The upcoming release of the new Toyota Highlander for the 2020 model year marks the model’s first redesign in almost a decade. And thanks to its adoption of Toyota’s New Global Architecture-K platform, consumers can expect more changes than just the body.
For 2020, the Highlander is switching to new underpinnings and getting new trim updates. However, the pricing structure is also going to change by as much as $2,770.
Among the most notable changes in the updated three-row crossover is the introduction of a new entry-level trim–the L model–which comes with a base price of $34,600.
But despite being the lowest in the range, the Highlander L trim boasts of features such as three-zone climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a proximity key, LED headlamps, as well as the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite. The advanced safety features of the Safety Sense 2.0 suite include automatic front braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Next to the L variant is the Highlander LE at $36,800. It boasts a blind-spot monitor, power liftgate, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, and fog lamps. Meanwhile, the XLE trim offers heated and power operated front seats, faux-leather seating, a 7-inch gauge cluster display screen, second-row bucket seats, and a sunroof for $39,600.
The higher Limited trim features the standard 18-inch wheels and tires, a cargo cover, driver’s seat memory, ventilated front seats, leather seating, an in-dash navigation system, a premium audio system, and a hands-free power liftgate, among other features, for $43,650. Finally, the range-topping Premium trim gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated rear seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive headlights, head-up display system, panoramic sunroof, and surround-view camera system for $46,850.
All Highlander models are powered by a standard 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It comes with a front-wheel-drive setup, while the all-wheel-drive is optional for an additional $1,600 on the L, LE, and XLE models and $1,950 on the Limited and Premium variants.
Toyota is also making the midsize crossover available with a gasoline-electric hybrid option for the LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims at a base price of $38,200.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is set to go on sale this month and will be arriving at dealerships sometime in February.
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