All-New 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Improves Fuel Efficiency

Toyota has debuted the all-new 2020 Highlander SUV at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The all-new Highlander rolls on Toyota's new TNGA-K platform that promises enhanced driving refinement. The 2020 Highlander is the fourth generation of the SUV and brings new styling and design to the vehicle.Toyota will offer buyers a choice of a V6 engine or a new-generation hybrid powertrain. The V6 promises fuel economy of 22 mpg combined while the hybrid ups that significantly to 34 mpg combined. The hybrids 34 mpg combined rating is a 17% improvement over the economy offered by the previous generation hybrid. The V6 makes 295hp and 263 lb-ft of torque with a 5,000-pound tow rating.

Buyers can opt for seven or eight-passenger seating configurations. Both the L and LE versions come with a standard second-row bench seat seating for eight people. The XLE and Limited come with second-row captains chairs offering seating for seven and the second-row bench is optional for those needing eight-passenger capability. The 2020 Highlander is 2.36-inches longer than the outgoing model, and the second-row seating can slide up 1.2-inches for more third-row legroom.

Three-zone climate control is standard as is the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver assistance system. That system includes pre-collision braking, full-speed dynamic radar cruise, lane departure warning, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. Toyota offers the new Highlander in five grades starting with L and going to LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum.

All versions have standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Waze, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. There are three colors carried over from 2019 for the Highlander including Blizzard Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic, and Midnight Black Metallic. Five new colors include Magnetic Gray Metallic, Moon Dust, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blueprint, and Opulent Amber. AWD is an option on the new Highlander; pricing is unannounced.