Avoid The Toyota Highlander, It’s Overpriced
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has received several updates from the 2019 model, but it doesn’t mean it’s a better SUV. You may do better purchasing a used Toyota Highlander instead. This way, you won’t overpay for the 2020 model that doesn’t provide enough value to be worth its steep price.
Why The Toyota Highlander Is Overpriced
To get started in the 2020 Toyota Highlander, you will need to spend about $34k for the base model. If you would like to upgrade to higher trim options, then the price will soar to around $40k or higher.
Also, purchasing the Toyota Highlander will not help you save on gas. It only gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
However, if you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, then you will need to select a hybrid to get a better fuel economy.
Toyota Highlander Performance
There is only one engine option advisable with the Toyota Highlander. It’s a 3.5-liter V6 engine that offers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
This amount of power allows the Highlander to up to 5,000 lb. However, competitors such as the Dodge Durango can tow over 7k pounds.
The Toyota Highlander has an eight-speed automatic transmission that allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds, which isn’t terrible. However, it is slower than the Kia Telluride.
Even though Kia has turned their game around to create fast and reliable options, A $34k vehicle isn’t supposed to be slower than one.
On a positive note, the Toyota Highlander is offered in all-wheel-drive, giving drivers the ability to handle snow and drive to their campsites. However, AWD will make the fuel economy and pickup worse.
The 20” tires may make for a bumpier and louder ride around town. However, the MacPherson independent strut suspension and stabilizer bar in the front should help absorb impacts.
In a luxury SUV, you should expect some noise dampening technology, like triple-paned glass for a quiet, refined ride.
Toyota Highlander Features
The interior of the Toyota Highlander seems to be letting people down. The design involves faux wood and cheap plastic materials that provide a busy feel.
There is an 8” touchscreen infotainment center that can connect to Apple CarPlay, but it can’t connect to Android Auto. So, this is more of an iPhone friendly car.
If you spend a little more to upgrade to a higher trim, you will be able to access wireless charging and the built-in Wi-fi hotspot.
One of the biggest complaints about the Toyota Highlander includes its cramped interior. Despite growing 2.4 for a winder wheelbase, the Highlander lacks space compared to rivals.
In the third row, there are only 27.7 inches of legroom, which is less space than the Mazda CX-9 has to offer.
Behind the rear seats, there are 16 cubic feet of cargo space to utilize, so good luck packing all of your luggage. Also, there is only 48.4 cubic space to access total.
The Volkswagen Atlas, Buick Enclave, and Chevy Traverse, all provide more room as midsize SUVs. So, save your money when it comes to the Toyota Highlander for something more powerful, with a better interior, and enough room for your whole family.
