“I am happy with my Highlander. I have purchased in the past so I knew what to expect. I would recommend the vehicle.”
2020 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Toyota Highlander is a complete fourth-generation redesign on Toyota’s new TNGA-K platform. It has more cargo room, a more polished cabin, upgraded standard safety and phone connectivity, and a new hybrid system.
About the 2020 Toyota Highlander
4th generation, first year (all-new redesign)
Toyota positions the Highlander as a three-row family SUV for people who need to carry kids, friends, and cargo without giving up comfort, safety, or efficiency. The marketing theme is togetherness and going wherever you are needed, and the model’s big strengths are its easy-driving nature, strong standard safety tech, available hybrid efficiency, and a trim ladder that runs from practical family transport to a near-luxury daily driver.
The L and LE trims cover the practical end of the lineup, with three-row climate control, phone integration, and a power liftgate on LE. XLE adds comfort features such as heated front seats and a moonroof, while Limited brings leather, ventilated front seats, and premium audio. Platinum is the tech-focused top trim, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, surround-view camera, head-up display, and panoramic moonroof.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Highlander moved to Toyota’s TNGA-K platform with a stiffer structure, a quieter and more polished ride, and a longer body that adds cargo room behind the third row.
Styling
Toyota completely redesigned the exterior with a more sculpted shape and distinct front-end details for different trims. The cabin also received a more upscale layout.
Powertrain
Gas versions use a 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid switched to a new 2.5-liter system with substantially better fuel economy and, for the first time, came in both front-wheel-drive and AWD versions.
Safety
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 became standard on every trim. LE and higher trims also gained standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the lineup. Most trims use an 8-inch touchscreen, while Platinum introduced a 12.3-inch screen; navigation on XLE changed from standard to optional.
2020 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode / Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Hybrid / Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21–36 mpg | 21–36 mpg | 21–36 mpg | 21–36 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 29–35 mpg | 29–35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 243–295 hp | 243–295 hp | 243–295 hp | 243–295 hp |
| Torque | 263 lb-ft | 175–263 lb-ft | 175–263 lb-ft | 175–263 lb-ft | 175–263 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 73 cu-ft | 73 cu-ft | 73 cu-ft | 73 cu-ft | 73 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in | 27.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7–8 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2020 Toyota Highlander completely redesigned?
Yes. The 2020 Highlander begins the fourth generation with a new TNGA-K platform, a longer body, more room behind the third row, a quieter ride, and a more upscale cabin.
How is the 2020 Highlander Hybrid different from the 2019 model?
The 2020 Highlander Hybrid uses a new 2.5-liter system with substantially better fuel economy. It also came in front-wheel-drive and AWD versions, with front-wheel drive joining the hybrid lineup for the first time.
Do all 2020 Toyota Highlanders have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2020 Highlander lineup. Most trims have an 8-inch touchscreen, while Platinum has a 12.3-inch screen.
Which 2020 Highlander trims have blind-spot monitoring?
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on the 2020 Highlander LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The base L still has Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, but not those two added awareness features.
How did the Highlander trim lineup change for 2020?
The SE trim was dropped for 2020. LE Plus continued under the L name, and Limited Platinum continued as Platinum.
2020 Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
4.2
2020 Toyota Highlander
(504 reviews)
“Great vehicle. Reliable and decent gas mileage. Has room for both cargo and people.”
“The Toyota Highland is an excellent value, a very well designed and built automobile, and is one of the most reliable and dependable cars available today.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyotas Fourth Generation 2020 Highlander Redesigned From The Ground Up
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2020 / Highlander Ebrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyotas Go Highlander Campaign Takes You Where They Need You
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Highlander Adds Xse Grade Toyota Safety Sense 2 5 For 2021