2020 Toyota Highlander Review

How does the Highlander drive? Unlike some other SUVs that can be slow to respond when you first step on the accelerator, the Toyota Highlander delivers near immediate response. At our Edmunds test track we measured 0-60 mph at 7.5 seconds, which is slightly better than average and a dead heat with the top-rated Kia Telluride — though the Highlander feels a little quicker from the driver's seat.

The Highlander's ability to negotiate a twisty road has improved. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system can also help by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance (in addition to the usual benefit of extra traction in wet weather).

Despite all this advanced technology, the Highlander still feels like a bigger SUV. A number of competitors move with more purpose and lightness, and many are able to stop quicker in an emergency braking scenario. Ultimate performance aside, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.

How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or disconnected at higher speeds. The front seats are quite comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same amount of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and narrow space make them ill-suited for adults.

Wind noise is well silenced on the highway, though, and road noise is minimal. Our test Highlander did have a minor creak developing at the top of the driver's door.

How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space, but the third row is one of the most confining in the midsize three-row SUV class. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, you will be better served by rivals such as the Kia Telluride or Volkswagen Atlas. Once you're seated, it's easy to find your preferred driving position, but taller drivers may wish for a bit more extension range from the telescoping steering wheel (it can be a bit of a reach).

We give the Highlander high marks for outward visibility. The front roof pillars are thin, which help you see around turns. Some of the Highlander's available technology features help too, such as the camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out the back even if you've fully loaded up the rear cargo area. The available surround-view camera system is sharp and can be rotated to "look around" the vehicle.

How’s the tech? In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This Highlander makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some drawbacks. The optional 12.3-in touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs, but the reflections on the surface make using it more difficult than it should be. Our Highlander Platinum test vehicle had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.

Toyota provides a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids as standard on all Highlanders. Among other things, we like the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive in the normal mode and not sensitive enough in the low mode.

How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is small for the class. 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.

As for cabin storage, there are good-size pockets and cupholders, as well as two shelves built into the dash (one has a clever phone cable keeper too). Because the wireless phone charger is in the center armrest bin, you have to flip it up to access the space underneath, which some might find inconvenient.

Got kids? A large rear-facing car seat will easily be accommodated in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore/aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The LATCH anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive Highlander returns 23 mpg (20 city/27 highway) and a slightly better 24 mpg (21 city/29 highway) for front-wheel-drive models. This may not seem like a huge advantage over the competition with a difference of just 1 or 2 mpg, but it's significant for this class of vehicle.

On our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation loop, we achieved 24.7 mpg, which indicates to us the EPA's estimates should be achievable. Of note, the Highlander Hybrid is estimated to return 36 mpg combined.

Is the Highlander a good value? In general, the Highlander is a little more expensive than its closest rivals, and you don't quite get as many standard features. When it comes to quality, the interior materials are only about average when compared to what's used in the top-rated SUVs in this class.

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. Toyota provides the first two years of scheduled maintenance for free.

The new styling up front gives the Highlander more of an industrial, truck-like appearance, which is pleasing. The same can't be said, though, for the Supra-inspired character line that goes from the bottom of the front door and over the rear wheels.

One thing that helps boost this score is the fact that the Highlander is composed on a twisting road. We might even say it's fun to drive for a midsize three-row SUV.