2020 Toyota Highlander Review

　　

2020 Toyota Highlander Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Car shoppers have more choices than ever for a three-row midsize SUV. But don't forget about one of the crossovers that started it all. The redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander steps back into the mix with key changes that uphold its spot as a solid pick in the class.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Highlander L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$154/mo  for Highlander L

　　Highlander L

　　L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $34,600 MSRPL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $36,200 MSRPLE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $36,800 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $38,400 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $39,600 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $41,200 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $43,650 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $45,600 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $46,850 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $48,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The new Highlander is slightly longer than its predecessor, and that extra room increases the cargo space behind the third-row seat. Last year's Highlander could only hold 13.8 cubic feet of gear behind the third row — one of the smallest cargo holds in the class. The extra room increases the 2020 Highlander's carrying capacity to 16 cubes, which is more competitive though still far off from leaders in the segment.

　　On the inside, there's a standard 8-inch touchscreen or a new 12.3-inch display on top-line Platinum trims. Perhaps even more important, both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration this year. In the previous Highlander, you had to rely on Toyota's underwhelming Entune system to fully connect your smartphone.

　　Our main concern is that the 2020 Toyota Highlander, while thoroughly competent, doesn't raise the bar in any meaningful way. That leaves the door open for two newcomers, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, to potentially woo you over with their bigger interiors and luxury-like designs.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Highlander drive? Unlike some other SUVs that can be slow to respond when you first step on the accelerator, the Toyota Highlander delivers near immediate response. At our zzdcar test track we measured 0-60 mph at 7.5 seconds, which is slightly better than average and a dead heat with the top-rated Kia Telluride — though the Highlander feels a little quicker from the driver's seat.

　　The Highlander's ability to negotiate a twisty road has improved. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system can also help by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance (in addition to the usual benefit of extra traction in wet weather).

　　Despite all this advanced technology, the Highlander still feels like a bigger SUV. A number of competitors move with more purpose and lightness, and many are able to stop quicker in an emergency braking scenario. Ultimate performance aside, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or disconnected at higher speeds. The front seats are quite comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same amount of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and narrow space make them ill-suited for adults.

　　Wind noise is well silenced on the highway, though, and road noise is minimal. Our test Highlander did have a minor creak developing at the top of the driver's door.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space, but the third row is one of the most confining in the midsize three-row SUV class. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, you will be better served by rivals such as the Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas. Once you're seated, it's easy to find your preferred driving position, but taller drivers may wish for a bit more extension range from the telescoping steering wheel (it can be a bit of a reach).

　　We give the Highlander high marks for outward visibility. The front roof pillars are thin, which help you see around turns. Some of the Highlander's available technology features help too, such as the camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out the back even if you've fully loaded up the rear cargo area. The available surround-view camera system is sharp and can be rotated to "look around" the vehicle.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This Highlander makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some drawbacks. The optional 12.3-in touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs, but the reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. Our Highlander Platinum test vehicle had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.

　　Toyota provides a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids as standard on all Highlanders. Among other things, we like the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive in the normal mode and not sensitive enough in the low mode.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is small for the class. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV.

　　As for cabin storage, there are good-size pockets and cupholders, as well as two shelves built into the dash (one has a clever phone cable keeper too). Because the wireless phone charger is in the center armrest bin, you have to flip it up to access the space underneath, which some might find inconvenient.

　　Got kids? A large rear-facing car seat will easily be accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore/aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The LATCH anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive Highlander returns 23 mpg (20 city/27 highway) and a slightly better 24 mpg (21 city/29 highway) for front-wheel-drive models. This may not seem like a huge advantage over the competition with a difference of just 1 or 2 mpg, but it's significant for this class of vehicle.

　　On our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation loop, we achieved 24.7 mpg, which indicates to us the EPA's estimates should be achievable. Of note, the Highlander Hybrid is estimated to return 36 mpg combined.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Highlander a good value? In general, the Highlander is a little more expensive than its closest rivals, and you don't quite get as many standard features. When it comes to quality, the interior materials are only about average when compared to what's used in the top-rated SUVs in this class.

　　Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Toyota provides the first two years of scheduled maintenance for free.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The new styling up front gives the Highlander more of an industrial, truck-like appearance, which is pleasing. The same can't be said, though, for the Supra-inspired character line that goes from the bottom of the front door and over the rear wheels.

　　One thing that helps boost this score is the fact that the Highlander is composed on a twisting road. We might even say it's fun to drive for a midsize three-row SUV.

　　

Which Highlander does zzdcar recommend?

We'd opt to save some cash and choose the LE. After all, every Highlander now comes with a V6 engine, advanced safety equipment, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The LE also adds a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, LED foglights, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. That's a lot of value baked into an affordable three-row SUV, as long as you don't mind cloth seats.

　　

2020 Toyota Highlander models

The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a three-row crossover with up to eight seats. There are five trim levels to choose from: L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum. All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 hp, 263 lb-ft of torque) mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. There is also a Highlander Hybrid, which is reviewed separately.

　　The base L trim comes pretty well equipped for a base trim. You get Toyota's bundle of advanced driver safety aids (Safety Sense 2.0) plus LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

　　Upgrades in the LE trim include blind-spot monitoring, a power liftgate and LED foglights. It also offers some additional multimedia functions and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

　　Stepping up to the XLE brings a variety of amenities, such as a sunroof, roof rails, second-row captain's chairs, heated front seats with more adjustability, simulated leather upholstery, and a bigger driver information display.

　　Looking for more? The Limited gains 20-inch wheels, integrated navigation, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a premium JBL audio system among other features. The range-topping Highlander Platinum's upgrades include a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a surround-view camera system, a digital rearview mirror and a driver's head-up display.

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2020 Highlander Highlights

Trim: LLEXLELimitedPlatinumL

　　

Base MSRP	$34,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$154/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles