2020 Toyota Highlander is Redesigned for Americans
Toyota has the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer and Hyundai Palisade directly in their sights with their all-new, redesigned 2020 Highlander.
We were all told that size doesn’t always matter. It rings true for the most part — though it’s proving less and less true within the automotive realm. Last year, Toyota sold around 250,000 of the previous generation’s Highlander. Those are great numbers, though, a respectable percentage of owners had a laundry list of things that could be better. For one, the average American with the typical amount of cargo and children found the SUV to be a bit small. Especially in comparison to the Highlander’s competition. Alternatively, the ride was rough, and the mileage was something that owners felt could be put under a microscope. Being a major corporation with billions upon billions as a safety net, Toyota could have looked at the numbers and dismissed the cries of their American customers.
But they didn’t. Straight from Jerry Hirsch with Trucks.com, he claims the new Highlander is safer, more comfortable, and just a tad larger. Which, by definition, addresses every complaint that was put out into the universe about last year’s model. Toyota was already a leader in safety, but for good measure, made sure to add a few more dashes of their finest technology to their family’s recipe. Now a full 2.4 inches longer, which allowed the engineers to utilize the extra space for cargo and seating. Aside from space, Toyota also redesigned the platform and suspension set up for the Highlander — making it miles more comfortable and stable.
Now, depending on the trim level (or by owner request), the Highlander can be configured to fit either seven or eight passengers. However, Hirsch says if potential owners opt for the eight or seven-seater set up, the third-row bench seat was most definitely designed around smaller passengers, and not very comfortable for adults. However, with the seven-seater design (achieved by replacing the second row bench seat with two captain’s chairs), it’s a lot more accessible for any passenger, of any size.
Thankfully, regardless of which seating set-up a buyer goes with, they all fold perfectly flat to provide plenty of cargo space — a total of 73.3 cubic inches with the third second row folded. Which is especially interesting considering the fact that the 2019 had a little over 80 cubic inches — though this year’s Highlander comes with more cargo space behind the third row. Almost more than two cubic feet’s worth, in fact.
Another fact worth mentioning is the all-new, optional hybrid system Toyota baked into the new Highlander. This time around, a 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine is coupled with two electric motors. Although smaller, Hirsch says Toyota proved it to be more efficient over last year’s model. Under Hirsch’s command, the Highlander achieved a total mileage of 36 combined mpg, in normal driving conditions. Which, he noted, was more than last year’s model that earned 29 combined mpgs. In order to earn that extra two cubic feet’s worth of rear cargo space, Toyota cleverly hid the hybrid batteries under the rear seats as opposed to behind them.
If potential owners aren’t keen on the hybrid option, Toyota also offers a 3.5 liter V6 that makes 295 hp and 263 ft lbs of torque. A respectable engine size and output for a vehicle this size — and it showed, when Hirsch reported that the V6 managed to bring home an average of 24 mpg, which was a gallon above last year’s model. Also, the large SUV isn’t all that slow, either — Hirsch reports that the Highlander earned a 0-60 time of just under eight seconds. Another notable feature worth mentioning is that both the hybrid version and the gasoline powered model can both be set up with AWD if needed. So, mileage might go down a few digits, but the sense of security would definitely increase.
Every new car from every manufacturer is being fitted with a large, touch screen infotainment system — and the Highlander will not be an exception. No matter the trim level or power choice, all Highlanders will come with an advanced eight-inch screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Waze navigation and Amazon’s Alexa will come with it, as well. Though, with higher level trim packages, a 12.3 inch screen is standard, or a $1,050 upgrade on others.
All trim levels will come with all of Toyota’s revered top safety features such as automatic high-beams, radar-based adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist, and the ability to read speed limit and road signs and report the information to the driver. Though a blind spot detector, rear cross traffic alert and parking assist are all optional. Which is an interesting choice for Toyota, considering the fact that a lot of Toyota’s competitors offer such features as standard equipment.
All-in-all, it’s exciting that Toyota is paying such close attention to their American customers. Quite literally speaking, Toyota is making the Highlander bigger, badder, and more efficient — just what one of their largest markets preferred.
Photos: Toyota