Toyota’s iconic Highlander SUV has been completely reimagined for its fourth generation, bringing a bold new design and class-leading fuel efficiency to the forefront of the midsize SUV market. The 2020 Toyota Highlander, unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, is poised to redefine expectations with its enhanced driving dynamics, sophisticated styling, and advanced technology. Set to arrive at Toyota dealerships starting Winter 2019 for the gas model and February 2020 for the Highlander Hybrid, this new SUV is built to impress.
Just as the original RAV4 pioneered the compact crossover SUV segment, the first Toyota Highlander established a new standard for the midsize family SUV in 2001. Moving away from truck-based designs prevalent at the time, the Highlander’s unibody construction and independent suspension offered superior comfort and family-friendliness, setting a benchmark for the segment. With the addition of a third row, the Toyota Highlander has not only grown in size but also solidified its position as the best-selling retail model in its class since 2016.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander builds upon this legacy, enhancing its core values of safety, comfort, quality, durability, and reliability with a striking and distinctive new design. This fourth-generation model amplifies all the qualities that Highlander owners have come to appreciate, while embracing a bold design language that merges a powerful SUV presence with refined details.
Beneath its sophisticated exterior, the 2020 Toyota Highlander rides on the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. This robust foundation, shared with other advanced Toyota models, elevates the Highlander’s capabilities, comfort, and safety to new heights. Powering the 2020 Highlander is a choice of a potent V6 engine or a next-generation hybrid powertrain. The gasoline version offers an estimated 22 MPG combined fuel economy, while the Highlander Hybrid achieves a best-in-class estimated 34 MPG combined fuel economy, a remarkable 17 percent improvement over the previous hybrid generation.
Safety remains paramount for Toyota Highlander drivers, whether they are growing families or empty nesters embarking on new adventures. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a comprehensive suite of active safety systems, comes standard on every 2020 Toyota Highlander model. This suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is engineered to provide automatic braking assistance in certain scenarios where a potential collision is detected and the driver may not react in time. For enhanced awareness, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Parking Support Braking, and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) are also available, depending on the chosen model grade.
Toyota continues to deliver exceptional value with the 2020 Highlander, offering it in five distinct grades: the new entry-level L grade, followed by LE, XLE, Limited, and the top-of-the-line Platinum. The Highlander Hybrid powertrain is available on all grades except the L.
Inside, the 2020 Toyota Highlander offers cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity for all occupants. The intuitive multimedia system features a new, segment-leading 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the Platinum grade, and an 8-inch screen on all other models. For audiophiles, the available new JBL Premium Sound System delivers an immersive 1,200 watts of power, transforming every drive into a concert experience.
In a fiercely competitive midsize SUV segment, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is ready to lead the charge.
A Bold and Athletic Design
The 2020 Toyota Highlander showcases a sculpted new shape with chiseled lines, projecting a powerful stance and a modern, sophisticated presence. While maintaining its family-friendly functionality, the new Highlander is designed to accommodate bigger family adventures with style and confidence.
Alt Text: Opulent Amber 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum showcasing its bold front grille and premium projector headlamps.
The L, LE, and XLE grades feature a distinctive black front grille with silver trim, while the Limited and Platinum grades are distinguished by a black grille with chrome trim, chrome-plated lower rear fascia, premium projector headlamps, and the Highlander’s first-ever 20-inch alloy wheels. The Platinum grade further stands out with a unique silver-painted front bumper and rear fascia, along with exclusive 20-inch wheels.
To complement the 2020 Toyota Highlander’s bold lines, the exterior color palette includes three carryover colors from 2019 – Blizzard Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic, and Midnight Black Metallic – and introduces five new options: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Moon Dust (a striking blue premium paint), Ruby Flare Pearl (a daring red premium paint), Blueprint, and Opulent Amber (a deep, luxurious brown).
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the 2020 Toyota Highlander’s design is also highly functional. Enhanced aerodynamic efficiency reduces wind noise and improves vehicle stability. Even details like the taillights and side mirrors have been carefully designed to contribute to aerodynamic performance.
The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander is 2.36 inches longer than its predecessor, with all of the added length dedicated to the cargo area, providing even greater cargo volume. The second-row seats offer added versatility, sliding an extra 1.2 inches further forward to increase legroom between the second and third rows when needed.
Built on the TNGA-K platform, which incorporates extensive use of high-strength steel, the 2020 Toyota Highlander boasts a stiffer unibody structure compared to the previous generation. This inherent strength allows for refined tuning of the front strut and rear multi-link suspension, resulting in enhanced agility, a tighter turning circle, and a smoother, quieter ride.
The influence of takumi craftsmanship is evident in the premium feel and driving experience of the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Throughout the vehicle’s development, these master craftsmen focused on meticulously refining technical details to ensure exceptional smoothness in all driving conditions, particularly at everyday speeds.
Practicality and Versatility for Modern Families
The sporty design of the 2020 Toyota Highlander does not compromise its practicality. The L and LE grades come standard with an eight-passenger second-row bench seat, while the XLE and Limited grades feature standard seven-passenger second-row captain’s chairs with an optional eight-passenger bench. The Platinum grade comes standard with seven-passenger captain’s chairs. Large rear doors ensure easy access to all rows, and versatile seat folding configurations simplify entry to the third row. Third-row passengers benefit from standard three-zone climate control, ensuring comfortable airflow throughout the cabin.
Alt Text: Spacious interior of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum showcasing panoramic moonroof and premium leather seating.
With all seat rows in use, the Toyota Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding down the 60/40 split-fold third-row seats expands the cargo area to 40.6 cubic feet, and folding the second row further increases it to an impressive 73.3 cubic feet. The cargo area is designed for maximum utility, with side surfaces and pockets shaped to optimize space usage.
Powertrain Choices: Power and Efficiency
The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two advanced powertrains: a robust V6 engine and a next-generation Toyota Hybrid System.
The 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers smooth and responsive performance. Toyota’s innovative D-4S Injection system combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors to optimize efficiency, power, and emissions across various driving conditions. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) further enhances responsiveness and efficiency at all engine speeds.
This translates to 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, providing excellent everyday performance and substantial towing capability. The Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission seamlessly and efficiently manages power delivery for smooth acceleration and highway merging.
V6 models equipped with the available towing package can achieve a 5,000-pound towing capacity. This package includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler and enhanced fan performance. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) utilizes the Vehicle Stability Control system to help manage unwanted trailer movement, enhancing towing safety.
The Highlander’s standard Stop and Start Engine System improves fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and seamlessly restarting it when the driver releases the brake pedal.
Highlander Hybrid: Elevating Hybrid Efficiency
Toyota’s leadership in hybrid technology continues with the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid ever produced.
The new-generation Toyota Hybrid System in the 2020 Highlander Hybrid pairs a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, creating a more compact and efficient system than its predecessor. The gasoline engine incorporates Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system and a fully variable oil pump further optimize engine efficiency.
The result is an impressive 240 total system horsepower and an EPA-estimated 34 MPG combined fuel economy, a 17-percent improvement over the previous Highlander Hybrid. Despite its fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid maintains the responsive acceleration and power expected by SUV buyers. For the first time in a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, buyers can choose between 2WD and AWD configurations, expanding hybrid technology to a broader range of customers.
The transaxle design mounts the electric motors (MG1 and MG2) coaxially, reducing size, weight, and frictional losses. The gas engine and MG2 work in tandem for dynamic performance, while both MG1 and MG2 contribute to charging the hybrid battery.
The battery pack is designed to be compact and is located under the rear seats, preserving both cargo and passenger space.
Seamless Hybrid Performance
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers its exceptional fuel economy and performance with seamless operation. Like all Toyota hybrids, it operates transparently, optimizing the balance between electric motor assistance and gasoline engine engagement without requiring high engine revs. Engine speed is synchronized with vehicle speed for smooth and quiet acceleration.
Drivers can customize the Highlander Hybrid’s driving personality with selectable NORMAL, ECO, and SPORT driving modes, in addition to an EV mode for electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances. SPORT mode enhances acceleration response, ECO mode maximizes fuel and battery efficiency, and NORMAL mode provides balanced performance for everyday driving.
The Highlander Hybrid also features a sequential shifting feature that allows the driver to increase regenerative braking in steps by “downshifting,” providing greater control in hilly terrain. An accelerator guide and eco-driving score function can further assist drivers in maximizing fuel efficiency.
Predictive Efficient Drive
The Highlander Hybrid’s Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) system learns the driver’s daily driving patterns and analyzes upcoming road and traffic conditions to optimize hybrid battery charging and discharging, further enhancing real-world fuel efficiency. The system continuously learns from accumulated driving data to refine its control and provide a natural driving experience while maximizing efficiency.
Advanced All-Wheel Drive Systems
The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers a choice of front-wheel drive or three different all-wheel drive systems: two for V6 models and a unique AWD system for the Highlander Hybrid. For Highlander Gas L, LE, and XLE models, the optional AWD system can distribute up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels to enhance traction when needed.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select and Driveline Disconnect, available on Highlander Limited and Platinum, provides even greater agility and control. This advanced system actively manages torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, and also between the left and right rear wheels using special couplings.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD utilizes AWD Integrated Management (AIM) to coordinate Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle control, transmission shift control, and drive torque distribution for optimized handling in various conditions. The Multi-Terrain Select control dial allows the driver to select modes like Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt to maximize traction for different terrains, with real-time torque allocation and slip control displayed on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
All Toyota Highlander models include Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for enhanced on-road and off-road performance and safety.
Rear Driveline Disconnect automatically disengages drive to the rear wheels during steady highway cruising to reduce energy consumption and improve fuel efficiency, seamlessly re-engaging when AWD is required.
Hybrid AWD System
The 2020 Highlander Hybrid AWD system utilizes a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed, operating independently and seamlessly without a mechanical connection to the transmission. This system proactively distributes more driving force to the rear wheels during acceleration to minimize front-wheel slip and enhances cornering agility by reducing understeer. It also provides increased rear-wheel torque for confident performance on rough or slippery surfaces.
Enhanced Interior Comfort and Refinement
The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers a more luxurious and comfortable interior than ever before, across all grades from L to Platinum. Designers drew inspiration from luxury crafted interiors, incorporating softer padded surfaces and tailored stitching that flows from the door trim to the instrument panel. The dash integrates multimedia and HVAC controls in an elegant and functional manner.
Alt Text: Premium dashboard and 12.3-inch multimedia display of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum, highlighting its advanced technology.
The cabin is designed for improved functionality, featuring a center console with available Qi wireless charging, ample storage spaces, and USB charging ports. Limited and Platinum grades feature new ambient LED lighting for a relaxing atmosphere. Inset steering wheel controls add a modern touch to all grades.
Toyota Highlanders have long been recognized for their quiet ride, and the 2020 model elevates this with the high-strength TNGA platform and optimized sound-damping and soundproofing materials throughout the vehicle, with a focus on minimizing noise frequencies that can interfere with conversation.
The seating color palette enhances the sense of luxury. L and LE grades offer woven cloth in Graphite or Black, XLE offers embossed Softex® artificial leather trim in Harvest Beige, Graphite, or Black, and Limited offers perforated leather trim in the same colors. The top-of-the-line Platinum grade exclusively features embossed, perforated leather trim in these three colors plus Glazed Caramel, a new luxurious brown option.
Advanced Multimedia and Connectivity
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is equipped with the latest multimedia systems to keep passengers connected and entertained. All grades come standard with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Waze, SiriusXM®, and Wi-Fi connectivity through AT&T.
Toyota Safety Connect with a one-year trial subscription is standard on all Highlander models. LE and above grades offer Service and Remote Connectivity, while XLE and Limited grades offer available Dynamic Navigation. Platinum grade includes standard Dynamic Navigation and the 12.3-inch touchscreen display.
The JBL® Premium Audio System, standard on Limited and Platinum grades, delivers 1,200 watts of power through 11 speakers in nine locations, incorporating Clari-Fi® technology to enhance compressed digital music formats for a concert-like audio experience.
Exceptional Value Across All Grades
Toyota’s commitment to outstanding value is evident throughout the 2020 Highlander lineup. Even the base L grade is well-equipped with features like Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia display. Higher grades add even more premium features and technology.
[See original article for detailed grade-level feature lists]
Uncompromising Safety
The TNGA-K platform provides a strong foundation for collision protection in the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, along with available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB), contribute to accident prevention and mitigation. A standard backup camera with projected path and an available Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan further enhance driver awareness. The 2020 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, encompassing a suite of active safety technologies.
Warranty and ToyotaCare
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, with additional warranties covering the powertrain and corrosion perforation. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan, covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and includes 2 years of Roadside Assistance.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander represents a significant step forward for the midsize SUV, offering a compelling combination of bold design, enhanced performance, class-leading fuel efficiency in the hybrid model, advanced technology, and Toyota’s renowned quality and reliability. It’s a vehicle designed to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of modern families and adventurers alike.
