Toyota Highlander is the only hybrid mid-size three-row SUV in the market. However, other companies are also developing new drivetrains for their models. With a presence in this segment, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has a room for further upgrades. This places the SUV on the pole position for next seasons. A big redesign will be the highlight of the new 2020 Highlander.
A number of changes on the mid-size SUV will be the largest since the launch of the current generation in 2013. Highlander also had a facelift in 2016. Then, the first hybrid appeared with the new transmission and front fascia cosmetic update. Now, everything is going to be bigger on the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The SUV will introduce the new look and features, especially safety. Update of the hybrid drivetrain will be the biggest change under the hood since the vehicle is carrying over the good-old V-6 engine.
2020 Toyota Highlander Specs
One of the major changes in the engine room won’t be a new unit, but the drop of a four-cylinder motor. Current Highlander offers a 2.7-liter powertrain as the base one. A 3.5-liter V-6 is optional. However, the other one is much more popular. So, there is no reason why it wouldn’t become the #1 pick for the upcoming season. With it, the four-pot mill is becoming a surplus in the lineup.
A V-6 engine is using a direct injection system. It is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the drivetrain provides more options with front- and all-wheel drive. A four-cylinder engine delivered power only through an FWD. Its bigger sibling is capable to produce 295 horses and 265 lb-ft of torque. Properly tuned, the 2020 Toyota Highlander will be able to achieve 29 mpg on the highway, using a petrol engine.
2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
If you want a better mileage, an SUV that returns 30 mpg in the city, you should wait for 2020 Toyota Highlander hybrid. This model is already one of the best in class when we compare fuel economy to its rivals. The new edition will boost the gas mileage even further, reaching 30 mpg in city and highway, respectively. The same engine as for the new base model is paired with electric motors. The hybrid system is going to be good for at least 310 horsepower. Current edition delivers 306 ponies.
2020 Toyota Highlander Interior Changes
Designers of the 2020 Toyota Highlander will focus on the cabin more than the exterior. Infotainment and safety systems can expect a huge upgrade. After 2016 the vehicle didn’t change things too much. Ow, it is time to make it up to its fans. The new 2020 Highlander will follow modern trends and the SUV will offer all futuristic accessories. Some of them will be available at the base trim. It is possible to see the new generation of the Entune info-entertaining system.
2020 Toyota Highlander Spy Shots
The first spy photos of the 2020 Toyota Highlander are out. We still don’t know which vehicle is on the streets – hybrid or petrol variant. According to spy shots, that is not a PHEV, which remains the possibility. Well, the test mule is showing some promises, although it is heavily covered. Even the parts we can see are from the old model and experts are sharing the opinion the upcoming 2020 Highlander is going to change headlights and bumper. We can compare it to some other crossovers and SUVs which also expect the redesign, both in Toyota and Lexus family. The RX 350 is expecting a redesign as well in 2020, so some solutions could be the same for these vehicles.
The price of the 2020 Toyota Highlander will jump a bit since the redesign is going to bring many changes. The most important one is dropping a four-cylinder engine. However, to stay competitive, the new Highlander SUV won’t add too much to the current version’s value.
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