5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
21 city, 29 highway, 24 combined
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Toyota gave the Highlander a comprehensive redesign for the 2020 model year. There's a bolder new look outside, a more stylish cabin inside, and a host of technical and equipment revisions to ensure the Highlander's place as a strong pick. The 2020 model also builds on its long-running appeal for families. There's a bit more cargo space, though still less than the biggest of its rivals. But the Highlander has always been prized for its about-right size, and it's unlikely buyers will need more passenger or cargo space. And this year the Highlander finally gets Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity on all trims along with a Toyota Safety Sense™ suite of driver aids.
The previous base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is no more, and all gas-powered Highlanders get the desirable 3.5-liter V6 with 295 hp. It's a smooth engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is offered as an option. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is good, too, though not as impressive as the numbers for the all-wheel-drive Hybrid model, which uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to electric motors. We'd stick with the conventional power and one of the midtier trims like the LE, which comes with everything you could possibly want, as well as a few desirable extras like a power tailgate and blind-spot monitoring. All-new, and all good, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is even easier to recommend against its competition.
Drive type | 2WD |
Engine size | 3.5L |
Horsepower | 295 |
Torque (ft-lbs) | 263 |
Engine type | Gas |
Fuel capacity | 17.9 |
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 39.9"/M 39.4"/R 36.1" |
Front tires | P235/65SR18 |
Rear tires | P235/65SR18 |
Seating capacity | 8 |
Max towing capacity | 500/5000 lbs. |
Transmission | Automatic |
No matter the trim, every 2020 Toyota Highlander includes several driver-assist features as standard. For example, dynamic cruise control is designed to automatically brake and accelerates the vehicle on the highway, and automatic high beams turn off by themselves when oncoming cars are detected. Lane departure is designed to alert you if you drift outside the lane markers, and can actually center the car autonomously.
You can add an optional factory-fitted tow package to the 2020 Toyota Highlander, comprised of a heavy-duty radiator, engine oil cooler, and improved fan performance. When installed, the pickup is capable of towing an estimated 5,000 pounds with the 3.5L V6 engine, when properly equipped.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg for the V6 AWD model and an EPA-estimated 23 mpg for the V6 2WD model, making it a great choice for a lengthy drive.
With so many upscale features, the 2020 Highlander has a plush interior that you’ll love sitting in. Padded surfaces utilize softer materials, and there's continuous stitching from the door trim to the instrument panel. In addition, Limited and Platinum grades offer leather upholstery.
Occupants can enjoy the latest in connectivity in every 2020 Toyota Highlander. Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Amazon Alexa™, Waze, and SiriusXM™ satellite radio are all supported within the built-in infotainment system. In addition, XLE and higher trims add Dynamic Navigation.
If you're interested in the 2020 Toyota Highlander, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2019 Toyota Sequoia is a full-size, V8 SUV that offers AWD and 4WD options to get you around town. Although this vehicle isn't a pickup truck, it offers a tow hitch and full roof rack for your needs. It also features a fold-away third-row for extra interior storage. Have a large family or group of friends? The 2019 Toyota Sequoia seats up to eight passengers. The 2019 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with:
Power hatch/deck lid
Sunroof
Running boards
Heated front seats
Third-row seating
Following a substantial upgrade in 2017, the Nissan Pathfinder is a great choice if you're looking for a three-row SUV that can tow. 2019 models offer an estimated towing capacity of 6,000 lbs across all trim levels with the V6 engine, when properly equipped.
Standard features of the 2016–2020 Nissan Pathfinder base trim S include:
Rear privacy glass
Six-speaker sound system
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Need an SUV that can carpool kids, transport furniture, and tow your camper—all in a weekend? The 2019 Honda Pilot provides the space and capability you crave. All 2019 trims feature standard seating for eight passengers (except the seven-passenger Elite, which comes standard with second-row captain's chairs) and a 3.5L V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. With AWD, the 2019 Pilot V6 can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped, which is plenty of oomph to get jobs done at home and at work.
RepairPal gave the Toyota Highlander an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Highlander 3rd out of 30 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota HighlanderIncludes 18-inch aluminum wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, and LED headlights and taillights.
Unlocks LED foglights and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
Adds a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, four-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, and roof rails.
Adds 20-inch alloy wheels, metal door scuff plates, and wood interior accents.
Adds an adaptive front lighting system, heated second-row seats, and a 360-degree bird's-eye-view camera.
Blizzard Pearl
Blueprint
Celestial Silver Metallic
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic
Moon Dust
Opulent Amber
Ruby Flare Pearl
16.1 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row
40.6 cubic feet of storage space with the third row folded
73.3 cubic feet of storage space with both the second and third rows folded
L and LE grades come standard with a second-row bench and can seat total of eight people
XLE, Limited, and Platinum grades come standard with two second-row captain's chairs and can seat a total of seven people