The 2020 Toyota Highlander stands out in the competitive mid-size SUV market, not just for its impressive fuel efficiency but also for its thoughtful design. This review delves into the features and storage solutions that make the Highlander a practical and comfortable choice for families.
Interior of the 2020 Toyota Highlander showing the dashboard and infotainment screen
The three-row SUV segment boasts strong contenders like the Ford Explorer and Hyundai Palisade. The Toyota Highlander holds its own, offering a compelling hybrid option that achieves an impressive 35 mpg. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist, and automatic parallel parking. Redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Highlander’s exterior boasts a sharp, modern aesthetic. The Platinum edition, with 20-inch wheels and Ruby Flare Pearl paint, exudes a near-luxury feel, justifying its price tag of $52,512.
Thoughtful Interior Design and Storage Solutions
The Highlander’s interior truly shines. The driver’s seat offers a cockpit-like experience with a well-designed steering wheel, traditional gear shifter, a massive 12-inch touchscreen, and logically placed buttons and controls. What truly sets the Highlander apart is its abundance of storage solutions.
Close up of the center console in the 2020 Toyota Highlander showcasing storage compartments
Beyond the spacious center console under the armrest, there’s another large bin in front of the gear selector. However, the star feature is a dedicated phone storage compartment located below the air vents. This thoughtfully designed bin is tilted to prevent phones from sliding out, large enough to accommodate even the largest smartphones with bulky cases, and features a strategically placed hole for cable management, allowing for seamless connection to USB ports located just below.
This seemingly minor detail significantly enhances the driving experience. No more fumbling with cupholder phone mounts or awkwardly placed devices. The Highlander provides a dedicated, easily accessible, and charging-friendly space for your phone. A similar, albeit without USB access, bin is also available on the passenger side.
Passenger side view of the 2020 Toyota Highlander interior, highlighting the dashboard and storage areas
Clever Storage: A Growing Trend
This trend of intelligent storage solutions is increasingly prevalent in new vehicles, like the Volvo XC40 and Ford Bronco Sport. Advancements in materials and safety regulations allow designers to maximize space utilization, creating convenient nooks and crannies.
The Highlander Hybrid: A Well-Rounded SUV
Beyond storage, the Highlander Hybrid delivers on expectations: a spacious, reliable, comfortable, and luxurious SUV with exceptional fuel economy and thoughtful design. While competition is tough, the Highlander remains a strong contender in its segment.
