2020 Toyota Highlander problems
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.
Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.
The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).
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Common 2020 Toyota Highlander problems
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include the A/C compressor leaking, wind noise from the side mirrors, and chipping paint on the front bumper.
The most serious problem is the A/C compressor leaking, which has been reported to occur around 6,000 miles. This issue is caused by a failed seal in the compressor, which requires replacement. The cost of replacing the compressor is around $650, but if it's still under warranty, it will likely be covered.
Another common issue is wind noise from the side mirrors, which has been reported in the first 3,000 miles. This problem is caused by door and window seals that are not installed correctly. If the seals are not installed correctly, the dealership will usually repair them for free under warranty. If it's not under warranty, the cost of replacing the seals is around $150.
Chipping paint on the front bumper is another problem that has been reported in the first 10,000 miles. This issue is caused by small stones hitting the large front bumper during highway driving. The only way to fix chipping paint is by repainting the affected area, which can cost around $1,000 per panel.
In addition to these common problems, there are two recalls on the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The most serious recall is for the ECU software, which Toyota will update for free. The other recall is for incorrect seat trim, which affects only 3,121 models.
Overall, most of these problems are relatively minor for a midsize SUV, leading to low repair costs as it ages. However, the A/C compressor leaking is the most serious complaint on the 2020 Highlander, and it can be costly to repair if it's not covered under warranty.
Are there any issues with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Highlander?
Common Issues With The Toyota Highlander
- Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped. ...
- Engine Failure. ...
- Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average. ...
- Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems. ...
- Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor. ...
- Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market?
Is there any recalls on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Roughly 751,000 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles have been recalled because of an issue with mounting tabs on the vehicles' bumpers that could cause parts to detach, the car manufacturer announced. The recall applies to some 2020-2023 models, the company said in a news release Thursday.
How long should a 2020 Toyota Highlander last?
On average, a Highlander will last 250,000-300,000 miles, offering an extensive ownership opportunity for investors. For many people, the car will last a decade or more with routine care. If you're careful with your reliable machine, it will pay you back for a long time to come.
Do 2020 Toyota Highlander's have problems?
There are two recalls on the 2020 Toyota Highlander, which is better than some other SUVs. The most serious recall is for the ECU software, which Toyota will update for free. There's also a recall that only affects 3,121 models for incorrect seat trim.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Highlander?
Common Issues With The Toyota Highlander
- Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped. ...
- Engine Failure. ...
- Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average. ...
- Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems. ...
- Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor. ...
- Q: What Toyota Highlander years should I avoid in the used car market?
How long should a 2020 Toyota Highlander last?
On average, a Highlander will last 250,000-300,000 miles, offering an extensive ownership opportunity for investors. For many people, the car will last a decade or more with routine care. If you're careful with your reliable machine, it will pay you back for a long time to come.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100.
2020 Toyota Highlander car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Highlander problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2020 Toyota Highlander
The NHTSA has received 140 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 5TDDZRBH4LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I own a 2020 Toyota highlander and the car mileage is 68,000 and the dealer told me my transmission is dead and needs to replacement. The cost for replacement is $13,000.00! I’m the first owner of the car and how could a new Toyota car transmission fail at 68,000 miles and the warranty is 5 yrs or 60,000 miles. This issue have to be Toyota manufacture problems and they should have a recall on this and I researched online and a lot of highlander owners have the same problems as me! NHTSA PLEASE RESEARCH AND HELP HIGHLANDER OWNERS! Thank you
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 5TDGZRBH7LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal humming sound from the engine compartment. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the sound got louder. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- VIN: 5TDHZRBH2LS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- VIN: 5TDGZRAH1LS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-25
- VIN: 5TDHZRBH6LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle made an abnormal buzzing and clunking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer repaired the brake pedal and an axle; however, the failure progressively became worse. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the rear differential was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 5TDDZRBH2LS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-17
- VIN: 5TDGZRBH9LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal whining sound underneath the vehicle on the driver's side. The contact stated that the sound was intermittent but was occurring at various speeds. The contact stated that there were no warning lights. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- VIN: 5TDZARAH2LS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: While steering to the right to exit a parallel parking spot, the ABS sensor cable came into contact with a suspension bolt, snapping the sensor wire. This triggered the Check Engine Light and caused a malfunction in the braking systems.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 5TDGZRBH3LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: With 55k miles on a 2020 Toyota Highlander, we began hearing a whine. On various on-line sources it appears that this is not unusual among late teens to early '20s Highlanders. I brought the vehicle to the dealer (with close to 56k miles) and the dealer decided the transmission needs to be replaced. Even though the dealer service center acknowledges this is an ongoing issue w/the Highlander of this (late teens/early '20s) vintage I'm told its a 1-2mo wait for a transmission repair/replacement. Warranty is 60k miles... I was told be safe and don't go over 60k miles or its possible the warranty might not be honored. While currently operable, a quick internet search indicates, transmission failure often occurs unexpectedly, leaving drivers stranded on the side of the road. This situation can be not only inconvenient but also dangerous.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 5TDFZRBH0LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Known transmission issue not being addressed. Internal parts issue and must be replaced after only a few years.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 5TDHZRBH2LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My vehicle is started making a loud whining noise at around 78K miles whenever you accelerate between about 25-60mph. The dealer said that a new transmission is the only thing that would fix it. The cost of the transmission is 8K. The dealer said that Toyota ought to cover it, but I called and their initial answer is that they will not. This part should be recalled, there are multiple people online saying they are experiencing the same exact issue. This is a very expensive problem for this car, and not one that consumers should shoulder at low mileages. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-08
- VIN: 5TDCZRAH5LS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The SRS airbag system malfunction went off and the seat keeps beeping for a long time before finally stopping I’ve taken it in to get fixed to the Stockton dealership but they said there’s no available fix yet, but then when I went to pick it up after my oil service they said for $200 they could fix it.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-25
- VIN: 5TDZZRAH3LS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: There is an open recall which has not been addressed in a timely manner. The below has been open since OCT 26, 2023. I have been advised that I would be notified when a remedy was available but it's been ten months with no solution. My front bumper detached while I was on the interstate causing damage to the front end of my vehicle. The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
- VIN: 5TDGZRBH9LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 20 MPH, there was a loud whining sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and the contact was informed that the sound was an indication of transmission failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-09
- VIN: 5TDHBRCH1LS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-15
- VIN: 5TDEBRCH9LS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: During the first 20K miles of driving our 2020 Highlander Hybrid; we noticed that while braking; the car would sometimes lung forward as though we had accelerated quickly. It startles you and it causes you to "hit the brakes" quickly. It doesn't happen all the time. It seems to occur more so when we're braking at low speeds in parking lots; while slowing down on a slight decline or simply making a turn left or right while braking. I mentioned this to my Toyota Dealer a few times as to whether or not they had a recall notice for this. I was told "no". I had my oil changed on June 15, 2022 MIL/35,379 and I asked them to check this problem. They checked and advised no problem was duplicated and the invoice stated in part "will wait on any diagnostics at this time". I was never contacted with a "fix". Today (August 16, 2023) I located a Technical Service Bulletin that appeared to address my issue. It is "T-SB-0059-23". This issue is a safety concern to both me and my wife; I'd like to see this problem addressed. This was all mentioned during the warranty period but no notifications were made by Toyota. My current mileage is 89,202. Thank you
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
- VIN: 5TDYZRAH1LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 8AT transmission failure. Toyota is telling me that it will take 7 months to obtain a replacement transmission.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: 5TDGZRBH6LS
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: This is in reference to a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The Air Conditioner is not functional. Upon inspection by a mechanic, and $300 of freon wasted, it was determined that the lines that carry the AC to the rear of the vehicle are defective. Freon immediately drains. We have a case open with Toyota. The Toytota Case Manager acknowledged that the lines are a known issue, however at this time there is no replacement part available to fix the issue. The initial exchange with Toyota in early June resulted in a response that the part ETA was expected for early July. They have delayed twice since, to Late July, and now the status is pending with an ETA of late August but "subject to change." The vehicle is not drivable with the heat of Summer months; at times the internal temperature of the car is well over 100 degrees. I would anticipate people that live in southern year round hot climates with this issue can't drive it at all. My primary concern is having no AC is a safety issue for passengers, including children and an elderly family member [XXX]) for which I am a caretaker, and pets. Toyota did not respond to a request to provide a rental vehicle until the part is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 5TDGZRBH5LS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: UNKNOWN
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 5TDZZRAH2LS
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The transmission has gone out. We noticed a whining noise which prompted getting the vehicle inspected which led to the diagnosis. The vehicle is at the dealership and cannot be driven as driving it will void the warranty. The were no warning messages just the whining noise at about 30-40 mph. We were told it was good that we caught it as the car could have broken down at any time which could have been a safety risk if it had all of a sudden stopped in traffic. We have researched and found that others have had the same issue. The transmission is on back order with no set arrival date.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
- VIN: 5TDGZRBH8LS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the front bumper detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper and lower bumper, underpinning, wheel well assembly covers, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
- VIN: 5TDGZRAH0LS
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Front bumper
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-10
- VIN: 5TDDZRBH6LS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH and changing lanes, the front lower bumper cover suddenly separated from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front lower bumper cover assembly was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V72000 (Structure) which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement, but the manufacturer denied reimbursement. The failure mileage was unknown.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-25
- VIN: 5TDHZRBH0LS
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MHP, the contact's husband became aware that there was unknown part had loosened on the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front bumper assembly was detaching. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- VIN: 5TDFZRAH6LS
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2020 Toyota Highlander recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 2, 2024. A second notice will be mailed once the remedy is available. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
- Consequence: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles. Incorrect seat trim covers on one or both of the front seats can prevent the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly.
- Consequence: Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats and replace the seat trim covers as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB14 / 20TA14.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine. Due to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error, fuel may not be correctly supplied to the engine while using the stop and restart feature.
- Consequence: Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA06.
Negative 2020 Toyota Highlander car reviews
Positive 2020 Toyota Highlander car reviews
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My wife and I are car enthusiasts. We have owned a variety of cars, including Audi's, VW's, Ford's, Infiniti's, Mazda's, Jeep & Dodge. My wife has been driving her Durango for 7 years, which we bought new in 2014. It's a great SUV, but with a lot of miles, she was ready for something new. We cross-shopped several models, including the Mazda CX-9, Cadillac XT6, Audi Q7, Acura MDX & Hyundai Palisades. Although we had never owned a Toyota before and never considered a Highlander, the 2020 redesign caught our attention. As soon as my wife saw it and drove it, she said, The JBL sound system is excellent and comparable to the B&O system I had in an Audi Q5. The Adaptive HID headlights and LED fogs are amazing at night, providing the best coverage I have experienced in any vehicle. This is especially important for us as we live just outside a city with no street lights and drive on rural roads at night. I love how the headlights turn with the steering, making tight turns and entry into a turn much easier. The second-row captain chairs are very comfortable, accommodating both my 6'2Our kids are in high school now, so the third row is not as important since they both drive. We have gradually downsized our 'big' vehicle from an Infiniti QX80 to a Dodge Durango and now to this. I would say that the second row is slightly roomier than the Durango as it slides back in the Highlander. However, the third row in the Durango can actually seat an adult comfortably. You just need to decide how often you need a third row, and if you need one often, I would recommend looking at full-size SUVs like the Tahoe or Expedition, rather than these midsize SUVs. There is plenty of cargo room behind the second row and it is still decent with the third row up. This SUV is 6 inches shorter than the Durango, but only 1 cubic foot less in cargo at about 84 total. The engine and 8-speed are a good combination and fit the chassis well. It is not overpowered and not underpowered. The ride is very smooth and comfortable, and the car overall is very quiet, especially with the panoramic sunroof. Gas mileage has been good at about 22 average with a mix of driving. Overall, it is a great all-around SUV and I highly recommend that you test drive one.
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(1) Exterior Appearance: While the new design didn't initially win me over, it has grown on me over time. The front and rear angles are particularly attractive, although the side can appear a bit odd due to the bulging character line. Overall, it has a similar look to the Rav4, but with a more substantial presence. When I see another one on the road, it looks good. (2) Interior Design: This is where the Highlander really shines. The dashboard and enormous 12.3The JBL sound system is really exceptional! It sounds great in all rows, not just the front row, which is a rare find in most cars. It's probably one of the best sound systems available outside of luxury brands. When it comes to fuel mileage, it's pretty good. I'm averaging about 23 mpg with about 70% highway driving. The overall quality is exceptional too. There are no rattles or creaks, and the seats don't have any creases. Everything is holding up very well. The only downside is that when you install a tow hook, the hands-free cargo is disabled. However, they have fixed it for 2021 by moving the location of the sensors, but unfortunately, there is no fix for the 2020.
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There are lots of nice upgrades from last year's ride, including an upgraded interior. However, there is one huge mistake: the driver's seat does not adjust well in height, and they have taken away the leg extensions that were in the limited.
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Your vehicle will feel like a Lexus. You'll love how your whole family can travel together in one car. As a family of six, we know how important it is to have comfortable seats, especially for those with back issues. You'll be pleased to know that our seats are very comfortable for everyone.
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I can tell you're already in love with the car! The premium feel of the interior is definitely a standout feature, with high-quality materials that make it feel luxurious. The suspension is also a highlight, providing a smooth ride that makes it feel like a much smaller car. The build quality is top-notch as well. While looks are subjective, I personally find the exterior to be minimal yet stylish and premium.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Toyota Highlander problems:
Common problems on 4th Gen Highlanders? : r/ToyotaHighlander
Nov 30, 2022 ... Common problems on 4th Gen Highlanders? · Whistling front end, typically fixed by adjusting the hood struts · Loose side mirror cap that might ...
2020 toyota highlander transmission failure | Toyota Nation Forum
Aug 26, 2023 ... Failures are rare- but with any mass-produced car- they can happen. Toyota did have issues with the eight-speed transmission in the 2017-2019 ...
2020 Toyota Highlander Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Climate System · Exhaust · Brakes · In-car Electronics · Body Hardware · Steering And Suspension · Engine Minor · Noises And ...
2020 Toyota Highlander Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Mar 21, 2023 ... 2020 Toyota Highlander Review: Extremely Reliable Midsize SUV With Low Ownership Costs · The 2020 Toyota Highlander lasts around 300,000 miles ...
2020 Toyota Highlander Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Toyota Highlander? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Toyota Highlander
Are you having problems with your 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Kacey Tremblay 2025-11-03
I noticed that the space allocation ratio seems a bit off. As someone who is over six feet tall, I found that when the front seat was adjusted for me, it was significantly behind the door opening. Additionally, the headrests pushed my head forward when I sat back into the seat, and unfortunately, there was no way to tilt it back. Despite these issues, I really like everything else about this car.
Tyree Wintheiser 2025-10-24
I recently purchased a 2020 Highlander, but unfortunately experienced some issues with it stalling while driving within the first 15 days. I reached out to Brimell for support, but felt disappointed with the level of care and professionalism I received. I was left feeling concerned about the safety of myself and my family while driving the vehicle. I hope that in the future, Toyota dealerships will prioritize the safety and well-being of their customers. I would advise others to seek out alternative options for better service.
Rocio Weimann 2025-10-23
I love the Highlander! Everything about it is great, but there's just one thing that bothers me - there's no seat height adjustment. This can make the seat uncomfortable during long road trips. Interestingly, every other competitive brand, whether it's the Lincoln Aviator or the MDX, has this feature.
Glennie Eichmann 2025-10-21
I completely understand your frustration. It can be difficult when the driver's seat doesn't adjust high enough and the passenger seat is too low to see properly.
Paxton Lockman 2025-10-20
Experiencing electrical issues such as random shutdowns and failure to start can be frustrating. Despite the dealership's previous attempts to resolve the issue by replacing the battery, the problem persists. However, I am confident that with my expertise, I can identify and address the root cause of the problem. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further assistance.