History/Overview
Since 2001, the Highlander has served Toyota shoppers looking for a mid-size crossover with three rows of seating. This versatile vehicle was redesigned into an all-new, fourth generation for the 2020 model year.
Available Trims
Toyota offers the Highlander in L, LE, XLE, and Limited trims. All four come standard with a 3.5L V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter three packages can be optioned with a gas-electric powertrain that mates a 2.5L four-cylinder with battery power and a continuously variable transmission.
L is a front-driver; all other Highlander variants are AWD, with hybrid versions using battery power to drive the rear axle.
Standard Features
Highlander L comes standard with Toyota's full suite of active safety features, which comprises blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, and radar cruise control. Also included is tire pressure monitoring.
Inside, Highlander L features a 6-speaker stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, four USB charging ports, tilt-and-telescopic steering, air conditioning, heated front seats with 8-way power driver's seat, and a 4.2-inch driver info display.
Outside, there are 18-inch tires on alloy wheels, an electric parking brake, LED headlights and passive keyless entry.
Highlander LE brings satellite radio, Toyota connected services with safety connect, dual-zone automatic climate control, and AWD with multi-terrain select.
XLE trim adds a power tailgate, rear door sun shades, an integrated garage door remote, an anti-theft system, remote connected services, artificial leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shifter, three-zone climate control, power front passenger seat, driver power lumbar, a 7.0-inch driver info display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a sunroof, chrome roof rails, trim-specific wheels, and LED fog lights.
Finally, Limited trim gains a hands-free tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, a 120-volt power outlet, forward parking sensors, rear cross traffic auto braking, navigation, an 11-speaker stereo, the driver easy-speak system, LED ambient interior lighting, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, driver's seat memory, genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, puddle lights, and upgraded LED headlights with LED daytime running lights.
Key Options
Limited trim can be augmented with a Platinum package that adds 360-degree camera views, a digital display rearview mirror, heated middle-row seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, unique 20-inch wheels, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and side mirrors that tilt down in reverse.
Fuel Economy
Toyota's fuel consumption estimates for the Highlander are as follows: the FWD Highlander L is rated 11.9/8.3 L/100 km (city/highway), while the AWD powertrain's figures are 11.7/8.6 L/100 km. On the hybrid side, LE and XLE are ranked 6.7/6.8 L/100 km (city/highway), and Limited and Platinum versions' estimates are 6.6/6.8 L/100 km.
Competition
The Toyota Highlander competes in a wide-ranging field that includes vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet's Traverse, the GMC Acadia, Honda's Pilot and Nissan's Pathfinder, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, and the Volkswagen Atlas.
