The Japanese automaker has introduced the 2020 Toyota Highlander with updated styling, a new entry-level trim level as well as a new pricing structure, which makes it $2,770 costlier than the ongoing standard model.
The good news is the new Highlander is built on Toyota’s new Global Architecture-K platform, which would improve the ride of this mid-size crossover. Moreover, the new entry-level variant L gets plenty of standard equipment such as three-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a proximity key, and LED headlamps. It also comes equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite boasting automatic front braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. The price starts at $34,600.
Those who spend $2,200 more can get their hands on the Highlander LE, which takes a step ahead with a power liftgate, blind-spot monitor, fog lamps, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter.
For $39,600, buyers can have the Highlander XLE with added luxury and convenience facilities. These include heated and power-operated front seats, faux-leather seating, a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display screen, second-row bucket seats, and a sunroof.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Limited trim level sells for $43,650 and brings onboard the standard 18-inch wheels and tires for 20-inch units, a cargo cover, driver’s seat memory, ventilated front seats, leather seating, an in-dash navigation system, a premium audio system, a hands-free power liftgate, and other things.
The range-topping $46,850 Platinum provides the best of both worlds with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive headlights, a head-up display system, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a surround-view camera system.
Unfortunately, the price difference doesn’t give better performance. The 2020 Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 3.5L V6 creating 295 horsepower, which powers the front wheels. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive is optional for L, LE, and XLE models.
The environment-conscious people would be happy to buy the 2020 Highlander Hybrid featuring a 2.5L four-cylinder engine assisted by a mild hybrid system that collectively generates 243 horsepower. Similar to the gasoline model, the front-wheel-drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional.
Toyota is offering four variants of the Hybrid at a starting price of $38,200 that is $680 extra compared to the MY19. However, that model came with a standard all-wheel drive.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander will soon hit the dealerships in America, while the Hybrid model will take a couple of months more.
Source and Images: Motor1