row seating choice they pick. They can choose between a second row bench and second row captain’s chairs.

Just like in previous years, all 2020 Highlanders come with three rows of seating. However, this model year was engineered to be 2.36 inches longer than its predecessor, which will add additional cargo volume. More room was created for third row passengers as well, as the second row will slide 1.2-inches more to allow for more space between the two back rows.

2020 Highlander bench versus captain’s chairs

Trim level, or grade, configurations for the 2020 Toyota Highlander have been simplified to make it easier to choose the best one for your family. Select from L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum. This grade strategy is easy to learn and understand, and it follows similar plans as popular models Camry, RAV4 and even Prius.

A second row bench seat is standard on the L and the LE trim levels for 2020 Highlander. Second row captain’s chairs are standard with the XLE, Limited and Platinum grades.

WATCH: my video review where I highlight key features on the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Buyers can also choose to override a bench seat and go with captain’s chairs on XLE and Limited models. This will be made available as a no-cost option.

Time for your thoughts on 2020 Highlander

I personally think this new fourth-generation redesign will be extremely popular with potential buyers. Exterior styling is sophistical and sleek, while the interior appears roomy and modern and loaded with technology.

What grade level do you think is optimal for you and your family? Do you think that a second row bench seat or captain’s chairs is a better fit for how you would use a 2020 Highlander?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Compare all 2020 Toyota 4Runner trim levels - everything you need to know.

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r/ToyotaHighlander

I have a 2014 XLE with a middle bench (grey leather, car seats 8). It’s too hard getting kids into the back bench (I have three in car seats - one in back, two in the middle). I’d like to switch to captains chairs for my middle row. Can this be done? TIA

level 1

Yes, if you find the captains chairs, you can swap it around. The seat bolt points should be present if the Highlander was sold with captains chairs as an option for that year. I've heard the 2015+ has the ability but am only moderately certain on the previous gen.

level 2

Thanks! I’ll look into the 2014 year options

level 1

There was a guy with the hybrid in this forum wanting to do the opposite but I doubt he’d want 8 year old seats in his 2022 and his was hybrid so with battery under the middle row I don’t know if that affects the seat design so probably a no go.

level 1

Hey I have a 2015 Limited with gray leather seats and captain in middle row. Was thinking about doing the opposite and get the bench. If you happen to live in Canada near Montreal we should get in touch.

level 2

I’m about 11 hours south of you, but thanks for reaching out!

Does the Highlander have a removable middle seat?

Does the Toyota Highlander have removable seats? Yes!

Will there be any changes in the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

For model-year 2023, Toyota replaces the Highlander's proven 3.5L V6 engine (295 horsepower / 263 lb-ft of torque) with a new 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder (265 horsepower / 310 lb-ft of torque). Horsepower drops by 30, but torque output climbs by 47 lb-ft.

Does Toyota Highlander have 2nd row captain's chairs?

The roomy interior of the new 2021 Toyota Highlander offers three rows of seating for up to eight passengers. For added comfort, you can choose the available second-row fold-down captain's chairs with fold-down armrests and adjustable headrests.

Can you get bench seat in Highlander?

An incredible option for the family on the go, the 2021 Toyota Highlander features third-row seating that is perfect for family adventures. Highlander L, LE, XLE and XSE trim levels come standard with second-row bench seats to make room for eight passengers.

toyota highlander 2nd row middle seat conversion