Toyota has timed the arrival of the 2020 Highlander well. The mid-size SUV segment is the fastest-growing category, and demand for three-row models remains strong. With roughly two dozen mid-size SUVs on the market, buyers have plenty of choices—and Toyota’s redesigned Highlander aims to keep its lead in the third-row space.
Within the mid-size segment there’s a clear split between two-row and three-row models. We recently drove sporty two-row rivals such as the Chevy Blazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee and found them engaging, but for a family of four they lack the flexibility a third row provides. The Highlander remains the top-selling three-row mid-size SUV, and after driving the fourth-generation 2020 model for more than 50 miles, here are my first impressions.
Updated Design
Toyota brought a pristine first-generation Highlander to the launch to illustrate how far the model has evolved since its 2001 debut. The original has charm, but the 2020 Highlander shows significant refinement and modern styling.
The exterior combines boldness with restraint. A redesigned grille and sculpted hood project confidence and presence appropriate for a best-selling vehicle. Wrap-around taillamps are a distinctive detail, and the hands-free liftgate opens high enough that a very tall person can pass beneath it without ducking.
Inside, typical Toyota build quality is on display. Soft-touch leather and upgraded fabrics lend a touch of elegance to what was once a fairly utilitarian cabin. The redesigned dash has a slightly futuristic appearance that grows on you quickly and ties the interior together neatly.
New Touchscreen
Toyota responded to the industry trend toward larger, vertically oriented displays by offering an 8-inch screen on lower trims and a class-leading 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The larger display makes a noticeable difference in usability.
The 12.3-inch unit is bright and responsive and supports the full complement of smartphone integrations and voice assistants, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, improving connectivity and convenience for modern users.
Improved Hybrid MPG
Beyond the infotainment upgrades, the most consequential change for many buyers is the improved fuel economy of the new four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. The hybrid produces 243 horsepower and delivers a best-in-class combined 36 MPG, a meaningful 24 percent improvement over the prior-generation Highlander Hybrid.
At about a $1,400 premium to add the hybrid system across trim levels, the efficiency gain is compelling for buyers with long commutes. In driving impressions, the hybrid and gasoline versions feel comparable in performance. The absence of a plug-in hybrid option is a notable omission for those wanting even greater electric-only range.
More Room
The 2020 Highlander increases cargo capacity by 2.36 inches compared with the previous generation, which translates to easier packing for trips and better practicality for families. The second row also slides 1.2 inches farther forward, improving third-row legroom and overall comfort for passengers.
Those incremental interior changes make the Highlander a more capable road-trip companion while preserving its nimble handling and maneuverability in urban settings.
The Drive
On the road the Highlander is best described as smooth. It accelerates briskly to highway speeds and remains composed through winding stretches, with minimal body roll. The updated TNGA-K unibody platform provides a stiffer structure that contributes to a quieter, more responsive ride.
Driver ergonomics are well resolved: once mirrors, seat, and steering wheel were adjusted, the seating position felt secure and comfortable for long drives. Even with a lower steering wheel position—something that can sometimes obscure gauges—I did not encounter visibility issues in the Highlander.
Across five trim levels, pricing starts with the base L and rises through well-equipped options up to the Platinum Hybrid AWD. The 2020 Highlander brings thoughtful updates in design, technology, efficiency, and interior space that help it stay competitive in a crowded mid-size SUV market.