2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Name: 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 30700 USD

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV Exterior

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV Rear Badge

+85

There are few options when it comes to midsize three-row hybrid SUVs. Luckily, Toyota just happens to make one that's really good. The Highlander Hybrid effectively starts with the solid foundation of the regular Highlander and simply adds excellent fuel economy. It's adequately quick and nimble, and it loses no passenger or cargo space compared to the regular Highlander. Its third-row seat is small by midsize SUV standards, but that's one of few drawbacks.

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2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Strong fuel economy estimates of 35-36 mpg combined
Available all-wheel drive for all trims
Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander
Plenty of standard and available safety features

Cons

Third-row seats are cramped
Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle

What's new

The Highlander is fully redesigned for 2020
Hybrid now uses a four-cylinder instead of a V6
A little less power than before, but better fuel economy
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020

Overview

You have more choices than ever for a three-row midsize SUV. But what if you want one that gets great fuel economy too? Well, the redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could very well be just what you're looking for.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$123/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2020, the Highlander Hybrid gets a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces last year's V6. While this new four-cylinder hybrid system generates roughly 60 fewer horsepower than the previous Highlander Hybrid, fuel economy improves by 7-8 mpg in mixed driving. A newly available front-wheel-drive configuration adds to the potential fuel savings.

Elsewhere, the Highlander Hybrid isn't significantly different from the previous model. While the new Highlander is a couple inches longer, the extra room has all gone to increase cargo capacity. Passenger room is largely unchanged for 2020, meaning there's good legroom in the first and second rows but not so much for the third row.

Overall, we're pleased with the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. You can read more of our evaluation in our in-depth Expert Rating.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Highlander Hybrid drive? The three-row Highlander has the same hybrid powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid, though Toyota juiced it up a bit to handle the added weight. Our test Highlander accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. That's certainly respectable considering some SUVs with V6s take as much time and are far less fuel-efficient. Emergency braking power is also on par.

Around turns, this hybrid is surprisingly composed. The Highlander Hybrid isn't as athletic as the hybrid version of the Ford Explorer, but handling isn't usually a strong selling point for three-row SUVs. What's more important is ease of driving, and the Highlander Hybrid nails it. Power is readily available and smoothly delivered, and the brakes are smooth and don't exhibit the grabbiness found in some other hybrids.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Highlander Hybrid? The Highlander Hybrid's ride quality is plush. It smooths over most road imperfections yet remains controlled without much float at higher speeds. The wide front seats are pretty comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats remain one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and limited legroom make them ill-suited for most adults.

We like the Highlander's excellent climate control system. It's easy to use and can quickly heat or cool the cabin. At highway speeds, the Highlander is nicely insulated from wind and road noise. The gas engine sounds unrefined when you go full throttle, but otherwise it's noninvasive.

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space. Unfortunately, the Highlander's third row is one of the most confining by midsize three-row SUV standards. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, be sure it meets your needs first.

Adjusting the driver's seat is quick and easy, and there's ample range of adjustment. Tall drivers will likely want the steering wheel to telescope out a little more. Outward visibility, especially for a vehicle this size, is great. The windshield roof pillars are thin, which help you see around turns or in tight parking situations.

The Platinum trim, which is what we tested, also comes with some very useful features such as a camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out of the back even if you've fully loaded up the rear cargo area. There's also an available surround-view camera system. It has sharp resolution and can be rotated to look around the vehicle.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This new Highlander Hybrid makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some minor drawbacks. The optional 12.3-in touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs. But its high-gloss surface makes it prone to reflections and smudges. Our Highlander Hybrid Platinum tester had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.

All Highlanders come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids. We like the natural operation of the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive and the lane-centering ineffective at highway speeds.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander Hybrid. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is a bit less than what the Ford Explorer provides. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV.

There's decent space for your things, with a few useful shelves across the dash. If you have a phone charging on the wireless pad in the center bin, you have to remove it to access the space beneath. We didn't find it that cumbersome, but you might.

Got small children? You can easily install a large rear-facing car seat in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore-and-aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The car seat anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The top trims for the all-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrid get an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. Front-wheel-drive versions are a little more efficient at 36 mpg combined.

On our relatively traffic-free evaluation route, we traveled 115 miles at an efficiency of 33 mpg. That's really good for a big three-row SUV, though it's obviously slightly below the EPA estimates. It's still significantly more efficient than the Ford Explorer Hybrid we tested (EPA estimate: 25 mpg combined), which returned 23.3 mpg on average.

Value

8.0/10

Is the Highlander Hybrid a good value? There's only one other non-luxury three-row SUV hybrid currently out: the Ford Explorer. Compared to the Ford, the Highlander's cost of entry is tens of thousands less. Even top trim for top trim, the Platinum Highlander is a better deal, not to mention far more fuel-efficient. The Highlander's interior is solidly put together with soft, padded surfaces where they matter most. Toyota's hybrids have a track record for running long and strong, so odds are high this Highlander will serve you loyally.

Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles and Toyota has extended its hybrid battery coverage for 2020 model year vehicles to a generous 10 years/150,000 miles. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The Highlander Hybrid isn't something we'd choose for a winding road but it's no less composed than the lighter, non-hybrid version of itself. It's something you'd look forward to taking a long trip in, though, and some might consider that fun.

The Highlander's new styling gives it a more aggressive vibe overall, but we're not sold on the bold details traveling down the side of the car. To us it looks overdone, but to each their own.

Which Highlander Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

We are torn between the LE and the Limited. The LE is great because it has a ton of features at a reasonable price. Before you get to the Limited, there's the XLE. It doesn't cost much more than the LE, but it doesn't add many quality-of-life improvements either. If you want a Highlander Hybrid with upgrades, we suggest jumping right to the Limited, which adds leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and parking sensors among other items.

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models

The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a three-row midsize SUV offered in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum. Seating for eight is standard on the base LE model, and optional on all other trim levels except for the Platinum. The other models come standard with second-row captain's chairs, which reduce total seating to seven.

The Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to electric motors — two motors for front-wheel-drive applications and three for all-wheel-drive models. The total system power of 243 hp is routed to the driven wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Highlighted features of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid include:

LE
Starts you off with:

18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Power liftgate
Keyless entry and ignition
Three-zone climate control

The LE also gets you:

8-inch touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system with four USB ports and satellite radio
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration
Wi-Fi hotspot
Collection of advanced driver aids that can help prevent an accident (Toyota Safety Sense 2.0)

XLE
Adds more upscale features, including:

Sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Adjustable lumbar on driver's seat
Simulated leather upholstery
Wireless phone charger
Optional: navigation system

Limited
Includes the above, plus:

Front and rear parking sensors
Hands-free liftgate
Heated and ventilated front seats
Leather upholstery
11-speaker audio system
Navigation system
Optional: 12.3-inch touchscreen and 360-degree parking camera

Platinum
The range-topping Highlander Hybrid Platinum further adds:

Adaptive headlights
Automatic wipers
Panoramic sunroof
Digital rearview mirror
Heated second-row seats
Head-up display
12.3-inch touchscreen and 360-degree parking camera

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

5 (69%)

4 (12%)

3 (19%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.5

26 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 26 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Best MPG's of any full size SUV

Alfonzo, 06/14/2020

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Vehicle: purchased new, 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid All Wheel Drive / Trim level "LE" (base model). Plenty of power to climb hills and comfortable as well to drive and for passenger comfort. I tried it in all wheel drive (trail mode) on the Oregon Coast where you are allowed to drive on the beach in certain areas. Even in all wheel drive MPG in the sand for about 12 miles was 22 …

A Great Upgrade From A Prius!

Mark from Orlando, 04/29/2020

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

After nearly a decade of owning 2 different Prius models, I am very happy to say that that our new 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE is a welcome addition to our family. Not only is it extremely comfortable, but the ride quality is an amazing experience. Quiet, comfortable and yet still great on gas mileage. We are approaching 40 miles per gallon on average and yet there is plenty of …

Great car, love it

Stu, 07/30/2020

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Just put the first thousand miles on my Highlander Hybrid Platinum and it is really something that the market is lacking, a bigger SUV with great gas mileage. First, I moved into this after driving a 2016 Outback for the last five year, another great car, but with both kids out of college I wanted something more upper end without spending 80 grand. The Platinum was just over $48,000 and … includes all the nice features, heated and cooled leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and 12 inch screen, Android Auto, etc, etc. I have been getting about 36 mpg, which is impressive for all the room it has. I don't use the small 3rd row, I wanted it for extra storage (golf clubs, cart, shoes), so the size wasn't a problem for me. It drives smooth, but not sporty. The Outback was more fun to drive, the Highlander is more smooth, quiet, and luxurious, which is more important to me these days. The three driving modes are great and it has plenty of power going up mountain passes in Washington in sport mode, even normal, once around town and commuting on the freeway I keep it in eco, whish is more than enough power. Not a perfect vehicle, sunroof is huge, but only opens halfway, why? The lane assist can be annoying since it reads anything that might be a painted lane, so I just turn it off in cruise control, gas tank has to be nursed when filling for the last couple gallons, wants to turn off. Finally the 12 inch screen is great, but cannot be full screen, so it always has 2-3 things on it, that change could be coming with a simple software update, but it is not an efficient use of such a nice screen. JBL 11 speaker sound system is fantastic. Overall, I would recommend this car, really nice if you want luxury and smooth drive. ****9000 mile update I continue to really enjoy this car, since there has not been any snow in the lowlands this winter, I cannot say how it drives in the snow, but in the mountains a couple of times, with Bridgestone Blizzak tires, it gripped well and the AWD seems to work seamlessly. Gas mileage in the winter is down, getting mostly 32-34 MPG driving in Normal mode. Find the brakes to be a little funky, especially when it drops from gas to battery at the same time I am slowing down, almost feels like the brakes don't work for a moment, but once you get used to it, it is no big deal. Leather seats are very comfortable, third row down makes for tons of rear storage. The Platinum provides all the features I would need and they all work nicely. 37-38 MPG in the summer, 32-24 in the winter, I can live with that for such a large SUV. With COVID, I only go into the office three times a week, so I only fill my tank, which costs about $30, every couple of weeks, amazing.

Lower then Expected MPG but Overall Happy!

Highlander Hybrid enthusiast, 05/09/2020

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

We now have 18, 000 miles on vehicle and overall very happy with the Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD. We bought in 2020 as an upgrade from a 2016 Honda Odyssey and so far have been very happy with this purchase. Highlander doesn't get the advertised 34/35 MPG.... best we can obtain in driving Eco mode is about 32-33 Highway going about 65 mph and fairly flat hills. In city driving with …

See all 26 reviews of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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2020 Highlander Hybrid Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$38,200
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	36 MPG
Cost to Drive	$123/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Highlander Hybrid models:

Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection: Warns of an approaching vehicle or pedestrian, providing additional braking force or applying the brakes automatically if necessary.
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Follows the vehicle ahead at a preset distance, with the ability to operate at low speeds or all the way up to 110 mph.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver of possible unintended lane departures and can apply small corrective steering inputs to keep the vehicle in its lane.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

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2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Highlander Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Best MPG's of any full size SUV

A Great Upgrade From A Prius!

Great car, love it

Lower then Expected MPG but Overall Happy!

2020 Highlander Hybrid Highlights

Safety

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