Get Ready for a Bigger, Bolder, and More Fuel-Efficient 2020 Toyota Highlander

It has been 19 years already, and the popular 2020 Toyota Highlander has passed the third generation and marked its fourth with a larger size and a bolder design.

The first Toyota Highlander marked a new era for midsize family SUVs. It changed the classic, truck-based SUVs back then into a unibody structure with four-wheel independent suspension. Now, the 2020 Highlander is evolving yet again, and taking on a dramatic new design that merges power and sophistication in one vehicle.

Exterior

Redesigned from the ground up, there's now a luxurious feel to Highlander's athletic design. There's less fat, and more lean muscle, but the chiseled curves balance them out to make its uber sophisticated and handsome facade.

This is one midsized SUV that you shouldn't hide in your garage to gather dust.

It's also bigger. The fourth-generation Highlander is 2.36 inches (60mm) longer, all in the cargo area to add even greater cargo volume than before. The second row slides an extra 1.2 inches further up to increase distance between the second and third rows.

Its L, LE and XLE grades now feature a new black front grille with silver trim, while the Limited and Platinum grades are distinguished by a black grille with chrome trim and chrome-plated lower rear fascia, premium projector headlamps and the Highlander’s first-ever 20-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the platinum grade stands out with silver painted front bumper and rear fascia and a unique 20-inch wheel.

Interior

The 2020 Highlander offers intuitive and versatile multimedia system that offers cutting edge entertainment and connectivity for all ages.

It now comes with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the Platinum grade, and 8-inch touchscreen display for the other models. Sounds are also something worth looking forward to--its JBL Premium Sound System can belt out a 1,200 watts of power. Now you get to have a concert experience right inside your Highlander.

Are you sensitive when it comes to noise? The Highlander's sound-damping and soundproofing materials have been optimized throughout the vehicle to make rides more pleasant and quieter.

Specification

The newest Highlander can churn out a 295-hp and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, which further translates into exemplary everyday performance and generous towing capability. The Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission maximizes Highlander’s acceleration and highway merging capability while operating seamlessly and transparently.

The 2020 Highlander offers five variants, starting with a new L grade, then layering amenities and technology in LE, XLE, Limited and the top-of line Platinum. Meanwhile, the hybrid is offered on all but the L grade.

Fuel Efficiency

The Highlander is a cheapskate when it comes to using up fuel, thanks to its standard Stop and Start Engine System that makes the engine shut off.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander also gives you two options: a a powerful V6 or new-generation hybrid powertrain, with the gas version offering up to a manufacturer-estimated 39 kph combined fuel economy. Meanwhile, the hybrid offering up to a manufacturer-estimated 58 combined kph.

Safety

Does the Highlander live up to Toyota's world-renowned safety and dependability?

Yes, it does, care of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.

It now comes standard in all models in the newest Highlander. This comprehensive active safety system includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), (New) Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), (New) Road Sign Assist (RSA)

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection offers automatic braking capability under certain circumstances should the driver not react in time in a system-detected emergency situation. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Parking Support Braking and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) are available depending on the model grade.

Performance

The presence of takumi is one of the main experiences a driver feels when driving the Highlander.  Throughout vehicle development, their highly trained master craftsmen focus on the finest technical details to ensure a higher level of operating smoothness in all driving conditions, especially at everyday speeds.

It also makes for a smoother and seamless driving. Its Toyota-innovated D-4S Injection system combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors to improve efficiency, power and fuel emissions in all conditions.

Meanwhile, its dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) gives ideal response and efficiency at all engine speeds.

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