2020 Toyota Highlander review
Toyota Highlander highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Attractive power and EPA estimates from the V6 engine
Cons
- Third-row seats and trunk space aren't as roomy as in some rivals
- Hybrid's engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 27 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $31,998 - $33,998*
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Redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander brings more style and bit more space
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.
All Toyota Highlander years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota Highlander generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
- The Highlander is available in a variety of new trims, including the L and Platinum.
- The LE Plus, Limited Platinum, and SE trims have been discontinued for 2020.
- Highlander trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats, Head Up Display, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The LE trim now comes with Rear Air Conditioning, Smart Key, Blind Spot Monitor, Power Seat(s), Power Hatch/Deck Lid, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The Limited trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel and Quad Seats as standard equipment.
2020 Toyota Highlander trims
Curious how Toyota Highlander trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesL:
Includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, and LED headlights and taillights.
LE:
Unlocks LED foglights and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
XLE:
Adds a 10-way power adjustable driver seat, four-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, and roof rails.
Limited:
Adds 20-inch alloy wheels, metal door scuff plates, and wood interior accents.
Platinum:
Adds an adaptive front lighting system, heated second-row seats, and a 360-degree bird's-eye-view camera.
Toyota Highlander photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Toyota Highlander
1. Driver-assistance technology
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.
2. Great towing capability
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.
A Trailer Sway Control function uses the onboard stability control to mitigate unwanted trailer movement.3. Excellent for long distances
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.
This is due to its innovative powertrain. Plus, one of the highlights of the 2020 Highlander is a standard engine start-stop system. The ignition shuts off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and instantly restarts when the brake pedal is disengaged, with no additional input needed from the driver. This combined with a comfortable ride will have you booking your next road trip ASAP.4. Premium interior
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.
5. Cutting-edge multimedia
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.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Toyota Highlander, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Toyota Sequoia
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.
Look for the SV trim on 2017–2020 models for adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.Standard features of the 2016–2020 Nissan Pathfinder base trim S include:
Rear privacy glass
Six-speaker sound system
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Honda Pilot
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.
Behind the third-row is 16.5 cubic feet of storage to fit your kids' sporting gear, but that number more than quadruples to a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet by folding the second and third rows down.Shop with your budget in mind
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota Highlander an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Highlander 6th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota HighlanderToyota Highlander features and specs
Curious how Toyota Highlander 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
- Heated Mirrors
- 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
- Full Roof Rack
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Quad Seats
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (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 38.4"/M 39.4"/R 36.1"
Front tires
P235/65SR18
Rear tires
P235/65SR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
500/5000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Toyota Highlander FAQ
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- XLE: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- LE: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- Limited: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- L: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
The Toyota Highlander received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Toyota Highlander as 5 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Toyota Highlander, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Toyota Highlander Reviews.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Toyota Highlander:
- L
- Platinum
- Leatherette Seats
- Head Up Display
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
More about the 2020 Toyota Highlander
Color options
Exterior colors:
Blizzard Pearl
Blueprint
Celestial Silver Metallic
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic
Moon Dust
Opulent Amber
Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior details
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
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