Costing US$ 2,770 more than its predecessor (US$ 34,600), the redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander comes standard with LED lighting units, rear privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Moving into the cabin, buyers will find an eight-way power driver’s seat, a tri-zone automatic climate control system and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Other standard features a six-speaker audio system, a 4.2-inch multi-information display and seating for eight people.


Speaking of equipment, the Highlander comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and lane tracing assist. The model also has automatic high beam headlights, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist and a cyclist detection system.

The Highlander LE starts at US$ 36,800 and adds popular features such a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate and a blind spot monitoring system. The model also comes with LED fog lights and a more advanced infotainment system with HD Radio.


The US$ 39,600 Highlander XLE sits in the middle of the range and it builds on the LE by adding a ten-way power driver’s seat, a four-way power passenger seat and second row captain’s chairs. Speaking of seats, they’re covered in SofTex synthetic leather and feature heating up front.

Other highlights include a larger 7-inch multi-information display, second row sun shades and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a garage door opener. The XLE also has a moonroof, roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish.


Buyers looking for more luxury can opt for the Highlander Limited which starts at US$ 43,650. On the outside, the model is distinguished by 20-inch wheels and headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. Buyers will also find a hands-free power liftgate and puddle lamps that project the “Highlander” name onto the ground.

More extensive changes occur in the cabin as there’s perforated leather seats, wood trim and a JBL premium audio system. Other niceties include heated / ventilated front seats, GPS navigation and an ambient lighting system. There’s also a driver’s seat memory function, a rear cargo cover and a 120 volt outlet in the second row.


The US$ 46,850 Highlander Platinum packs on the amenities as there are adaptive headlights, a panoramic moonroof and exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels. The model also has rain-sensing windshield wipers and a bird’s eye camera system. The cabin has been spruced up thanks to special leather seats, illuminated door sill plates and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system. Other features include a head up display and heated second row seats.

Under the hood, there’s a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp and 356 Nm of torque. It is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission which can be backed up by an optional all-wheel drive system that costs between US$ 1,600 and US$ 1,950 – depending on the trim.


Customers can also opt for a hybrid powertrain which uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors and a nickel–metal hydride battery that’s mounted underneath the rear seats. This setup gives the model a combined output of 243 hp which is 63 hp less than last year’s hybrid which used a V6 engine.

Like the standard model, the hybrid will be offered with both front- and all-wheel drive. However, it will eschew the entry-level L trim package. The 2020 Toyota Highlander will go on sale December 18th and the hybrid variant will arrive at dealerships in February of 2020.