Model Highlights
There are two basic engines offered in the 2020 Toyota Highlander and each can be matched to either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive setups. The base engine is a 3.5L V6 making 295 horsepower, sent to the front, or to all-four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The optional, hybrid engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder, aided by two electric motors for a total of 243 horsepower. In 2WD form, Toyota estimates around 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving for the Highlander hybrid, an astounding number for an SUV capable of transporting up to eight people.
There are five basic trim levels for the Highlander: L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum, though Hybrid versions of the Highlander only come in LE and above trims.
The standard L trim is relatively well equipped though, including items such as a smart key, heated and powered outside mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, three-zone climate control, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, four USB ports, two 12v outlets and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
LE trims add a powered liftgate, blind spot warning indicators in the side mirrors, LED fog lights, a leather trimmed shift knob, a leather trimmed steering wheel and HD radio.
The XLE comes with machine finished alloy wheels, a power sliding moonroof, roof rails, wireless charging for mobile devices, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a built in garage door opener, SofTex trimmed seats with heating for the front row and second row captain's chairs.
The Highlander Limited adds to the XLE with puddle lamps projected from the side mirrors, projector beam headlights, high output LED fog lamps, 20-inch wheels, a chrome grille surround, leather trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, a 120V outlet, ambient interior lighting, an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system and front and rear parking assist systems.
At the top of the line is the Platinum trim. Standout features include adaptive front headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof with one-touch operation, a digital rearview mirror, heated second row seats, a 10-inch color head-up display, a Bird's Eye View Camera and a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the dashboard.
Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard on all Highlanders. The suite of electronic aids and sensors should be able to both decrease the likelihood of an accident, as well as lessen the severity of any accidents should they occur. Features in Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 include a Pre-Collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
