2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV

Toyota Highlander Hybrid is powered by a V6 engine paired with electric motors. The combination is good for 306 horsepower and delivers a satisfying 28 or 29 mpg in combined mpg according to the EPA. The hybrid variant comes with standard all-wheel drive. A gas powered AWD Highlander scores about 22 mpg.

Highlander has aged but it still isn't obsolete. It offers stiff competition to newly updated models like the Acura MDX Hybrid and Lexus RX 450 Hybrid. If you are looking for a hybrid SUV in this segment, the changes are high that you would end up at a luxury SUV dealership. At this price, the Highlander is amongst very few hybrid SUVs that doesn't come with an astounding price tag. Yet, the Highlander is a bit long in the tooth and needs a lot of catching up to do but it is still relevant with its powerful V6, comfortable ride, and spacious seats in first and second row.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in four trims. There is a single engine configuration available across all trim levels. It offers a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and a standard rearview camera and standard active safety features. The XLE introduces a bigger 8-inch infotainment screen and three-zone climate control.

XLE trim also adds premium touches with leather-trimmed seats, sunroof, push-button start, and an optional rear-seat entertainment package. The Limited trim offers a unique saddle interior color and option to get the Platinum package that brings in goodies like Bird's Eye View Camera, 19-inch Chromtec alloys and heated steering wheel.

The top of the line, Limited Platinum brings in a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors,panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers and a heated steering wheel.

Trim	LE Base	XLE	Limited	Limited Platinum
MSRP	$36,970	$42,030	$45,510	$48,980
Features	Five total USB ports	Adds or deletes features from Hybrid LE:	Adds or deletes features from Hybrid XLE:	Adds or deletes features Hybrid from Limited:
	Toyota Safety Sense	Multi-Information Display	Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)	Post-Collision Safety System
	Seating for up to eight	Smart Key System plus liftgate with Push Button Start	Seating for seven with second-row captain's chair and 60/40 third-row seats	Front, Side, And Rear View Camera
	60/40 split second- and third-row seats	Leather-trimmed front seats and second row	19-in. 5-spoke Chromtec alloy wheels	Front And Rear Parking Sensors
	Entune Audio with Bluetooth	Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and Entune App Suite	Heated and ventilated front-row seats	Heated Steering Wheel
	Integrated backup camera	Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats	Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and Entune App Suite	Multi-Level Heating
		Power tilt/slide moonroof	Rear parking assist sonar

We Recommend

We would suggest most buyers move up to the XLE plus trim. It brings in a longer list of standard equipment. It offers features like powered liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, upgraded upholstery, and start-stop function. This trim has the maximum value for money appeal.

 

The Highlander's V6 has plenty of power for daily driving tasks, but it can be lazy to respond when you aren't asking for maximum acceleration. The steering is sometimes too light and less responsive than we'd like, and the Highlander's capabilities are merely average.-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The 3.5-liter V6 engine has enough grunt to get this three-row crossover going. The burly V6 engine is aided by three electric motors. The combined system output is 306 hp, the Highlander produces best in respectable power. The hybrid powertrain can take care of most driving situations. Even with a full load of cargo and passengers, the HIghlander will accelerate briskly.

Transmission duties are taken care by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Highlander is available with standard AWD drivetrain.

Models	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Acura MDX Hybrid	Lexus RX 450 Hybrid	Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
MSRP	$36,260	$31,450	$32,365	$31,995
Engine	3.5-Liter V6 3.5L DOHC 24V V6	3.5-liter V6 3.0L PGM-FI 24V SOHC i-VTEC V6	3.5L V6 DOHC 24-Valve	3.6L V6 Hybrid
Transmission	CVT Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	CVT Automatic	Single Speed Automatic
Horsepower	306 hp	321 hp	308 hp	260 hp
Torque	215 lb-ft	289 lb-ft	247 lb-ft.	262 lb-ft.

In this comparison, Acura MDX hybrid makes the greatest power figures. Lexus RX 450 Hybrid takes the second place with its 308 hp output and then closely followed by Highlander's 306 hp output. But when we consider drivability, the newly introduced Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has better lower rpm grunt due to a turbocharged engine.

Acceleration

A Toyota Highlander Hybrid powered by a V6 engine completes its 0-60 run in 6.9 seconds and the quarter mile is completed within a respectable 16.2 seconds. Even after having the such great power output, Highlander only manages an average acceleration. To put it into perspective, a similarly equipped Acura MDX Hybrid is faster to reach to 60 mph by 1 second.

Models	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Acura MDX Hybrid	Lexus RX 450 Hybrid	Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
0-60 MPH	6.9 sec	5.9 sec	7.7 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter mile	16.2 sec	14.6 sec	13.6 sec	14.9 sec
Engine	3.5 L V6	3.0L	3.5 L V6	3.6L
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.0	6.5	5.9	N/A

Toyota Highlander Hybrid tips the scales at 4398 lbs., it is the lightest vehicle in this comparison. Surprisingly, it has below average acceleration. Acura's segment best 5.9-second run is followed by Toyota's 6.9-second. And finally, the Lexus RX 450 Hybrid in its base trim takes the longest 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Ride and Handling

The Highlander isn't the best handling three-row crossover out there. The Highlander is bulky and you have to be careful with it in the urban space. The steering isn't the nimblest unit out there, so maneuvering the Highlander takes some attention. With a curb to curb turning radius of 38.4 ft. taking U-turns would require some preparation.

Although the Highlander doesn't respond well to enthusiastic input from the driver. Highlander displays good high-speed stability and it is a very capable highway cruiser. The cabin refinement is also on the higher level of this segment.

Braking

Highlander is equipped with ventilated discs at the front and at the rear has a solid disc setup. With the additional weight from batteries and electric motors, the 2020 Highlander offers below average braking performance. Under emergency braking scenario, this three-row Toyota underperformed a lot. It covered a distance of 128 feet before coming to a standstill from 60mph. Not good figures for a family hauler.

Model	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Acura MDX Hybrid	Lexus RX 450 Hybrid	Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Brake Front (in.)	12.9	13.0	12.9	13.0
Brake Rear (in.)	12.2	13.0	12.3	13.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4398	4471	4740	4943
60-0 MPH (ft.)	133	134	123	131

The Lexus RX 450 Hybrid scores an impressive stopping distance of 123 ft. This feat is achieved with the optional summer tires. However, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid covers 20 feet more to stop from a similar speed.

Towing Capacity

Highlander can tow a maximum load of 3500 lbs. when properly equipped. When we talk about the competition, Toyota lives up to the expectations of a vehicle of its class.

Model	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Acura MDX Hybrid	Lexus RX 450 Hybrid	Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Capacity (lbs.)	3500	5000	3500	3600
Drivetrain	AWD	SH-AWD	AWD	FWD
Engine	3.5 L Hybrid	3.6 L V6 Hybrid	-	3.6 L V6 Hybrid

The 3.5-liter V6 engine and three electric motors offer a combined mpg of 29. The engine start-stop system works in unobtrusively to increase the fuel efficiency. The competition also offers a similar combined fuel economy but the newly introduced Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid beats everyone by a generous margin.

Model	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Acura MDX Hybrid	Lexus RX 450 Hybrid	Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
MPG (city)	30	26	31	33
MPG (highway)	28	27	38	33
MPG (combined)	29	27	30	33

Looking at the competition, the newly introduced Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid delivers a segment-best of 33 mpg which is followed by the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Acura MDX Hybrid.

Material quality is solid, though this SUV won't fool anyone into thinking it came from a luxury brand, especially from the second and third row seats. LE models sport a painted silver trim that looks downmarket, but Limited and Platinum models swap in fake wood, and most Highlander trims are available with either synthetic or real leather.-TheCarConnection

Seating and Comfort

Toyota Highlander Hybrid can seat eight people. The front and second row offer good space. The third row is poorly equipped to seat adult passengers. This row is best left to smaller passengers. The cabin has lot spaces to store items. Starting from the center console, it offers enormous space for miscellaneous items. You can easily keep your laptop there. It offers a power socket. The row between glovebox and the upper part of the dashboard is a well-designed space to keep keys, wallet, and tickets.

The interior has a sturdy built and the higher trim levels have been decorated with wood grains and metal inserts. The upper part of the dashboard and the doors have been finished with nice soft touch material. The top-spec Limited trim is offered with a massive panoramic roof that elevates the in-cabin ambiance.

Model	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Acura MDX Hybrid	Lexus RX 450 Hybrid	Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Passenger capacity	8	7	7	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.7/59.3/44.2	38.1/ 61.1/41.4	N/A	40.1/63.0/39.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.9/59.0/38.4	38.3/59.1/38.5	N/A	39.6/63.0/39.0
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	35.9/55.0/26.7	35.6/57.7/28.1	N/A	38.7/61.2/36.5

Toyota's interiors are starting to show their age. Newly updated competitors offer better interior features and also offer more passenger volume. The newly introduced Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers the maximum passenger volume in this segment 153.5 cu-ft.

Infotainment

The base trim level is equipped with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and 6-speaker setup. The higher trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen display. The Entune touchscreen system from Toyota doesn't support Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It has soft touch buttons on either side of the screen. The system requires little time to get used to. Hopefully, Toyota will upgrade this system in the upcoming generation change.

Interior Features

• Power adjustable door mirrors
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Cargo area light
• 3 Climate control zones
• Adaptive cruise control

Cargo Capacity

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers the least cargo space behind the 3^rd row at 13.8 cu-ft. Fold the third row, and space increases to 42.3 cu-ft. Fold the second and third rows and the total cargo space available is 83.7 cu-ft. The cargo bay doesn't have a loading-lip. It is easy to load/unload your luggage. The rear window can be opened for easy access to the boot. Lexus RX 450 Hybrid offers the best rear cargo space behind the third row.

Model	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Acura MDX Hybrid	Lexus RX 450 Hybrid	Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.)	13.8	15.8	18	32.3

We generally like the Highlander's look. It's large but not imposing, muscular yet handsome. It has more a squared-off look vs. the rounded Acura MDX Hybrid. In this respect, the Highlander looks the part of a more traditional, slabbed SUV. Up front, it's hard to miss that massive grille. Base models come with 18-inch wheels, while higher trims wear 19-inchers. - KelleyBlueBook

Dimensions and Weight

The Highlander comes with a generous chrome application at the front. The front fascia tries to bring out the width of the car. This design comes off as aggressive but once you are behind the wheel you will feel lack of driving dynamics. The higher trims receive a fancy cladding beneath the grille that accentuates the width of the vehicle. The exhaust is hidden below well and the reflectors are covered in chrome.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers modest dimensions. It has the smallest wheelbase in this comparison and has the least the passenger volume in the segment. Highlander has a decent ground clearance of 8.0-inch and it can handle light off-roading jobs.

Model	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Acura MDX Hybrid	Lexus RX 450 Hybrid	Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Curb weight (lbs.)	4398	4471	4740	4943
Length(in)	192.5	196.2	192.5	203.8
Width(in)	75.8	77.7	74.6	79.6
Height(in)	68.1	67.4	67.7	69.9
Ground clearance (in)	8.0	5.6	7.0	5.1
Wheelbase (in)	109.8	111	109.8	121.6
Track width (in) F/R	64.4/64.2	66.3/66.3	64.4/64.0	68.2/68.2

The Chrysler Pacifica makes the competition look puny. Being a van it offers a massive wheelbase of 121.6-inches and width of 79.6-inches, the larger wheelbase which translates to more passenger volume. When we compare the third-row dimensions, the Highlander offers the least space there.

Ford Explorer comes with state of the art safety equipment that allow it to score well on the safety tests conducted by the agencies. Some of these features are mentioned below:

• Front, Rear and Third Row Head Airbags
• 4-Wheel ABS
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Traction Control
• Stability Control
• Front and Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
• LED Headlamp
• Tire Pressure Monitoring

 

Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Acura MDX Hybrid

Acura MDX Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 321 horsepower. Pricing for the Acura MDX Hybrid starts at $31,450. The 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid comes off as more contemporary vehicle due to the newly introduced updates. Honda has a very intuitive infotainment system on offer. It also offers standard Apple Carplay and Android Auto. When it comes to convenience, the MDX SUV takes the crown from the Highlander.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Lexus RX 450 Hybrid

Now, these two SUVs may look different on the outside but are very closely knitted together. The competition between the cousins who are equally competent, having capable engines, rugged chassis, and beautiful exteriors and classy interiors is quite stiff. However, Lexus is on the expensive side. So if budget isn't a constraint, opt for Lexus, else Toyota Highlander Hybrid will do all the work as nicely as Lexus RX 450 will do at a more reasonable price.

 

The Highlander is equipped with a competent V6 engine and three electric motors. This hard working setup produces over 300 horsepower. Toyota Highlander Hybrid shows its age, considerably. The infotainment system falls behind the competition. The cargo and passenger volume isn't impressive. If you want a little more out of your three-row crossover then the Highlander disappoints with its strictly commuter nature and lackluster stopping power.

The Highlander offers a well-built cabin, plush ride and a reliable V6 engine that is very adept at doing school duty and grocery runs but the Highlander is about to receive a generation change next year. If you can wait, then the newly upgraded Highlander would be a much better choice. If you can't wait, then your money is better spent elsewhere.