- Redesigned for the 2020 model year
- Plenty of room with 7- or 8-passenger seating
- Front-drive hybrid version available
- Builds on Toyota’s reputation for great resale
- Pricing starts at $34,600 (plus $1,120 destination) | Price yours
The Toyota Highlander has been a perennial entry on our best family vehicle lists and it burnishes that reputation with an all-new design that combines high style with functionality. While it retains its transverse engine layout and 3-row seating, the Highlander’s design is sleek and sexy. Its use of upscale materials and luxury execution throw off a premium vibe that compares favorably with the 2020 Mazda CX-9, another crossover that looks to occupy a space between true luxury and mass-market SUVs.
New look, familiar powertrain
Long a top choice in the 3-row midsize SUV segment, the 2020 Toyota Highlander doesn’t mess with success. The basic package returns in a slightly larger form, power still comes from a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 in standard front- and optional all-wheel drive. In lower trims, the all-wheel-drive system sends up to 50 percent of the available torque to the rear axle. The top two trims offer AWD that features side-to-side torque vectoring to send power to the wheel with the most grip.
What’s new this time around is that the hybrid version, which uses a 4-cylinder engine, comes in two flavors: an all-wheel-drive variant where an electric motor drives the rear wheels, and in a less expensive front-drive hybrid setup that promises 36 city mpg. The hybrids have a total system output of 243 horsepower. Unlike the V6 models which are equipped with 8-speed automatics, the hybrids use continuously variable transmissions.
Different models appeal to a wide range of family budgets
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is offered in five different trim levels, from entry-level to ultra-luxe. Base L models feature a second-row bench for big families looking for 8-passenger seating. Move up the trim walk and there’s LE, XLE, Limited and range-topping Platinum versions that can be equipped with second-row captain’s chairs for more comfort when carrying a maximum of seven.
Even in the base model, you’ll find such niceties as an 8-way power driver’s seat, an 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Amazon’s Alexa. Stepping up to the LE brings a power rear liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, enhanced audio with HD radio, LED fog lights and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. XLE models have a 7-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, and second-row sunshades, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated front buckets, and a power moonroof. Limited models add touches like wood trim, leather upholstery, and navigation. The top Platinum model upgrades the infotainment to a 12.3 -inch screen along with heated second-row seats, panoramic sunroof, surround-view camera, and a head-up display.
Flexibility is the key
As mentioned earlier, the L and LE models come in an 8-passenger-only configuration with a second-row bench. XLE and Limited models come with the captain’s chairs standard, but if you need the extra seating provided by the bench, you can specify that arrangement at no extra cost. The Platinum comes only with the captain’s chairs.
The larger dimensions of the new 2020 Highlander also means more third-row comfort. It’s still a touch less than the rival 2020 Honda Pilot. The Highlander is really good at carrying stuff. The 16-cubic-foot cargo area behind the third row expands to 48 cubic feet when it’s folded. Drop down the second row and that space expands to a whopping 84 cubic feet.
Safety first
All trim levels of the 2020 Highlander have Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite of safety equipment includes forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic energy braking. Full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and Lane Tracing Assist, which helps the vehicle track in the center of the lane when the cruise control is activated, is part of the package. Add-ons on higher trim levels include blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alerts, and front and rear parking assists.
The 2020 Highlander is good at protecting its occupants as well as the owner’s wallet. Toyota consistently leads in delivering high resale value. Even though the Highlander has undergone a major makeover, there hasn’t been a huge increase in price. The base L model (which now comes with a V6 versus last year’s 4-cylinder engine) costs $34,600 plus $1,120 destination. The LE comes in at $36,800 while the XLE is $39,600. At the top of the range are the $43,650 Limited and $46,850 Platinum. Hybrid models range from $38,200 for the LE front-drive model all the way up through $48,250 for the Platinum. All-in-all, the 2020 Toyota Highlander offers style, safety, and affordability for a wide range of families.
More 2020 Toyota Highlander
Build and price your own 2020 Toyota Highlander to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own and more, or see Toyota Highlander models for sale near you.
