Flash Drive

2020 Toyota Highlander

October 24, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum V6 AWD

The 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD is the top-of-the-line model, but all Highlanders share the same spacious platform.

Engine:3.5-liter V-6, 295 horsepower, 263 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined

Base Price: $48,800

As Tested: $51,112

Performance:

Smooth V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission

Lots of drive mode variability: mud & sand, rocks & dirt, snow, hill descent

The rear lift gate opens very high for easy access for owners of all heights.

Normal, Sport, and Eco drive modes

Maximum towing capacity 5,000 pounds

Good fuel economy—our best was 26.9-mpg highway

Pleasant highway ride

Comfort:

Leather trimmed seats

Spacious interior with quality materials

Three temperature heated and ventilated front seats

Front seat room, comfort, and quality are all great on the Platinum trim level. The large console bin is difficult to access.

Stretch-out front legroom

Heated steering wheel

Panoramic moonroof really brightens interior

Great second row Captains chairs

Heated Captains chairs (3 temperatures)

Three passenger second row seating available

Rear HVAC controls at back of center console

HVAC vents in “B” pillars

Rear Captains Chairs are comfortable and second row legroom is excellent.

Large pull-up window shades for second row

Second row seats slide for third row access/legroom

Third row best suited for children

Utility:

Power liftgate with lots of room to spare for tall people

Two large vinyl seatback storage pouches

Rear doors open very wide

Second row seats fold almost flat

A downside to the Captains Chairs is the gap between them when the seats are folded for cargo.

Semi-shallow storage bin under cargo deck

Ample groceries or luggage space behind third row seats

Medium size front door bins

Two open storage ledges on center of dashboard and above glovebox

Medium size locking glovebox

Big, deep console bin, but difficult accessibility

WOW Factors:

Big, roomy interior

Comfortable ride

The large infotainment screen and controls are easy to see and use.

Capable off-road and snow vehicle

Excellent family all-purpose vehicle

Whines:

Unattractive dark brown plastic on door panels

Not very convincing faux wood trim

Odd center console bin very difficult to access

Tight third row

Bottom Line:

The 2020 Toyota Highlander midsize, three-row SUV is a well-built, very competent SUV that will spend

Grocery and luggage space behind the third row is good, plus there is extra storage under the deck.

most of its time on paved roads but is also handles tough situations confidently. Safety features, interior quality, cargo flexibility, and overall reliability are all excellent.