What's New
- The 2020 Highlander is an all-new model that marks the start of its fourth generation
Pros & Cons
- New off-roading capability and tech like hill descent control
- Hybrid powertrain
- Attractively styled
- Third row is a tight fit
- Not that fun to drive
- Leather only offered in top Premium trim
Toyota Highlander Overview
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is sporting a compete revamp that gives the fourth-generation kid-hauler a more chiseled appearance and a larger stance (it’s now 2.36 inches longer than the model it replaced). There is 16 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to 48.4 cubic-feet with the 60/40-splitting rear-seats folded flat. The Highlander is available in five trims: L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum (L is new).
All models can be configured with either a conventional gas or hybrid engine except for the L, which is gas only. Gas variants are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 paired to an eight-speed transmission that delivers 295 horsepower 263 pound-feet of torque (the same engine from the previous generation). The new Highlander also has newfound off-roading capabilities. Each trim can be configured with front-wheel-drive or one of two all-wheel-drive systems. The AWD system in the bottom three trims sends 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels for better performance. The Limited and Platinum trims get a more sophisticated system that distributes torque between the front and rear wheels. Hybrid models combine a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower and an estimated 36 combined mpg. Highlander hybrids can be configured with a front- or all-wheel-drive system that is exclusive to the powertrain.
Trim Specifications
The base L is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, three-zone climate control, a 2-inch information display, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED head and tail lamps, keyless entry and automatic high beams. The LE adds a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a power liftgate, blind spot monitoring and LED fog lamps. The XLE has a 10-way power adjusting driver’s seat, second-row sun shades, a larger 7-inch information display, navigation, heated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a power moonroof, roof rails and SoftTex-trimmed seats. Buyers can add premium audio and navigation for $1,040 as part of a package. The Limited gets 20-inch wheels, a 120-volt outlet in the second row, a cargo area cover, a hands-free power liftgate, perforated leather seats, a wood-trimmed interior and a JBL audio system. The top Platinum trim gets 20-inch platinum wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen (the larger touchscreen can be added to the Limited for $1,050), adaptive headlamps, a panoramic moonroof, rain-sensing wipers and a bird’s eye camera. All trims get Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of safety technology that includes pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control and road sign assist.
Warranty
3 Years/36,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles
5 Years/Unlimited Miles
2 Years/Unlimited Miles
2 Years/25,000 Miles