Best-in-Class Fuel Economy
It was time. But that didn’t mean Toyota rushed the 2020 Toyota Highlander revamp. Knowing Toyota, the process was well thought out making sure this fourth generation midsize SUV continued being one of the best-selling on the market. The historical importance of the Highlander should be noted, as it was the first-ever unibody (not built on a truck frame) SUV with four-wheel independent suspension. This translates into a family SUV that is comfortable on the road, but retains its rugged off-road credibility.
With choices of gasoline or a gas-electric hybrid powertrains, two- or all-wheel drive, the 2020 Highlander gives buyers the option of more power or more fuel economy. Either decision will put a very nice three-row SUV in your driveway.
Super Efficiency
The all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with front-wheel drive, but Clean Fleet Report opted for a week in the Highlander Hybrid with all-wheel drive (AWD). Power comes from the new-generation Toyota Hybrid System with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline-powered engine. Combined with front and rear electric motors, the total system has 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque running through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The versatile Highlander Hybrid has five driver-selectable drive modes of Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail and EV.The EV mode allows driving for short distances and low speeds in pure electricity, such as in a parking structure or when trying to sneak in late at night.The rear motor drives the rear wheels when more traction is needed, otherwise the rear driveline is disconnected, resulting in improved fuel economy.
The Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system electronically adjusts from the normal front-wheel drive mode to all-wheel drive. This activates the rear wheels under heavy acceleration, or when tire slippage is detected, as in driving on ice and snow. It actively, through multiple sensors, measures speed, steering angle and other factors to govern the torque distribution to optimize handling. I tried under rainy conditions to feel the transition from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive, but it was far too seamless.
To maximize fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid automatically switches between the electric drive mode, combined electric motor and gasoline engine, and gasoline-only engine power. The smooth transitions can be monitored by viewing the easy-to-read dash gauges.
Fuel economy for the 2020 Highlander Hybrid is rated at 35 mpg city/34 highway/35 combined. All best-in-class. Running on regular unleaded and in the Eco mode, I drove 210 mostly highway miles averaging 35.1 mpg. But on a 101-mile, 50/50-percent highway and city driving loop, the average was an impressive 39.7 mpg. Let’s stay here a second and appreciate that this 4,595-pound (with a 3,500-pound tow rating) midsize SUV, almost got 40 miles to the gallon. Hand me the keys to the Highlander Hybrid for another week and I guarantee surpassing that magic 40 mpg mark.
The nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery has a smaller and flatter shape from previous battery designs, so it fits nicely under the seats. This placement increases interior space for passengers and cargo, and drops the center of gravity, thusly aiding handling. The Ni-MH battery is charged through regenerative braking, which is an energy recovery system taking the usually wasted friction and heat from braking or coasting, and converts the kinetic energy into stored energy. The process of using and restoring electricity to the battery can be watched in real time on dash gauges.
Smooth Performer
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is easy to drive, with a smooth ride that was unaffected by Southern California’s grooved concrete freeways. The isolation from the outside reminded me of the several Lexus SUVs I have driven (maybe not surprising since they may be built on the same basic platform—ed). The 2020 Highlander feels more solid than its predecessors, and the previous light steering has been reworked to be stiffer, delivering more road feedback and feel. Acceleration is a bit down from the 2019 model as the V6 has been replaced with a four-cylinder. But any loss of off-the-line power was barely noticeable, and was an acceptable trade-off for the increased fuel economy.
The Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD comes standard with 20-inch painted alloy wheels that were mounted with 235/55 all-season tires. Traction was good with hard or spirited cornering revealing only minor, and very controllable, understeer and body lean. Lacking low-range gears, the Highlander Hybrid is not considered a true off-road SUV. However, it does have an eight-inch ground clearance, hill start assist and the Trail mode, just in case you venture off pavement.
Stopping comes from Toyota’s electronically controlled brake system that incorporates regenerative control and power-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The easy to modulate stops were straight and consistent, and produced a satisfying regenerative whirring when stopping.
New Look: Exterior and Interior
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid exterior has been updated with softened lines making for a less angular design. The biggest change is the front grille, which has been reduced in size and now looks more proportional. The slim LED headlights wrap into the fenders, which were bulked up, giving the Highlander a beefier look. The rear is simple with large, narrow LED tail lights and a low lift-over for easy cargo loading.
Clean Fleet Report was driving a Highlander Hybrid Platinum painted in Ruby Flare Pearl. With platinum defined as “considered more precious than gold,” we think it nicely lived up to its name. If you can imagine an interior feature or treatment that should be on a car, it is there. And it is done well.
Climbing into the richly colored caramel and dark brown interior, there was seating for seven. With all seats leather-trimmed with top stitching, the power 10-way adjustable driver seat, with memory and lumbar, was heated and ventilated. The front heated and ventilated passenger seat is four-way adjustable. The second row in our configuration was Captain’s Chairs (no second row bench seat available in the hybrid), and the third row is a 60/40 folding and reclining bench seat. That third row is best for the small of stature, but can accommodate adults for short jaunts. The second row passenger seats reclined and are heated. Rear seat passengers have plenty of head and leg room and get two USB slots, a 120V charge port, side window shades, climate controls with digital read-outs and a folding armrest with cup holders. Both the second and third row seats fold flat, making for a generous 84.3 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.
The Highlander Hybrid features the Premium JBL audio system with voice command for navigation, and Bluetooth telephone and music streaming. The 12.3-inch touch-screen and the 11-speaker system, with subwoofer and amplifier, produces excellent sound for the FM/CD/HDAM, with the AM/FM being a cache radio. SiriusXM is included for 90 days. The Bose system was easy-to-use thanks to having volume and channel knobs.
The system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is Amazon Alexa compatible. The Wi-Fi Connect service has a three-month trial period and includes up-to 2 GB. The front cabin has four USB ports, and two 12-Volt power outlets. Additional technology in the Highlander includes connected services and audio multimedia.
The cockpit design is driver friendly with all gauges, including the hybrid management system, in easy sight, and the controls are in easy reach. The cabin systems include the three-zone automatic climate control, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel that contains audio telephone and voice controls, wireless smartphone charging and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink. The roll-top center console has a lower area large enough to swallow-up pretty much anything you want to store away, making for a secure place to stow valuables.
Convenience and Safety
Convenience features on our Highlander Hybrid Platinum included a hands-free power lift gate, cargo-area tie-down hooks, very handy in-dash storage nooks, reading lights front and rear, folding, heated power side mirrors with “Highlander” puddle lamps, multiple cup holders and a panoramic moonroof with sunshade. The rain-sensing windshield wipers and the head-up display were appreciated.
Another very handy feature is the Bird’s Eye View camera with Perimeter Scan. By pushing a button the scan gives a top-down 360º look at anything that may be in the Highlander’s surrounding area. You will come to rely on this nifty feature.
The 2020 Highlander is well equipped with the Star Safety System, Toyota Safety Sense and Safety Connect. Active and passive safety features include eight air bags, vehicle stability, traction control and brake assist. The advanced driver pre-collision technology includes lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. Additional safety features include remote keyless entry, push button start/stop and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Pricing and Warranties
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD has a MSRP of $50,200. Clean Fleet Report’s total price, including options of $1,192 and the $1,120 delivery, processing and handling fee, came to $52,512.
The 2020 Highlander Hybrid comes with these warranties:
- Hybrid Components – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Comprehensive – Three years/36,000 miles
- Maintenance Plan – Two years/25,000 miles
- Corrosion Perforation – Five years/Unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance – Two years/25,000 miles
Observations: 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD
Built in Princeton, Indiana, Toyota knocked it out of the park with the all-new 2020 Highlander Hybrid. It remains the most fuel-efficient of the three-row SUVs on the market, doing so with a contemporary design and a comfortable interior. If you are thinking of taking long family road trips, then the cabin is a pleasant place to be. As far as storing your gear, the cargo space is vast inside and increases, if need be, with the roof rack. The only seven-passenger vehicle that has better fuel economy is the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan, which is a plug-in hybrid.
If your family has grown to the point where a vehicle of this size fits your needs, then by all means visit your Toyota dealership, and have them walk you through all the features and options. Make sure to ask for a Toyota factory-trained specialist who will explain the hybrid technology in detail, especially how to drive it for maximum efficiency.
This is one of my favorite vehicles I have driven in 2020. Check it out and let Clean Fleet Report know what you think.
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Whatever you end up buying, Happy Driving!
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Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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