2020 Toyota Highlander Test Drive Review: The Every-Family's SUV
The Toyota Highlander is a best-seller and has been with us for nearly two decades. When it was first launched, it bucked the body-on-frame trend and has since gone from strength to strength, and the annual sales numbers don't lie: the USA loves the Highlander. The 2020 model is fully redesigned and features a significant number of exterior, interior, and tech updates that truly sets it apart from the previous year model. Toyota knows well that the midsize crossover SUV market is a tough space to compete in, especially when going up against Korean rivals such as the Kia Telluride and the Japanese Honda Pilot. But with a fresh face, and a capable 3.5-liter V6 developing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, the Highlander has a point to prove. The big question is whether these new changes will be enough to get it to the top of the midsize crossover SUV class.
What's the Price of the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
With five different trim levels for sale, there's a price for the Toyota Highlander that's suitable for nearly every budget. All models are available in FWD and AWD configurations. The base model L starts off at an MSRP of $34,600, which does not include tax, registration, or a destination charge of $1,120. Going for the AWD version adds $1,600 (the same goes for all models). Next up is the LE, which will set you back $36,800. The mid-range XLE costs $39,600, and the Limited breaks the $40,000 mark with an asking price of $43,650. The top of the line Platinum Toyota Highlander will cost you $46,850.
2020 Highlander Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194.9 in | 112.2 in | 68.1 in | 76.0 in | 65.3 in | 65.4 in | 4,145.0 lbs |
2020 Highlander Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The 2020 Toyota Highlander was explicitly designed to carry a family of eight to school, work, family holidays, and the very occasional dirt trail camping trip. Nowhere in the design brief did it stipulate that the Highlander should excite or entertain the driver. It does all of that perfectly adequately, and even comfortably. It's comfortable enough at low speeds and handles rough road surfaces well. Out on the highway, there is nothing to complain about. The Toyota Highlander can go left, right, and straight without breaking a sweat.
However, there's a surprise for those that enjoy going left and right off the regularly congested roads. It's not quite a Mazda level of chassis performance, but the Highlander is surprisingly competent if you're in a hurry. There is a Sport mode that tightens up the throttle response, and the chassis remains flatter and more agile than you would expect from a three-row crossover. We expect most people will appreciate the added slice of handling when avoiding an incident on the road, but it is there.
We took our AWD test vehicle for a 50 mile run on some bumpy dirt forestry roads, and found the suspension took the edge off well. Particularly a corrugated section of track that usually only slows you down because it makes everything rattle in the vehicle, including teeth. Limited ground clearance means the Highlander couldn't tackle much more than a small stream, but slippery wet dirt roads shouldn't be a problem for avid hikers and campers.
2020 Highlander Interior
2020 Highlander Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander A Good car?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander isn't a technologically advanced sports car or an all-electric eco crusader. What it is is a simple midsize SUV powered by a basic naturally aspirated V6 that can carry eight people and keep them relatively safe. So if you're judging this car based on its modernity and tech advancements, then it's going to perform quite badly. On the other hand, judging this car on its practicality and ability to get the basics right will net better results. We appreciate the fact that Toyota offers such a decent amount of standard features, especially in Limited and Platinum trims, and we also commend it for the number of active driver assistance systems on board every Highlander. There's enough power for most, and the ride is compliant and relaxed, perfect for suburban cruising. On the other hand, we wish the Highlander offered more space in the third row, but you can't expect much more from its midsize design.
We appreciated how the Highlander handled itself in the bends, but the overall driving experience is numb, bordering on boring. If you're looking for a dependable SUV to transport the family, then the Highlander is a safe bet. But when it comes to an all-round driving experience, Mazda does it better. However, for a relentlessly reliable engine and an all-around family vehicle, the Highlander is well worth cross-shopping.
What Toyota Highlander Model Should I Buy?
With such a broad spectrum of trim levels on offer, Toyota makes it easy to find the perfect Highlander for each individual's specific needs. Choosing a single model becomes difficult then. If we had the money, we would look more towards the middle of the pack, where the balance between price and features hits a sweet spot. We would end up going with the mid-range XLE, which comes in and just under $40,000 but adds a number of premium features. Standard gear on the XLE includes a power tilt and slide moonroof, wireless phone charging, SofTex upholstered seating, and a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
2020 Toyota Highlander Comparisons
2020 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot has been cruising along without any major changes, but that doesn't mean that it's falling behind the competition. In fact, the Honda Pilot is so good, that it still sits close to the top of the affordable midsize SUV pack. Power comes in the form of a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 hp. The Honda Pilot doesn't look any better than the Highlander from the outside, and we think looks will play a negligible role in the purchasing decision. Out on the road, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the better driving car, both in terms of comfort and dynamic ability. Towing capacity is competitive, as is fuel economy. The interior is functional instead of stylish, as in the Highlander, but Honda has made sure that the 2020 Pilot gets a solid amount of features. The upper trims can get expensive, and the overall package is starting to show its age, but we'd still go with the Honda in this comparison.
2020 Toyota Highlander vs Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has the enviable title of being America's best-selling SUV. This means that Ford is constantly improving its offering to stay ahead of the curve. For 2020 Ford has released an all-new Explorer, which ups the ante even further. Engine options range from a 2.3-liter EcoBoost producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the ST and Platinum models get a 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost with 400 hp/415 lb-ft and 365 hp/380 lb-ft respectively. As the class leader, the Ford performs well across all categories: The driving experience is relaxed and composed at the same time, and we think it looks miles better than the Highlander. Inside, the Explorer offers impressive levels of standard comfort and driver assistance features. With the seats folded, the Explorer also offers miles of cargo space. We did find that the options can get expensive, and the dull interior doesn't inspire. We'd still go with the Ford.