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2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Toyota Highlander Hybrid highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Strong fuel economy ratings
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Advanced driver-assistance features

Cons

  • Small third-row seat
  • Less engine power than 2019 model

Mileage (EPA estimate)

29 city, 27 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $33,998*

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2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid blends luxury with economy

Toyota completely redesigned the Highlander Hybrid midsize SUV for the 2020 model year, and the new design is a major upgrade from the previous model. Its new 2.5-liter gas engine, paired with an electric hybrid motor and continuously variable automatic transmission, earns an EPA estimate of 36 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, and 35 mpg for all-wheel-drive models (an increase of up to 7 mpg). Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Actual mileage will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

The 2020 Highlander Hybrid can be found in four distinct trim levels, ranging from the basic LE up to the super-luxurious Platinum. That allows buyers to choose the Highlander Hybrid that best meets their families' needs and budget. With a second-row bench seat, the Highlander Hybrid will carry up to eight people, or seven with the available captain's chairs in the second row. With an impressive tech package, the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great choice for families.

All Toyota Highlander Hybrid years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota Highlander Hybrid generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

  • The Highlander Hybrid is available in a new trim called the Platinum.
  • The Limited Platinum trim has been discontinued for 2020.
  • Highlander Hybrid trims have been upgraded with Head Up Display, Leatherette Seats, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • The LE trim now comes with Power Seat(s), Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Air Conditioning, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trims

Curious how Toyota Highlander Hybrid trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LE:

XLE:

Limited:

Platinum:

Toyota Highlander Hybrid photos

What We Like 

  • Fuel economy: The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive 2020 Highlander Hybrid at 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving, and the all-wheel-drive version just 1 mpg less. That's a major boost over prior years, and truly excellent for a vehicle of this size and weight. 

  • Available all-wheel drive: Far too often, buyers are forced to choose between the confident handling of all-wheel drive and the improved fuel economy of a hybrid. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid offers both features together, with no real penalty in fuel economy. 

  • Advanced features: The 2020 Highlander Hybrid comes standard with Toyota’s suite of advanced driver aids, which includes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. Those are important standard features for any family-oriented passenger vehicle. It also includes adaptive cruise control, which follows prevailing traffic speeds. 

What Needs Improvement  

  • Small rear seat: The third-row seating in the Highlander Hybrid is small, and really comfortable only for children. This is a common issue with midsize three-row SUVs, and a full-size vehicle may be the better choice if adults typically will be riding in the third row. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

8 customer reviews

Toyota Highlander Hybrid features and specs

Curious how Toyota Highlander Hybrid trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

XLE 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Quad Seats
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

243

Torque (ft-lbs)

175

Engine type

Hybrid

Fuel capacity

17.1

Wheelbase

112.2"

Overall length

194.9"

Width

76"

Height

68.1"

Leg room

F 40.4"/M 41"/R 27.7"

Head room

F 38.4"/M 39.4"/R 36.1"

Front tires

P235/65SR18

Rear tires

P235/65SR18

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid FAQ

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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