All New 2020 Toyota Highlander
Brand new and built from the ground up on the new TNGA-K platform, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is already on sale in various trims from the front wheel drive L trim to the top of the line Platinum hybrid model with all wheel drive. Spacious both inside and out with 7 or 8 passenger seating available in 3 rows, the Highlander continues to be an excellent choice for a safe and friendly family hauler, leading it's segment with the largest multimedia display at 12.3 inches while featuring the latest in connective technology like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Waze, and Amazon Alexa...all standard across the model lineup.
The technological advancements don't stop at entertainment but make its way down to safety, fuel efficiency, and driving dynamics. Now offered as a standard feature, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) includes everything to keep you and your passengers safe such as: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
When it comes to engine options and efficiency let's talk about the all-new 243 combined horsepower delivering up to 36 mpg highway from a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine and two electric motors placed coaxially to deliver a lighter, more compact package. The hybrid models can be had in both 2 and 4 wheel drive while also offering Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes while also using Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) which uses smart technology to learn driver behaviors to better discharge the battery power available when needed to boost performance and MPGs. Speaking of the drivetrain, All-Wheel Drive is the name of the game for the 2020 Highlander, with three distinctly different versions between the gas powered L, LE, and XLE , Limited and Platinum, and Hybrid models. For the L, LE, and XLE; up to 50 percent of the power is sent to the rear wheels to increase mobility. On the Limited and Platinum level Toyota Highlander, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select and Driveline Disconnect which in turn gives the availability for the system to distribute power between not only the front and rear wheels but on the left and right sides while also using the electric power steering to correct inputs given in inclement weather or difficult driving situations through the drive selection modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Hill Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control). Finally Driveline Disconnect is used to increase efficiency so when you're not in need of AWD it turns itself off to save you money at the pump. With the Hybrid AWD the rear axle mounted electric motor helps you when you need it, for increased oomph to catch up to highway speeds or when slippage is detected and you need to move forward.
While the hybrid models are able to deliver performance with efficiency let us not forget the 29 MPG highway delivered from the 3.5 Liter V6 that produces 295 hp and 263 lb ft of torque. Using the D-4S direct injection system as seen on other Toyota products, instant power delivery is available when coupled with Dual VVT-i and backed by Toyota's 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. And when it comes to performance, the race track is not what Toyota had in mind with this capable family hauler but an available tow package makes moving up to 5,000 lbs a breeze with various upgrades including a more stout radiator, fan, and oil cooler. Finally, V6 models offers a standard stop-start function, you stop, the engine shuts off, you save gas, and when you let off the brake action resumes seamlessly.
The list of features for the handsome Highlander are numerous but when it comes to something we can all agree takes time to figure out, the color; Toyota has both standard and premium options. Blizzard Pearl ($425 option), Celestial Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Moon Dust (Premium blue), Ruby Flare Pearl, Blueprint and Opulent Amber brings character to whatever model you choose. Inside the options are also dizzying with L and LE level models featuring black or grey cloth, XLE with embossed Softex artificial leather in Harvest beige, Graphite, and Black with the Limited model offering that palette in perforated artificial leather. Lastly but certainly not leastly, the range topping Platinum model offers all of the Limited and XLE colors in embossed, perforated leather trim along with a new brown called Glazed Caramel.
Ultimately you may ask why would you purchase a larger vehicle to haul your family, supplies, or anything else if there isn't space, right? Well the 2020 Toyota Highlander has that covered as well with 16 cubic feet of cargo space when all three rows of seats are being use. Space increases to 48.8 cubic feet when the third row's 60/40 split seat is folded down, and that nearly doubles to 84.3 cubic feet when the second row is also folded down. The Highlander is the do-all vehicle for any size family, and with pricing starting at $34,600 for a L front wheel drive model and topping out with the Hybrid AWD Platinum model at $50,200 MSRP, there's an option for everyone. For more detailed information and to build your own, please visit Toyota.com.
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