The 2020 Toyota Highlander: the Station Wagon that looks like a truck

• The Toyota Highlander SUV undergoes a major overhaul in 2020.
• The gasoline V6 as well as the hybrid with all-wheel drive are available.
• Wireless charging and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are among the interior features.

 

If you are one of those who look at the new Subaru Outbackand say “I need more than that”, I would like to direct your attention towards the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The Highlander is like a truck that has the capabilities of a station-wagon. It’s large, reliable, and most importantly, it is a Toyota. So, it will run (almost) forever.

Back to the Basics

Here’s the basic: The 2020 Toyota Highlander comes in four grades, L, LE and XLE. It also has a Limited version. A hybrid model is available with all-wheel drive. Three colors from 2019 are carried over: Blizzard pearl, Celestial Silver metallic, and Midnight Black Metal. Toyota has added five new colours for 2020: Magnetic Gray Metallic (actually a shade blue), Ruby Flare Pearl, Blueprint and Opulent Amber.

Opulent Amber was described as a “deep luxurious brown”, but this is a lie. It’s a brown car, and that is not a good color. Avoid buying a car in brown.

Hybrid vs. Traditional Meat and Potatoes Hybrid

The non-hybrid version of the Highlander features a 3.5 liter V6 engine with Toyota’s Dual Variable Valves Timing system and D-4S injection system, which means direct fuel injection using port fuel injectors. Toyota claims that the systems work together to improve performance and efficiency. The engine produces 295 horsepower, and 263 lb.-ft. torque when paired with a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system is optional, and it can send as much as 50 percent of available torque to rear wheels.

Stop/start is also standard to help reduce fuel consumption. Toyota estimates the combined fuel consumption for the gasoline V6 at 22 mpg.

Toyota says the hybrids are equipped with a four-cylinder DOHC 2.5-liter engine mated to two motors, which is more compact and efficient than ever before. The ICE engine uses a long-winded name called “Variable Valve Timing Intelligent System by Electric Motor” (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, while the exhaust camshaft only uses the Variable Valve Timing Intelligent System (or VVTi). All-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrids use a rear-mounted, separate electric motor that powers the rear wheels when necessary. The hybrid’s variable cooling system (electric thermostat and water pump) and fully-variable pump for oil are used to further increase efficiency.

Toyota estimates that this adds up to total horsepower of 240 and combined fuel economy of 34 mpg. It’s not bad at all, is it?

2020 Toyota Highlander. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

 

Additional Performance and Space (And Guidance).

The battery pack is located under the rear seat, which means that the cargo space or passenger space are not affected. The third row of the new Highlander can be folded flat to create 40.6 cubic foot of space. You can haul anything with 73.3 cubic foot of space if you fold down the second row.

 

V6 Highlanders can haul 5,000 lbs. Towing is possible thanks to the heavy-duty radiator, engine oil cooler, and improved fan performance. Trailer Sway Control, which uses the Vehicle Stability Control System to counter unwanted trailer movements, is also included in the package.

The Highlander Hybrid can help you drive more economically. The “accelerator guidance function” will suggest an appropriate acceleration level based on the driving conditions. Predictive Efficient Drive in the Highlander Hybrid analyzes your driving habits and forecasts traffic and road conditions. This data is used to charge and discharge batteries more efficiently.

Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Interior Treatments for the TV Control Room

 

The new Highlander is packed with comfort and convenience features. Toyota says that the 2020 Highlander has its most luxurious accommodations yet. Who are we to disagree with the softer surfaces and tailored stitching of the instrument panel and door trim? The center console features Qi wireless charging, plenty of storage space and USB charging ports. Ambient LED lighting and USB charging ports create a relaxing atmosphere. Interior colors range from Graphite, Black or Harvest Beige cloth to Softex synthetic leather in Graphite, Black or Harvest Beige.

The top of the line Platinum has embossed and perforated leather in these three colors plus Glazed Caramel.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander is loaded with enough multimedia features to make you think you’re in a TV control room. All grades include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with Alexa in-car compatibility, Waze, which is a great feature! SiriusXM and Wi-Fi connectivity via AT&T or Toyota Safety Connect are standard on all grades. Navigation is also available via a 12.3″ screen. JBL Premium Audio comes standard on Limited and Platinum. It has 1,200 watts and 11 speakers located in nine different locations.

Interior layout of the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Safety & Security

There are a lot of safety features, including blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alerts. Toyota’s Safety Sense is standard on every Highlander and includes the following: Pre-Collision system with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure alert with Steering Assistance and Automatic High Beams. Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist are new for 2020. Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection offers automatic braking if you are an unattentive idiot.

Pricing & Availability

The 2020 Toyota Highlander V6 is expected to arrive in December, while the Hybrid will be available in February 2020. There’s no word on the price, but it will probably be less than expected, since it’s a Toyota. If you need to transport a lot of people or stuff, such as to the slopes, to school, and to soccer practice and back, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice.