2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured a design that, while not groundbreaking, was a step up from its predecessor. The tailgate glass was slanted more, and the body panels had more pronounced creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various parts of the vehicle, including the tailgate's license plate cutout, rear bumper, headlights, grille, and lower front bumper. Most trims, except the base L, came with projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, while the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasted prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch wheels. The interior was where the 2020 Highlander truly shined, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures, making it one of the nicest interiors in its class.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, aimed to stand out more in the crowded midsize SUV market. Its front end was less dramatic than the 2021 Sienna minivan but still made a statement with wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the taillights had a Lexus-like design. The 2021 model looked longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The new XSE trim level added a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels with black accents, and a unique front fascia. The interior of the Limited trim was near-flawless, with tan leather seats, dark brown trim, and wood details, offering a luxurious feel. The 2021 Highlander excelled in comfort and convenience, making it a strong contender for family-focused buyers.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration without the need for turbochargers. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot to initiate a kickdown. The steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, the Highlander offered a wonderfully isolating experience, making long road trips comfortable. The AWD models on the Limited and Platinum trims included torque vectoring and selectable driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the AWD model achieved 20/27/23.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander retained the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain was reliable and offered smooth, predictable operation. While it wasn't designed for drag races, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and daily driving. The Highlander measured up well against competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. The XSE trim added higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar, offering a slightly sportier driving experience. However, the Highlander remained a family-focused vehicle with a soft and comfortable suspension.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs, standard on Limited and Platinum trims. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The front and rear seat heights allowed for easy ingress and egress. Three-zone climate control was standard, with upper trims offering additional features like a 120-volt outlet, side window shades, and a heated second row. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander continued to excel in interior space and functionality. The front seats featured large shelves for cell phones and a pass-through for charging cords. The second-row seats offered plenty of legroom and could move forward and backward to maximize space. The third row could accommodate adults, but only if the second-row passengers compromised on space. The rear-seat climate control vents were positioned on the ceiling, which some might find inconvenient. Cargo space remained the same, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior was designed to keep driver and passengers comfortable, with plenty of storage options and easy-to-use controls.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured an infotainment system that felt outdated. The maps lacked detail, and there were no onboard apps, requiring a connected phone for a slow, convoluted process. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, couldn't fully utilize its size, as climate and fuel economy information always occupied part of the screen. However, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The Highlander also featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, both crisp and informative. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the optional JBL audio system, while decent, wasn't exceptional.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum. The infotainment system was easy to use, but navigation struggled with points of interest. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup. The 12.3-inch screen was bright and crisp, but only certain apps utilized the full width. The JBL audio system sounded good but wasn't overly impressive. The Highlander featured a volume knob and a tuning knob, adding to its user-friendly design.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which 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, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander also had a driver's knee airbag and a special cushion airbag for the front passenger. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it a 2020 Top Safety Pick, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support to its suite of safety features. This system could recognize oncoming vehicles at intersections and engage automatic emergency braking when necessary. Other standard features included road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Highlander five out of five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.