2020 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV L FWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD, 4dr SUV Limited AWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 185–295 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 36 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,123–4,553 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 41% better than the average 2020 small SUV (25.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4dr SUV L FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (36 city / 35 highway), 41% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 330 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2020
- New body dimensions: 2.4 in longer, wheelbase +2.4 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.7L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 29 to 36
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Highlander →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Princeton, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV L FWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,123 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,299 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,442 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Limited AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,431 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV Limited Hybrid AWD | 194.9 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 112.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,553 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 / 35 / 36 | +41% | $1,850 | 245 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 35 / 35 | +86% | $1,900 | 254 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 / 34 / 35 | +86% | $1,900 | 251 |
| Highlander | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -6% | $2,800 | 372 |
| Highlander | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -2% | $2,900 | 387 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |


Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 35 |
| 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2020 GMC Yukon | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (5)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 20, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Structure › Body › Bumpers · Oct 26, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V720000 · 750,795 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
- Risk
- A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module › Software · Apr 13, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V239000 · 458,110 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Seats · Oct 14, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V633000 · 3,121 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles. Incorrect seat trim covers on one or both of the front seats can prevent the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly.
- Risk
- Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats and replace the seat trim covers as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB14 / 20TA14.
Engine · Mar 19, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V162000 · 38,810 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine. Due to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error, fuel may not be correctly supplied to the engine while using the stop and restart feature.
- Risk
- Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA06.
Not every 2020 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 124 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 40 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Air Bags — 36 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 511 |
| 2018 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 275 |
| 2017 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 274 |
| 2016 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 117 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 195 |
| 2014 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 125 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →