The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a range of advanced features. It’s a versatile and reliable vehicle that has been a popular choice among families for many years.
Design
Highlander features a bold and stylish exterior design with a large grille, sharp lines, and sleek curves. It’s available in several different colors and trims, allowing you to personalize it to your liking. Inside, the cabin is spacious and well-crafted with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. The standard model seats eight passengers, while the hybrid model seats seven due to the inclusion of the battery pack.
Performance
It comes with two engine options, a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce a combined 243 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and responsive shifts.
Safety
It is equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite of driver assistance features includes lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander also comes standard with a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring.
Trim Levels
The 2020 Highlander is available in five different trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The L and LE models come standard with a host of features, including tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and more.
The XLE adds features like a power moonroof, wireless charging, and leather upholstery, while the Limited adds even more luxury features like heated and ventilated front seats, a JBL premium sound system, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim includes all of these features, as well as a panoramic moonroof, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror.
Highlander Trim Breakdown
To help you find the right mix of advanced tech, interior comforts, and style on your next SUV, the 2020 Toyota Highlander offers the following five trim levels and four hybrid options:
- Toyota Highlander L
- Toyota Highland LE
- Toyota Highlander XLE
- Toyota Highlander Limited
- Toyota Highlander Platinum
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum
Baseline Protection
The Highlander L may be the base trim, but it’s anything but basic! Coming standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0, this SUV is designed to help you explore the open road with ease.
The features included in this suite of safety systems are:
- Pre-Collison 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
- Cyclist Detection
To help make your safe ride even more enjoyable, this baseline Highlander is armed with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower.
L – Standard
The Highlander L is the most affordable model in the lineup, but it still comes equipped with a variety of standard features. Under the hood, the Highlander L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient shifting.
On the exterior, the Highlander L comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and a black front grille. The SUV also features a low-profile roof rack for extra cargo-carrying capacity. The Highlander L is available in several different exterior colors, including Celestial Silver Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, and Midnight Black Metallic.
Moving to the interior of the Highlander L, passengers will find a comfortable and spacious cabin that can seat up to eight people. The SUV comes standard with cloth upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The second and third-row seats can be folded down to create additional cargo space, making it easy to transport bulky items.
In terms of technology, the Highlander L comes equipped with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, which serves as the infotainment system for the SUV. The system includes features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. There are also several USB ports located throughout the cabin, which make it easy to keep devices charged on the go.
LE: Added Cabin Style
Those who enjoy head-turning style will appreciate the additional cabin comforts of the Highlander LE. The inside of this SUV is outfitted with a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel, which not only enhance your grip on the wheel, but also delight the eyes.
As you enjoy the stylish interior, you’ll have safe lane changes with the assistance of a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. It lets you know when another vehicle is traveling in your side blind zones so that you can have a safe ride.
In addition to these features, the exterior is given an upgrade with the following features:
- Heated power outside mirrors
- Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection
- LED fog lights
XLE: Premium Interior Comfort
The Highlander XLE offers upgraded comfort and connectivity features to ensure everyone on board stays relaxed and entertained, no matter how long the commute.
A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support provides an array of seating positions to help you choose the one with the greatest support. These seats are also finished with a SofTex® trim and feature heating so that you and your front passenger will journey around in total comfort.
Some tech upgrades you’ll find in this trim level include:
- 7-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display
- Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging
Limited: Head-Turning Style at Every Angle
The moment you step into the driver’s seat of the Highlander Limited, you’ll be greeted by leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats designed to delight the eye. Ambient interior lighting then illuminates every key feature while a faux wood door trim and ornamental dash trim further enhance the vehicle’s style.
Comfort is also a top priority in the Limited with a heated steering wheel that helps keep your hands warm on chilly winter mornings. Ventilation is also added to the front seats to cool you down after hours spent running around with the kids in the summer sun.
Entertainment is given an upgrade in the Limited, as well, with the following features:
- Premium Audio system with Dynamic Navigation
- JBL® with Clari-Fi® sound system
Platinum: Advanced Tech Features
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line luxury and cutting-edge technology, the Highlander Platinum is fully loaded with premium features.
When navigating in and out of tight parking spaces, a Bird’s Eye View Camera comes to your aid. It provides a comprehensive view of your surroundings so that you can monitor how close you are to obstacles.
A Head-Up Display keeps you more alerted by projecting essential information onto the windshield ahead of you. With your current driving speed, equipped safety system warnings, and navigational instructions right in your line of view, you’ll be able to keep your eye on the ever-changing road ahead.
Other tech features found in this trim level include:
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display
Hybrid Trim Levels
In addition to the previous trim levels, the Highlander offers a selection of hybrid trims:
- Hybrid LE
- Hybrid XLE
- Hybrid Limited
- Hybrid Platinum
These 2020 Toyota Highlander trim levels share the same features as their namesakes with the addition of a 2.5-liter hybrid engine. In addition to delivering 243 combined net horsepower, this system earns an EPA-estimated 36 city/35 highway MPG for uninterrupted rides around town.*
Hybrid LE: Impressive
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE is a highly-efficient SUV that offers impressive fuel economy without sacrificing performance or style. As the base trim level in the Highlander Hybrid lineup, the LE comes with a range of standard features and amenities that cater to drivers who want an eco-friendly and reliable vehicle. Here’s what you can expect from the Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE:
Hybrid Powertrain
The Highlander Hybrid LE is powered by a highly-efficient hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This system delivers a total of 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while also achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 36 mpg combined.
Comfortable Interior
The Highlander Hybrid LE comes with a spacious and comfortable cabin that’s designed to accommodate up to eight passengers. Standard features include cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen display.
Advanced Safety Features
The Highlander Hybrid LE comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite of advanced safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Other safety features include a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
Impressive Cargo Space
Despite its eco-friendly powertrain, the Highlander Hybrid LE still offers plenty of cargo space for all your gear. With all the seats in place, this SUV provides 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while folding down the rear seats expands this to a generous 66.5 cubic feet.
Toyota Reliability
As with all Toyota vehicles, the Highlander Hybrid LE is built to last and comes with a reputation for reliability and longevity. With regular maintenance and care, this SUV can provide years of dependable and efficient performance for you and your family.
Hybrid Platinum: Efficiency and Luxury Combined
Highlander Hybrid Platinum is a top-of-the-line SUV that combines impressive fuel efficiency with luxurious features. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing style or performance.
Efficient Performance
One of the main benefits is its hybrid powertrain. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to provide a total output of 243 horsepower. This hybrid system not only reduces emissions, but also offers impressive fuel economy with an estimated 36 MPG combined.
Luxurious Features
Hybrid Platinum offers a range of luxurious features that make it a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The interior is spacious, with ample room for up to seven passengers, and features leather-trimmed seats and a panoramic moonroof. It also includes a JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system.
Advanced Safety Features
It also comes equipped with advanced safety features that give drivers peace of mind on the road. It includes a suite of driver assistance technologies, such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, it features a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
Versatility and Convenience
The Hybrid Platinum is also a versatile and convenient vehicle. It offers a range of storage options, including a rear cargo area with up to 73.3 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. It also features a power liftgate, making it easy to load and unload items. Additionally, it comes equipped with roof rails, making it easy to transport items like bicycles or kayaks.
Test Drive Your Favorite 2020 Toyota Highlander Today
Are you excited to experience the 2020 Toyota Highlander for yourself? Find your favorite model in our online inventory, then schedule a test drive at Thompson Toyota.
You can also stop by our showroom to meet with a member of our team to discuss which features you’re most interested in. We’ll take the time to get to know you and match you to the best trim level for your specific needs.
To ensure our friends near Edgewood, Clayton, Bel Air, and Baltimore, Maryland, are making a well-informed final decision, we’ll also take you for a test drive. Stop on by today to get started!
FAQs
What is the starting price for the base model Highlander L?
The starting price for the 2020 Toyota Highlander L is $34,600.
Does the Highlander XLE come with leather seats?
Yes, it comes standard with SofTex®-trimmed seats, which are leather-like seats that offer comfort and durability.
What is the towing capacity of the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the trim level and equipment.
Is the Highlander Hybrid LE more fuel-efficient than the gas-powered Highlander LE?
Yes, Hybrid LE is more fuel-efficient than the gas-powered Highlander LE. The Highlander Hybrid LE gets an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined, while the gas-powered Highlander LE gets an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined.
What is the seating capacity of the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander comes standard with three rows of seats, providing seating for up to eight passengers. However, the Platinum trim level comes with second-row captain’s chairs, reducing the seating capacity to seven.
Does the Highlander come with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility?
Yes, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility come standard on all 2020 Toyota Highlander trim levels.
What is the difference between the Highlander XLE and the Highlander Limited?
The Highlander Limited comes with additional features such as a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, and a JBL® Premium Audio System with 11 speakers. However, the Highlander XLE is a more affordable option that still offers many desirable features.
What are the available safety features on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0, which includes features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist.
How does the Highlander Hybrid compare to other hybrid SUVs on the market?
The Highlander Hybrid is one of the top hybrid SUVs on the market in terms of fuel efficiency, performance, and overall value. It offers a smooth and powerful ride, advanced safety features, and a spacious and comfortable interior.
What is the warranty coverage for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a hybrid system warranty of 8 years/100,000 miles. Additionally, Toyota offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles of ownership.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the right 2020 Toyota Highlander trim level for you will depend on your budget, desired features, and driving needs. Take a closer look at each trim level to see which one offers the features and amenities that matter most to you. Whether you opt for the base L trim or the top-of-the-line Platinum, you’re sure to enjoy the comfort, performance, and reliability that the 2020 Toyota Highlander has to offer.
