2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum: When the Highlander was first introduced in 2000, it promised to revolutionise the mid-size SUV segment. Twenty years later, Toyota introduced the fourth generation Highlander, which was “redesigned from the ground up,” according to Toyota.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum is available in Hybrid version, offering a class-leading 36 mpg, which is highly respectable among SUVs. Let’s delve a little deeper.
Toyota Highlander Platinum Car Excellent Styling:
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The design of the 2020 Highlander Platinum is unquestionably one of its strongest assets. The exterior was given a considerably more appealing, muscular design while yet maintaining a sense of contemporary refinement, especially when paired with the 20-inch wheels “Chrome detailing, black grille, LED lighting, and alloy wheels
The Platinum is the top of the line, which means perforated, embossed leather trim in Beige, Graphite, Black, or Glazed Caramel is as luxurious as it gets for a Toyota. On the inside, there’s plenty of functionality, including Qi wireless charging, additional USB ports, wheel-mounted controls, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen “Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as a touchscreen display.
The cabin is unquestionably well-designed, with a comfortable driving posture and plenty of big glass to eliminate most blind spots. Many spacious storage cubbies make family vehicle trips with the kids much more convenient. Some may find the inside design to be too busy, with multiple distinct colours and surface design patterns going on at once, but I found it to be intriguing at the very least.
On-Road Capability:
While the interior may fall short of the “Platinum” promise, the 2020 Highlander Platinum excels in performance and everyday drivingability, with quick, agile handling and solid driver input. It’s not quite as speedy off the mark as you’d want, but once you’ve got your speed up, you’ll adore how it feels and reacts to each curve.
If you choose the gasoline engine, you’ll get a 3.5L V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. As previously said, the acceleration isn’t the best in the class, but the 8-speed automatic transmission performs admirably for the needs of most families. There’s also a hybrid version with a 2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC engine that gets the best gas mileage at 36 mpg combined.
To adapt your experience to your style as well as the road conditions, choose from three drive modes: NORMAL, ECO, and SPORT. All of this contributes to the impression that this Highlander was designed just for you and your personality. When you add in the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, you have a vehicle that feels completely linked. It’s no surprise that it performs so well.
Up to 8 people can be accommodated:
The third row of the 2020 Highlander Platinum can accommodate up to 8 passengers. This makes it a cost-effective option for larger families that don’t want to spend a lot of money on a full-size SUV or minivan that will cost a lot more to buy and maintain. While this is a bonus, I would argue that the third row is somewhat narrow and cramped.
It doesn’t compare to the features of a minivan or full-size SUV, but it’s adequate for younger children. It does, however, provide additional space, which is always a plus.
Technology-Rich:
Although luxury isn’t the major focus, Toyota has packed the 2020 Highlander Platinum with the company’s full suite of technology and safety features. Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and Downhill Assist Control are all standard on the Highlander if you frequently stop on difficult terrain or tow.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package includes a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high lights, road sign assist, and lane tracing aid, among other features.
When buying a family car, the top two objectives are safety and utility, which Toyota delivers in spades in the 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum. There’s even a driver heads-up display that brings important information closer to your line of vision.
The 3-zone climate control, JBL audio system, ambient lighting, heated 2nd-row seats, and even a panoramic moonroof to improve the view above all add to the comfort.
The Bottom Line:
The 2020 Highlander Platinum is unquestionably a strong contender in a crowded class. With a third row, plenty of tech features, a comfy cabin, and a stunning exterior design, this mid-size SUV provides more usefulness. It’s a wonderful choice if you’re all about function, and it handles the road like a pro.
If you want something with a bit more interior elegance, you could spend the same amount of money and purchase something from a different marque. A minivan or larger SUV is the way to choose if you also want extra inside space, especially for the third row. Apart from these little flaws, the Highlander Platinum is a firm family favourite and a fantastic, dependable, comfortable, and elegant ride.
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