2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtle yet refined, with a few notable updates from its predecessor. The tailgate glass was slightly more slanted, and the body panels featured more pronounced creases, creating a more dynamic look. The trapezoidal theme was evident throughout the vehicle, from the tailgate's license plate cutout to the slimmer headlights and grille. Standard projector-beam LED headlights were a feature across all trims, with the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasting prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was where the 2020 Highlander truly shone, with a focus on quality fit and finish. Silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash with an 8-inch touchscreen created a sophisticated cabin environment. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander was designed to stand out more boldly in the crowded midsize SUV market. Its front end, while less dramatic than the Sienna minivan, still made a statement with wide headlights and a trapezoidal grille. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. The 2021 model appeared longer and lower without sacrificing size. A new XSE trim level was introduced, offering a sportier appearance with a restyled front end and suspension tuning. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, exuded an upscale feel with chrome accents and a luxurious interior. The 2021 Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, with a near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details, making it a compelling choice for families seeking luxury.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the engine provided smooth and brisk acceleration, akin to the powertrain in the Lexus RX. The eight-speed automatic transmission efficiently utilized the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The steering was somewhat loose, necessitating adjustments at highway speeds, and the soft suspension led to a bouncy ride. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. The AWD system on Limited and Platinum trims included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes, enhancing its versatility. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway, while the AWD version achieved 11.7 L/100 km city and 8.6 highway.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander retained the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing identical power and torque figures. The powertrain was reliable and smooth, providing adequate performance for everyday driving. While not designed for high-speed thrills, the Highlander offered a balanced performance compared to its competitors, such as the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim introduced a sportier suspension setup with higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, and a rear stabilizer bar, appealing to those seeking a touch of driving excitement. However, the Highlander remained a family-oriented vehicle, prioritizing comfort and predictability over sportiness.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered versatile seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs on Platinum trims. The second-row seats provided generous legroom and easy access to the third row, although taller passengers might find it a bit cramped. The wide-opening rear doors facilitated easy ingress and egress, and the ergonomic design was appreciated by those with mobility concerns. Standard three-zone automatic climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, with additional features like a 120-volt outlet and side window shades on upper trims. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and integrated dash shelves for phones and cables.

In the 2021 Toyota Highlander, interior space and functionality were key highlights. The front seats featured convenient shelves for storing large cell phones, with a pass-through for charging cables. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom and the option for captain's chairs, enhancing comfort. The third row was best suited for shorter trips or accommodating children, as space was limited. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to the 2020 model, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down. The placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was a unique choice, providing airflow directly to passengers' heads.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, as it couldn't display maps or vehicle options across its full width. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, providing connectivity options. The Platinum trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, offering useful information. The semi-automated driving system, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams were standard, enhancing safety and convenience. The JBL audio system on Limited and Platinum trims delivered decent sound quality, and additional features like SiriusXM, WiFi, and Safety Connect were included.

In the 2021 Toyota Highlander, the infotainment system was available in two sizes: an 8-inch touchscreen for lower trims and a 12.3-inch screen for the Platinum trim. While the system was user-friendly, the navigation struggled with locating points of interest. Fortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, and the 12.3-inch screen was bright and crisp, although its full potential was limited by the display of certain apps. The inclusion of a volume and tuning knob added to the system's usability.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a comprehensive suite of safety features. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for its crash test performance and emergency braking capabilities.

For 2021, the Highlander upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, enhancing its safety offerings. The suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and LED headlights were included across all trims. The 2021 Highlander received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its commitment to safety.