Generally, the Toyota Highlander is a great SUV to bet on. It’s been around for a few decades and has a pretty good track record. However, with so many midsize three-row SUVs to choose from in the market, it’s essential to look at the good and the bad aspects before making your final decision on the 2020 Toyota Highlander. 

Toyota Highlander drawbacks you need to know 

Roadshow took the time to do a thorough walk around and review of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The non-hybrid Toyota Highlander isn’t much different from the Hybrid option, aside from having a lower fuel economy. 

They also start by commenting on the 2020 Toyota Highlander’s new look, which received a total facelift. They seem to enjoy the new look that includes a massive grille, but people in the comments disagree. Also, they have plenty of positives to say after evaluating the drawbacks. 

1. The Toyota Highlander has a cramped third-row 

One of the most common complaints about the Toyota Highlander is that it has a cramped third-row of seats. It’s clear that only about two small children can fit back there. But maybe the family dog can take over that row too. 

The third row provides 27.7-inches of legroom, while the second row offers up to 42-inches of legroom. That’s a significant difference. Someone in the comments recommended sliding the second seats forward to increase the amount of space, but that will depend on your passengers’ size and ability to work together. 

To put this amount of legroom in perspective, the Honda Pilot offers 31.9-inches of legroom while the 2020 Chevy Suburban offers 34.5-inches of legroom in the back. However, it’s not exactly fair to compare a midsize SUV to a gigantic one. 

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. With the third-row seats in place, the trunk area only has 16 cubic feet of space for cargo. 

2. The 2020 Toyota Highlander has an odd layout 

The second drawback of the 2020 Toyota Highlander includes how the interior is laid out. The wireless charging pad sits beneath the center armrest, making it challenging to pick up. Also, the area is small and fails to accommodate larger phones. 

If your phone is too large for the pad, it won’t sit flat and may go flying around turns. Plus, it could block access to the center console, which is noted for being very large and deep. Also, according to the Roadshow, the Toyota highlander has an outdated infotainment center filled with complicated menus. 

Toyota Highlander Positives 

There are tons of positives to enjoy if you can get past having the smallest third-row in the Toyota Highlander’s segment and a complicated infotainment center. For example, Roadshow mentioned that the 2020 Toyota Highlander has a smooth and quiet ride with agile handling and a sporty acceleration. 

Also, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has an incredibly comfortable interior that’s outfitted with soft-touch leather materials. You can find an abundance of USB ports, and they could achieve up to 35 mpg, saving on the cost of fuel.