When it comes to SUVs, Toyota is known for manufacturing some of the best on the market, including its signature SUV, the Highlander. For the 2020 model year, the Highlander is getting a well-deserved redesign. Let’s discuss what you can expect with the new version of this beloved vehicle.
Exterior
While you can expect the 2020 Highlander to be rugged enough for all of your adventures, an exterior redesign gives it a sleeker, more sophisticated look than previous versions. Its sculpted and chiseled frame is built around a new vehicle platform called Toyota New Global Architecture. This platform will give the Highlander even more capability.
The 2020 model will be available in five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Featuring 20-inch alloy wheels on the Limited and Platinum trims, this is the first time wheels of that size have been available on the Highlander. Five new colors are added to the Highlander’s exterior palette: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Moon Dust, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blueprint, and Opulent Amber.
While the exterior redesign gives the Highlander a stunning appearance, it also makes the SUV more functional. It’s sleeker frame allows for better aerodynamics, reducing wind noise and improving vehicle stability.
Interior
An interior redesign makes the Highlander more spacious and luxurious than ever before. The 2020 Highlander is 2.36 inches longer than previous versions, increasing the maximum cargo volume to 73.3 cubic feet. Side surfaces and pockets provide additional storage. The second-row seating can be slid up to 1.2-inches, allowing more legroom for passengers in the third-row. The XLE and Limited trim levels give you the option of captain’s chairs or bench seating, while second-row captain’s chairs are standard in the Platinum. Standard three-zone climate control ensures that all passengers, from the front-row to the third-row, are comfortable.
Capabilities
As with previous versions, the 2020 Highlander will deliver a smooth, powerful, and dynamic ride. Under the hood you’ll find a 295 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine capable of producing 263 pound-feet of torque. An available towing package, featuring improved fan performance, will give your Highlander a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The trailer sway control feature makes towing safer than ever before. The standard stop and start engine system reduces fuel consumption and improves the Highlander’s emissions.
Hybrid Models
As with previous model years, the 2020 Highlander will be available as a hybrid. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid comes equipped with the new-generation Toyota Hybrid System. This system consists of a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. It puts out 240 horsepower and gives the Highlander a combined rating of 34 miles per gallon. This rating is a vast improvement over the previous version’s 28 combined mpg. For the first time, the Highlander Hybrid will be available in both the two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, giving drivers even more options.
These are just some of the exciting features that you can look forward to in the Highlander redesign. The 2020 model will soon be available to test drive, so stay tuned.
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