2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Fuel-Saver Focus

Name: 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $28,990 - $40,590

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

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 2020 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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2 Offers Near Ashburn, VA

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Average price: $34,498

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Appraise My 2020 Toyota

Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years

Toyota Highlander Hybrid for Sale

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

Three-row midsize Hybrid fuel-economy rethink

Written by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

Updated: 9/11/2020

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

20 listings

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New Listing
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
XLE 4dr SUV
$31,991
fair price
$127 below market
- 80,971 miles
- 8 Seats, 35 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- 97 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Harrisburg, PA
JUST ARRIVED. PENDING INSPECTION. Recent Arrival! 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD eCVT 4D Sport Utility35/34 City/Highway MPG 2.5L I4 PDI Hybri...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
Features and Specs:
35 Combined MPG (35 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
5TDHBRCH7LS500371
Stock:
YU500371
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
06-06-2026
New Listing
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
LE 4dr SUV
$25,495
fair price
- 84,081 miles
- 8 Seats, 35 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- 195 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
Close
Located in Old Bridge, NJ
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE Sport Utility 4DThe 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE delivers outstanding fuel efficiency, smooth performance, and th...
Vehicle History:
1 accident, 1 owner, personal use
Features and Specs:
35 Combined MPG (35 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
5TDBBRCH3LS503788
Stock:
OL503788
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

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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

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.8

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance: Hybrid acceleration and composed driving dynamics

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: Plush ride, but third-row disappoints

8/10

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: Third row feels cramped

8/10

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: Touchscreen strides, annoying reflections and smudges

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: Cramped third row, flexible cargo

8/10

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: Hybrid mpg beats rivals in practice

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: Highlander beats the Explorer bargain

8/10

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: Hybrid Highlander favors long trips

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.

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim level differences

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. Compare the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim levels in-depth.

Which Highlander Hybrid trim 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.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$140/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

4 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V865000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 23TA15, 23
Number of vehicles affected:: 999901
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Defect Consequence:: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. This is a phased recall. The next phase is anticipated in June 2025. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Recall Number:: 23V720000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 23TB12 / 2
Number of vehicles affected:: 750795
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Defect Consequence:: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 11, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.

Recall Number:: 22V239000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 22TA03, 22
Number of vehicles affected:: 458110
Defect Description:: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Defect Consequence:: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.

Recall Number:: 20V633000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20TB14 / 2
Number of vehicles affected:: 3121
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles. Incorrect seat trim covers on one or both of the front seats can prevent the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly.
Defect Consequence:: Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats and replace the seat trim covers as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 13, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-442-8696. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB14 / 20TA14.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

27 reviews

5(70%)

4(11%)

3(19%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2020 Highlander Hybrid Features & Specs

Trim:

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$38,200
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	36 MPG
Cost to Drive	$140/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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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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