Its infotainment system is easy to use, and it has a handsome cabin - 2020 Toyota Highlander Review
1Overview
With plenty of room to haul the fam and your stuff, the 2020 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid are two handsome options in the mid-size-SUV segment that carry Toyota's rock-solid reputation for reliability. With three rows of seating and plenty of cargo space, these utes are practical choices, even though rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer slightly more value. Toyota's mid-size SUV is new for 2020 and offers many useful features not found in the outgoing Highlander. Both a gasoline V-6 and a hybridized four-cylinder are available, and the Highlander delivers a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. Many driver-assistance features are standard across the range, including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
What's New for 2020?
Toyota has revamped the Highlander for 2020. It's vastly improved compared with the 2019 model it replaces. Next year, a sportier-looking XSE model will join the lineup.
In our view, the mid-range XLE is the pick of the litter. It has heated front seats, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and a power sunroof, among other niceties. We'd also spring for the Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation package, which brings in-dash navigation and an upgraded stereo system. All-wheel drive will add $1600 to the bottom line. And opting for the hybrid powertrain over the standard V-6 will cost an extra $1400.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Highlander comes with a 295-hp 3.5-liter V-6, which pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. During a brief test drive, we found the V-6 could tackle short on-ramps reasonably enough; at our test track, our all-wheel drive test vehicle made it to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. We haven't had the chance to take the new Highlander to the track, but we'll update this story with test results once we do. Handling is unexciting but stable, and the ride is perfectly suitable for family-chauffer duty. More driving enjoyment can be found in the Mazda CX-9.
Hybrid Powertrain
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors team up for a combined 243 horsepower in the Highlander Hybrid. This model comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a choice between front- and all-wheel drive. Leveraging Toyota's hybrid expertise, this powertrain provides buyers with something more fuel efficient than the standard model. The tradeoff likely will come in acceleration performance, both due to the hybrid's lower horsepower rating and the fact that this model uses a CVT instead of the nonhybrid's eight-speed automatic. At our test track, the hybrid model made it to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Potential buyers in this segment will perhaps know that the Ford Explorer comes in hybrid form, too. But pitting these utes against each other, the Toyota comes out on top in terms of fuel economy, and the Highlander Hybrid's starting price of $39,320 is a whopping $14,155 less than the Explorer Hybrid's.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the 2020 Highlander V-6 will deliver up to 29 mpg on the highway when equipped with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive cuts that by 2 mpg. Hybrid models carry higher ratings, with front-wheel-drive variants earning 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. We've tested the standard Highlander on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, where it delivered the 28 mpg. When the hybrid visits our office, we'll be putting its fuel efficiency to the test on the same route.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
For 2020, the Highlander gets an interior makeover to match its updated exterior styling. Base L and mid-range LE models can seat eight passengers using bench seats in the second and third rows, but a seven-seat arrangement with second-row captain's chairs is available on higher trims. Passenger space is more generous here than in the CX-9, but not as spacious as in the Chevrolet Traverse, especially in the third row. Materials throughout the cabin are much improved over those in the last-generation Highlander. Upscale Limited and Platinum models provide the most creature comforts, but compared with the features proffered by the Palisade or Telluride, they fall short. The cargo area behind the third row fit a mere four carry-on suitcases; the Traverse fit six.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch infotainment system comes standard on most trims, but the Highlander Limited and Platinum get a 12.3-inch display. An 11-speaker JBL audio system is available. Toyota provides SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration for all models.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Highlander a five-star safety rating; the Highlander was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).