2019 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6 8AT FWD (295 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota introduced the fourth generation of the Highlander at the 2019 New York Auto Show, and it was the carmaker’s answer for the three-row crossovers segment.

The Japanese automaker introduced the Highlander in its lineup in 2000 and pitted it against other mid-size SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Toyota made its newcomer on the same platform as the Lexus RX, and since it had a strong reputation for building reliable vehicles, it sold it in significant numbers. Furthermore, it was also suitable for larger families since it was a three-row vehicle. But fast forward to 2019, when the car reached its fourth generation, and it shined in many areas, including the interior.

Starting at the front, the 2020 Highlander didn’t have the same humble look. Its swept-back LED headlights had an aggressive stance compared to its predecessor. The 2020 Highlander was available in five grades: L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The lower grades came with a silver grille, while the upper two versions featured a black pattern and a chromed surrounding. On the sides, the fog lamps were neatly integrated into a set of scoops, while on the apron, the automaker added a second air intake to help cool the engine and a silver body element that mimicked a skid plate. Still, the most striking aspects of the vehicle when viewed from the front were the longitudinal power dome on the hood and the chromed trim that sported the brand’s logo.

From its profile, the three-row SUV looked sporty thanks to its ascending waistline and the sculptured lines from the doors that emerged onto the rear quarter panels. To emphasize the off-road characteristic of the vehicle, Toyota added black plastic trims around the wheel arches and a set of 18-inch light alloy wheels, with an option for a set of 20-inch ones, depending on the grade. The door mirrors featured body-colored caps but black stalks. Finally, at the back, the broad taillights emerged from the quarter panels to the rear fascia onto the raked-forward tailgate.

Inside, the 2020 Highlander was available with two or three-row seating and room for up to eight people onboard. Still, it wasn’t as large as a minivan, but even the rearmost seats could be used for short jaunts. At the front, Toyota installed a touchscreen atop the center stack with a size of up to 12.5 inches and a backup camera. In front of the driver, the Highlander sported a clean-designed instrument cluster that featured a 4.2” TFT between the speedometer and tachometer.

Under the hood, Toyota offered the Highlander a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 and a hybrid powertrain. The former developed 295 horsepower (300 PS), while the latter brought a total of 240 HP (243 PS) to the table thanks to an inline-four powerplant and two electric motors. Not all versions of the Highlander were fitted with an all-wheel drive system.