2020 Toyota Highlander

You'll have plenty of choices for customizing your Highlander with five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. One difference between the trim levels is the exterior look; the L, LE, and XLE trims arrive with a black grille and silver trim. These trims also feature LED headlights and taillights, privacy glass windows in the rear and liftgate, and smart-key entry. The LE adds fog lights. The XLE also adds a power moonroof and roof rails. If you choose the Limited or Platinum, you'll get chrome accents, chrome rear fascia, projector-beam headlights, and 20-inch wheels.

The Highlander is equipped with a 295-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The torque is rated at 263 pound-feet, and towing capacity is 5,000 pounds if you choose the optional tow package. The difference between trim levels is the all-wheel-drive system type. The L, LE, and XLE models have a system that is equipped to send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels. On the Limited and Platinum models, you can choose an upgraded system with driving modes tailored for snowy weather, driving on sand and mud, and an off-road mode for rocks and dirt.

Early reviews of the 2020 Highlander state that it's a smoother ride with more power than past years' models. Its 295-horsepower engine and high towing capacity are among the highest in the SUV crossover segment. It's rated for excellent gas mileage for this type of vehicle but has two features that improve it further: the automatic start/stop system that is standard, and the Rear Driveline Disconnect available on the Platinum trim.

The Highlander is designed for comfort, with room for eight passengers. A tri-zone climate-control system keeps everyone at the right temperature. Its base trim includes front seat reading lights, a 2-inch information display, and 8-inch multimedia screen. On the XLE, the information display is expanded to 7 inches, and the rearview mirror has automatic dimming. It also features heated front seats. Upgrade to the Limited, and you'll get ambient lighting, wood interior trim, and an upgraded audio system. The top-of-the-line platinum has a heads-up display and heated second-row seats. All trims offer 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space — 40.6 with the third row down and 73.3 with the second row folded down as well.

All trim levels include Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. It offers smart cruise control that includes radar sensing as well. LE models and above include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. On Limited and Standard trims, a 360-degree view camera is available. The 2020 Toyota Highlander is designed to appeal to a certain type of driver: someone who enjoys comfort, convenience, safety, and great fuel economy. Fortunately, that includes just about everyone on the road. Stop in and check out the new year's model today.