2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review
Toyota Highlander Hybrid highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Strong fuel economy ratings
- Available all-wheel drive
- Advanced driver-assistance features
Cons
- Small third-row seat
- Less engine power than 2019 model
Mileage (EPA estimate)
29 city, 27 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid blends luxury with economy
Toyota completely redesigned the Highlander Hybrid midsize SUV for the 2020 model year, and the new design is a major upgrade from the previous model. Its new 2.5-liter gas engine, paired with an electric hybrid motor and continuously variable automatic transmission, earns an EPA estimate of 36 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, and 35 mpg for all-wheel-drive models (an increase of up to 7 mpg). Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Actual mileage will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
The 2020 Highlander Hybrid can be found in four distinct trim levels, ranging from the basic LE up to the super-luxurious Platinum. That allows buyers to choose the Highlander Hybrid that best meets their families' needs and budget. With a second-row bench seat, the Highlander Hybrid will carry up to eight people, or seven with the available captain's chairs in the second row. With an impressive tech package, the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great choice for families.
All Toyota Highlander Hybrid years
What is new for the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
- The Highlander Hybrid is available in a new trim called the Platinum.
- The Limited Platinum trim has been discontinued for 2020.
- Highlander Hybrid trims have been upgraded with Head Up Display, Leatherette Seats, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The LE trim now comes with Power Seat(s), Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Air Conditioning, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The Limited trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trims
LE:
- 243-hp, 175-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Third Row Seat
- Lane Departure Warning
- Traction Control
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
- Rear Defroster
- Power Seats
- View our Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE inventory
XLE:
- Includes all features available on the LE
- Front Seat Heaters
- Rear Sunshade
- Leatherette Seats
- Sunroofs
- Android Auto
- View our Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE inventory
Limited:
- Includes all features available on the XLE
- Heated Steering Wheel
- A/C Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Memory Seats
- Leather Seats
- Quad Seats
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- JBL Sound System
- View our Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited inventory
Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the Limited
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Head Up Display
- Rear Seat Heaters
- View our Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum inventory
Toyota Highlander Hybrid photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
What We Like
Fuel economy: The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive 2020 Highlander Hybrid at 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving, and the all-wheel-drive version just 1 mpg less. That's a major boost over prior years, and truly excellent for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Available all-wheel drive: Far too often, buyers are forced to choose between the confident handling of all-wheel drive and the improved fuel economy of a hybrid. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid offers both features together, with no real penalty in fuel economy.
Advanced features: The 2020 Highlander Hybrid comes standard with Toyota’s suite of advanced driver aids, which includes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. Those are important standard features for any family-oriented passenger vehicle. It also includes adaptive cruise control, which follows prevailing traffic speeds.
What Needs Improvement
Small rear seat: The third-row seating in the Highlander Hybrid is small, and really comfortable only for children. This is a common issue with midsize three-row SUVs, and a full-size vehicle may be the better choice if adults typically will be riding in the third row.
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Ratings & reliability
Toyota Highlander Hybrid features and specs
XLE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Navigation System
- Quad Seats
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
243
Torque (ft-lbs)
175
Engine type
Hybrid
Fuel capacity
17.1
Wheelbase
112.2"
Overall length
194.9"
Width
76"
Height
68.1"
Leg room
F 40.4"/M 41"/R 27.7"
Head room
F 38.4"/M 39.4"/R 36.1"
Front tires
P235/65SR18
Rear tires
P235/65SR18
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid FAQ
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- XLE: 36 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- LE: 36 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 36 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Limited: 36 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
- Platinum
- Leatherette Seats
- Head Up Display
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Android Auto
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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