First Look at 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited with Pictures

Today was a surprising day. It was surprising in that I did not expect to get my first look at the all-new redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander.

You see, I was invited to attend the Toyota e-volution event this week, where Toyota is discussing the latest in Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Based on the vehicles I saw and upcoming ones I learned about, to put it mildly it is an exciting time to be a fan of the Toyota brand.

I have seen and tested the entire lineup of Toyota Hybrid cars and SUVs this week. I have also witnessed a few surprises I am not allowed to talk about quite yet. However, when I laid eyes on the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited in Ruby Flare Pearl color in person for the first time, I knew I had seen the highlight of my week.

If I had to shorten my description into just four words, you might hear me tell you all, “You will love it.”

2020 Highlander Hybrid Limited Exterior Styling

When a popular vehicle gets completely redesigned, there will often be two polar-opposite consumer opinions. There are those people who love the new styling immediately, and those still loyal to the previous generation and will not have a favorable opinion at first. As a matter of fact, feel free to read the comments section in the video I am posting here. You will see what I mean.

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I saw this same natural phenomenon with the 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid. There were those who just did not care for the rugged and sporty new exterior styling – at least at first. Now this model is setting sales records all over the place.

Same goes with the 2020 Highlander. You will find a bold exterior profile with a sleek-but-pronounced front end. It reminds me of 2019 RAV4 in a way. Sleek flowing lines. Bright 20-inch chrome alloy wheels. It screams luxury and prestige. The cornerstone piece of the front end is a gloss black three-dimensional grille with chrome accents. It was a nice surprise to find a complete LED lighting package – headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights.

Safety is becoming more and more important due to more traffic and drivers who are unfortunately more distracted than ever before. Toyota has added Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 to all trim levels of 2020 Highlander. In addition to traditional TSS features, expect standard Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist with this active safety package.

What engine can we expect with 2020 Highlander?

Highlander Hybrid will utilize a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine working in combination with two electric motors, providing drivers with 240 net Hybrid horsepower. I also learned this week that for the first time, Highlander Hybrid will be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. This may be a game changer folks.

The gasoline version 2020 Highlander will be available solely as a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of performance is with an anticipated 34 mpg combined with the 2020 Highlander Hybrid. This is a 17% increase in expected fuel efficiency versus last year’s 2019 model.

Highlander Interior styling is impressive

Refined. Modern. Futuristic. These are all words I could use to describe Highlander Hybrid Limited’s interior styling.
The center column is highlighted with dual temperature controls with both heated and ventilated cooled front seat controls. Oh, and there is also that giant multimedia touch screen that will assist you in coordinating Dynamic Navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The display is modern yet luxurious.

I really like Highlander's revised smart storage shelf under the display screen. It should provide an easy way to store your cell phones and allow for charging without cords getting too much in the way.

Also catching my eye was the 7-inch multi-information display behind the steering wheel. Other features of note were heated leather steering wheel, Bird’s Eye view camera and push button start.

Center console is actually easy to open this year and looks classy (last generation’s center console was surprisingly challenging for many passengers to figure out how to initially open).

Time for your thoughts on 2020 Highlander

Although the specific model I researched was a working prototype (interior styling) and not the actual finished product, I could see the care that went into this overhaul.

Currently I cannot think of one single thing I did not like about 2020 Highlander Hybrid Limited. Even though I was pleased with the look of it, I do feel the gloss black front grille may take a little getting used to for some consumers.

The exterior is immediately eye-catching. It feels like a confident mix of luxury, prestige and also sportiness.

What do you think about the many changes coming to 2020 Highlander? Do you plan on seeing them in person when they come out later this year?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.

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