The Highlander was first released back in 2000 and promised to redefine the mid-size SUV category. Twenty years on, we welcomed the fourth generation Highlander, which, according to Toyota, was “redesigned from the ground up.” In real Toyota fashion, the 2020 Highlander Platinum is offered in Hybrid form, delivering a class-beating 36 mpg, very respectable among SUVs. Let’s dive in a bit deeper.
Superb Styling:
One of the biggest plus points with the 2020 Highlander Platinum is undoubtedly the design. The exterior received a much more pleasing, muscular look while retaining an air of contemporary sophistication, too, especially when paired with the 20″ alloy wheels, black grille, LED lighting, and chrome detailing.
The Platinum is top of the pile, so interior luxury is as good as it gets for a Toyota, with perforated, embossed leather trim in either Beige, Graphite, Black, or Glazed Caramel. There’s plenty of function on the inside, too, including Qi wireless charging, additional USB ports, wheel-mounted controls, a 12.3″ touchscreen display, and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility.
The interior is undoubtedly well-crafted and offers a great driving position with a significant amount of large glass, eliminating most blind spots. There are many large storage cubbies making family road trips with the kiddos that much easier. Some might find the interior design a bit busy with several different colors going on at once, with several types of surface design patterns, but I found it to be interesting at the very least.
On-Road Performance:
The interior might not deliver on a promise of “Platinum” luxury, but where the 2020 Highlander Platinum does succeed is performance and everyday driveability, with nimble, agile handling and solid driver feedback. It’s not as quick off the mark as you might hope, but when you’ve built up your pace, you’ll love how it feels and responds to each turn.
If you opt for the gasoline engine, you’ll get a 3.5L V6 delivering 295hp and 263lb-ft of torque. As mentioned above, the acceleration isn’t the strongest in this class, but the 8-speed automatic transmission does a good-enough job for what most families expect from this SUV. A hybrid version with a 2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC engine is also available, which delivers the high point in gas mileage at 36 mpg combined.
Switch between three drive modes —- NORMAL, ECO, SPORT —- to tailor your experience to your style as well as the road conditions. It all helps make it feel increasing like this Highlander was built specifically for you and your personality. Factor in the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, and you’ve got an SUV that feels seamlessly connected. It’s no wonder it handles so well.
Seats Up To 8 People:
The 2020 Highlander Platinum can seat up to 8 people thanks to its third row. This makes it an affordable option for larger families who don’t want to spring for the full-size SUV or minivan option that could cost a lot more to purchase and run. While this is a plus point in itself, I’d argue that it’s a pretty small and cramped third row.
It doesn’t compare to what a minivan or full-size SUV might offer, but would be alright for younger kids. Nonetheless, it does add additional space, which is always a bonus.
Packed With Tech:
Luxury might not be the main order of the day, but Toyota has not spared any expense in including its full range of technology and safety options in the 2020 Highlander Platinum. If you often stop on tricky terrain or use the Highlander for towing, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and Downhill Assist Control all come as standard.
You also get the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, which comes with the pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and lane tracing assist.
Purchasing a family car means you have safety and utility as the top two priorities, and Toyota delivers them in spades in the 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum. There’s even a driver heads-up display to bring critical features closer to your eye line.
Additional comfort is added via the 3-zone climate control, JBL audio system, ambient lighting, heated 2nd-row seats, and even a panoramic moonroof to improve the view above.
Final Verdict:
The 2020 Highlander Platinum is undoubtedly a strong offering in what is a very competitive class. This mid-size SUV brings greater utility with its third seating row and ample tech features, a comfortable interior, and magnificent exterior design. If you’re all about function, then it’s a great choice, and handles the road like a champion.
If, on the other hand, you are hoping for something with a little more interior finesse, you could spend the same amount of money and get that from some other marques. If you also want a more spacious interior, especially for the third row, then a minivan or larger SUV has to be the way to go. Besides these minor points, the Highlander Platinum remains a firm family favorite and an excellent, reliable, comfortable, and stylish ride.
