A Model-Specific Review in West Caldwell, NJ
The Toyota Highlander SUV is Redesigned and Ready to Hit the Road in 2020
It's been nearly two decades since Toyota gave New Jersey drivers the family-friendly Toyota Highlander SUV, and the three-row model has been one of the most popular vehicles in the collection here at Paul Miller Toyota ever since. With the 20th anniversary on the horizon, what better time to introduce the world to an exciting, redesigned Highlander model and kick off the 4th generation of this important vehicle?
What's New for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
As the starting point for a whole new Highlander generation, it should come as no surprise that the 2020 version of this SUV has a lot of major changes in store, both for longtime fans and for newcomers to the Highlander lineup alike. There's a lot to know and appreciate about the redesigned, 2020 Highlander, and our expert team has the inside scoop for drivers from Little Falls to Parsippany.
Increased Cargo Room
One of the first things Highlander drivers may notice about this new model is a nice increase in cargo room. Interior space has been maximized to give drivers more of what they want here, and the rear cargo hold for the Highlander stretches from a decent 13.8 cubic feet in 2019, to a healthy 16 cubic feet for 2020.
New Technology
Another area that will delight West Caldwell drivers in the new Highlander is in its roster of technology amenities and connectivity features. For the first time ever, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard across the Highlander lineup in 2020, and the standard infotainment interface is now a new, larger touchscreen. Where the 2019 model gave us a 6.1-inch touchscreen, the new Highlander starts with an 8-inch touchscreen and offers an optional upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen.
More Standard Power
Like a little more oomph under the hood of your SUV? Toyota understands, and they're offering a more-powerful base engine in response. Wayne, NJ and Clifton, NJ drivers can look forward to every gas-powered Highlander coming equipped with a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine now, a welcome change from the 2019 model, which started with a four-cylinder engine and offered V6 power only on upper trims. Also, across the lineup, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on each model.
Redesigned Interior
The 2020 Toyota Highlander also ups the ante for Montclair, NJ drivers who appreciate upscale materials in their vehicles. Now constructed with premium materials and designed with a high-end touch and attention to detail, the interior of this SUV goes beyond family utility to pamper you.
A Rundown of 2020 Highlander Trim Options
For 2020, the Toyota Highlander continues to give New Jersey drivers a range of configuration options, including seating that can accommodate either seven or eight people, and a variety of trim levels. The lineup has been streamlined for 2020, with five well-equipped trims now available to choose from.
L
Toyota gives drivers more of what they're looking for with this second trim level option, including more safety features and high-end design touches. These include:
- A leather-trimmed steering wheel
- LED foglights
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Power-operated liftgate
LE
The base model for this lineup is anything but basic, with a slew of great features and amenities that are included as standard equipment, including the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of safety features and a variety of nice tech amenities. These include:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Automatic high beams
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Three-zone auto climate control
XLE
With many of your connectivity and safety features included from earlier trims, this mid-level Highlander model really piles on the special amenities to make driving more enjoyable, including:
- Sunroof
- Second-row captain's chairs to open interior space and limit seating to seven
- Heated front seats
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Larger driver's information display panel
Limited
Moving into the higher trims, the Highlander keeps all the great features from previous models, and adds more, with highlights including:
- Integrated navigation system
- Leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Upgraded, premium sound system
- Larger, 20-inch wheels
Platinum
The top-of-the-line model for this SUV has the keen attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship to make every ride joyful, and spoil you and your passengers:
- Surround-view camera system
- Larger, 12.3-inch touchscreen interface
- Panoramic sunroof
- Digital rearview mirror
- Heads-up display for drivers
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV, At a Glance
Love everything about the spacious Toyota Highlander, but crave something that's more efficient and releases fewer emissions? Don't miss the innovative Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Toyota has long been the leader in hybrid engineering, and the Highlander Hybrid is a testament to their expertise. Powered by a fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine that works with three electric motors to produce 306 horsepower. Like its gas-powered counterpart, this SUV also gives you multiple trims and seating configurations to choose from.
Need a Little Help Deciding? Check Out this Comparison Information
We think the Toyota Highlander is great for New Jersey families of all sizes, but we also understand there may be other three-row SUVs vying for your attention, and we want to hep make your decision process a little easier. To that end, consider these key areas where the Highlander comes out ahead of the competing Honda Pilot:
The 2020 Toyota Highlander vs. the 2020 Honda Pilot
- Power. While every Highlander produces a robust 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, the Pilot delivers a little less, at 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
- Hybrid option. For drivers who crave the efficiency of a hybrid, the Highlander Hybrid SUV is there to help out when you need it. The Honda Pilot offers no hybrid alternatives to its gas-powered SUV.
- Interior space. The Toyota Highlander has more space for NJ drivers and passengers, with greater amounts of headroom and legroom, in both the front and backseats.
Find the 2020 Toyota Highlander for Your NJ Drives
Whether you're new to the Toyota Highlander or you've been driving one for years, stop by and see our expert sales team soon to meet and test drive the latest 2020 models, and see for yourself everything it can add to your New Jersey commutes and road trips.
AdChoices