In the quest to stand up against its perennial rivals like the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer, the 4th generation 2020 Toyota Highlander has received a total makeover. Even though it’s virtually unnoticeable at first glance, the new Highlander now shares Toyota’s latest TNGA flexible architecture with the RAV4, C-HR, Camry, Prius, and Avalon.
Compared to the outgoing Highlander, the new model boasts a curvier, more athletic design. Toyota has also upgraded its three-row midsize SUV with new sheetmetal, the latest suite of advanced driving assistance systems, and ground-breaking entertainment features.
The redesigned Highlander comes in five main trims, including L (gas only) LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Hybrid variants are also available across the lineup from LE and higher. By default, each trim highlights the following four compelling features that put practicality and handling above all else.
1. Bigger, More Captivating Exterior Design
It’s hard to ignore the Highlander’s bold new exterior styling. Toyota stretched the car’s length by 2.4 inches to make it a more practical hauler for your cargo. And while it maintains the same height as before, the new Highlander has grown wider, creating a more comfortable passenger room in the cabin.
A chiseled shape and contoured lines also characterize the new Highlander’s radical exterior and bolstered driving experience. It has a more appealing visage than its predecessor, with larger and more elaborate wheels that captivate any SUV aficionado. What’s more, its new Moon Dust paint color looks fantastic.
2. Distinctive Interior, Infotainment, and Connectivity
The Highlander’s larger footprint has given birth to a more spacious and visually distinctive interior. Base L and mid-range LE versions have bench seats in the second and third rows that can seat eight passengers. The range-topping Platinum trim has a seven-seat arrangement alongside second-row captain’s chairs.
The Highlander also received the much-needed makeover on areas of infotainment and connectivity. Most trims offer an 8.0-inch infotainment system by default, while the Highlander Limited and Platinum feature an optional 12.3-inch display. Toyota offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot for all 2020 Highlander models.
3. Engine, Transmission, and Real-World MPG
The Highlander is the epitome of power and smooth handling. It integrates an advanced 3.5-liter V-6 engine to produce 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and avails either FWD or AWD.
The Hybrid option combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a pair of electric motors to generate 243 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) comes standard on the Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander V-6 is EPA-estimated to deliver 29 mpg highway fuel economy on FWD and 27 mpg on AWD. Front-wheel-drive Hybrid Highlander Hybrid earns 36 mpg city, whereas all-wheel-drive achieves 28 mpg city fuel economy rating.
4. Visibility, Safety, and Driver-Assist Features
Toyota has packed its latest Highlander with a standard suite of driver-assistance equipment. All trim levels now feature Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) driving assistance systems comprising the following key components:
- Automatic emergency brake system with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning with the lane-tracing assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert
- Safety connect service with automated collision notification and SOS emergency calling
These standard safety features provide smooth, accurate, and refined responses to changing driving situations and traffic conditions. If you ever fall asleep or suffer a medical emergency, the Safety Connect with SOS emergency stops the car, triggers the hazard indicators, and creates an automated call to 9-1-1.
Call us at Rochester Toyota to schedule a test drive and experience this midsize SUV in person.
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