2020 Toyota Highlander – Indiana, PA

• Overview

  

  Mid-size SUVs are one of the most popular selections within the SUV category because of their unique placement between other SUVs. They aren’t as small as a compact or subcompact SUV, and they aren’t as large as a full-size SUV. For many, they’re in the ideal position of providing the right amount of space without feeling too big. Even better, they come with all the versatility and comfort consumers have come to expect from owning an SUV. With how popular SUVs are, the competition between manufacturers is ramping up as they look to provide the best vehicles possible. With Toyota, customers are always in for top-of-the-line machinery, innovative technology, and pleasing aesthetics. With the new 2020 Toyota Highlander, it’s no different.

  The new Highlander fills a popular space between the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota 4Runner. It’s not the only Toyota SUV with capacity for up to eight passengers, as you also have the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser, but it’s probably the more popular choice for your average consumer. The Sequoia is a large SUV and may seem too big for many families, while the Land Cruiser is a more expensive off-road-oriented option. If you want a vehicle that can suit your passenger and cargo needs, the 2020 Toyota Highlander could be an excellent choice. Even if you don’t plan on filling up all eight seats, you have the space to be comfortable, and it’s not going to feel like you’re driving around a huge vehicle.

  Since Toyota is known for its dedication to technology, it’s not uncommon to find hybrid vehicles among its ranks. Among their SUVs, you can find both a RAV4 Hybrid and a Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid is especially unique because it’s more rare to see hybrid engines on vehicles with such large capacities. It’s unheard of for most SUVs, regardless of class size, to boast any fuel economy numbers over 30 MPG, but the Highlander Hybrid has an EPA-estimate of 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. That’s impressive because most sedans won’t even hit numbers that high. Add in the versatility of its SUV nature, like AWD, and you have a wonderfully capable vehicle.

  243 - 295

  Horsepower (HP)

  175 - 263

  Torque (lb-ft)

  84.3

  Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.)

  Starting at

  $34,600

• Trims

  

  If you take a look at the pricing and trims available on the 2020 Toyota Highlander, you can see which might be the best fit for you. Each trim comes with its own specific features, so it’s easy to narrow down an option that might work best if you have certain features in mind and/or a budget to stick to. If you especially like one trim, you can always add on different packages to customize it even more.

  Trim Breakdown for the 2020 Toyota Highlander

  The starting MSRP of the 2020 Toyota Highlander is $34,600. This is well within the typical price range of mid-size SUVs that come with this amount of passenger capacity and interior cargo volume. Including the hybrid models, there are nine total available trims to choose from.

  Here are the starting prices for each gas-powered model:

  • Highlander L: $34,600
  • Highlander LE: $36,800
  • Highlander XLE: $39,600
  • Highlander Limited: $43,650
  • Highlander Platinum: $46,850

  Here are the starting prices for each hybrid model:

  • Highlander Hybrid LE: $38,200
  • Highlander Hybrid XLE: $41,000
  • Highlander Hybrid Limited: $45,050
  • Highlander Hybrid Platinum: $48,250

  How Does the Highlander Compare to Other Toyota Models?

  If you’re debating between a Highlander and Sequoia, you can at least see how they differ when it comes to price. The highest-level trim on the Highlander (the Hybrid Platinum) starts out at an MSRP of $48,250, while the lowest-level 2020 Toyota Sequoia model (the SR5) starts out at $49,980. If price were the only consideration, it would make a lot more sense to go for the top model of the Highlander, with all of its added features, instead of a base model Sequoia.

• Performance

  

  Available Engines

  Every non-hybrid Highlander model comes with a 3.5L V6 engine that produces up to 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Each of the hybrid models has a 2.5-Liter DOHC Engine with Dual VVT-i that can produce up to 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). AWD capabilities are available on every model, although it doesn’t come standard on any of them.

  In addition, you can also choose between different drive modes on every non-hybrid 2020 Highlander model. For FWD models, there’s Snow, Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. For AWD models, you have Snow, Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud/Sand, and Rock/Dirt modes.

  Towing

  Hybrid models have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, and non-hybrid models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. For seating capacity, the Highlander L, LE, and Hybrid LE can only be configured in the 8-seater passenger orientation, while Highlander XLE, Hybrid XLE, Limited, and Hybrid Limited models have the option to be either a 7-seater or 8-seater. Highlander Platinum and Hybrid Platinum models are only available in the 7-seater passenger orientation.

• Interior

  

  Cargo

  Cargo capacity on both models is the same. With all three rows of seats in their upright position, drivers can utilize up to 16 cubic feet of space. Folding down the third row of seats will increase the cargo space to 48.4 cubic feet. With the two rows of rear seats folded flat, the 2020 Highlander has an impressive 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space available.

  Technology

  Technology has become a huge factor when it comes to the car-buying experience. If a new vehicle isn’t up-to-date on the latest in technology features and advances, it’s not going to stick with the competition. Fortunately, Toyota has always been dedicated to providing its customers with all the latest technology in their vehicles.

  Standard Interior Technology

  For example, the 2020 Toyota Highlander L, the base model, comes with six speakers, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa. There’s hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth, SiriusXM options, advanced voice recognition, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities.

  Three-zone automatic climate control, USB ports, tie-down cargo hooks, and 12V outlets are standard across all models.

  Features Available on the Platinum Model

  As you move up the trim levels, the features only get better. On the Highlander Platinum, you get 11 JBL speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier. The touchscreen is bigger at 12.3-inches, you get an HD radio, Dynamic Voice Recognition, and Dynamic Navigation. You, of course, also get all the same features as other models, like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibilities.

• Safety

  

  Toyota is one of the best automotive brands in the world when it comes to equipping its vehicles with modern and advanced safety features. Most Toyota vehicles, regardless of trim level, will come with advanced safety features, so you don’t have to pay top dollar to get access to these features. With some car manufacturers, you’re locked out of accessing advanced safety features until you reach the higher trim levels, which is unfortunate. Safety is important for everyone, not just those who can afford it.

  Safety Sense 2.0

  Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is Toyota’s safety suite of features that can be found across all 2020 Toyota Highlander models. It comes with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Cyclist Detection.

  The Star Safety System

  In addition to these features, all 2020 Toyota Highlander models also come with the Star Safety System. This includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Smart Stop Technology. Hybrid models include Electronically Controlled Braking. There are also eight airbags, rear passenger seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, Hill Start Assist Control, and many more safety features. Certain models come with Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking.

  Other Safety Features

  If you’re interested in additional safety precautions, you can take advantage of the one-year free trial subscription from Safety Connect. This subscription includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification.

  If safety is one of your top priorities, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is a great choice for you.

Check Out a 2020 Toyota Highlander at Colonial Toyota!