CrossoverToyota64% by Neofiliac Team62% by External Reviewers

Toyota Highlander 4 (XU70)

Mid-Size Crossover

Product Gallery

Photo 0of Toyota Highlander 4 (XU70)Photo 1of Toyota Highlander 4 (XU70)Photo 2of Toyota Highlander 4 (XU70)Photo 3of Toyota Highlander 4 (XU70)

Product Overview

The fourth-generation Highlander is the largest hybrid crossover SUV by Toyota. For the first time, it is going on sale throughout Western Europe. This marks another step in Toyota's commitment to pushing hybrid technology in the most environmentally-conscious market in the world.
The hybrid drivetrain combines a 2.5L Atkinson cycle petrol engine with front and rear electric motors and a powerful Nickel-Metal Hydride system battery to provide the best power to CO2 balance in the segment.
Outside Europe, a naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 that produces just shy of 300 hp is also available. It is capable of switching between Atkinson cycle and Otto cycle and features Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Stop Start.
The V6 comes in AWD-only, while the hybrid model can be configured with an electronic on-demand AWD system.

Ratings

What we found

Neofiliac score 64%
Pros
  • Decent styling
  • Some offroad capabilities
  • High cargo capacity
Cons
  • Stuck with MacPherson struts in the front
  • Underpowered

What external reviewers found

External score 62%
Pros
  • Excellent infotainment tech
  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Gorgeous styling
  • Good standard equipment
Cons
  • Poor infotainment
  • Lack of tech features
  • Lack of practicality
  • Lack of third-row legroom
  • Lackluster infotainment system
  • Lackluster interior tech

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Price Comparison

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Specifications

Variants shown:
2.5 Hybrid
2.5 Hybrid AWD
3.5 AT
3.5 AWD AT
Variants2.5 Hybrid2.5 Hybrid AWD3.5 AT

Capacity

Cargo Capacity453 L / 16.0 cu-ft ~ 2387 L / 84.3 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity9.9 L / 10.5 qt9.9 L / 10.5 qt11.8 L / 12.5 qt
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 L / 4.8 qt4.5 L / 4.8 qt5.5 L / 5.8 qt
Fuel Capacity65.0 L / 17.2 gal65.0 L / 17.2 gal68.0 L / 18.0 gal
Payload694 kg / 1530 lbs638 kg / 1407 lbs712 kg / 1570 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs, 338 mm
Brakes | RearDisc, 338 mm
Offroad | Approach Angle18.1 deg
Offroad | Breakover Angle16.7 deg
Offroad | Departure Angle22.7 deg22.7 deg22.9 deg
Power SteeringElectric Steering
Suspension | FrontMacPherson strut
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire Size235/65 R18, 235/55 R20
Turning Circle11.4 m / 37.4 ft

Construction

Body Style5-door hybrid SUV5-door hybrid SUV5-door SUV
PlatformTNGA: GA-K

Dimensions

Ground Clearance203 mm / 8.0 in
Size | Height1730 mm / 68.1 in
Size | Length4950 mm / 194.9 in
Size | Width1930 mm / 76.0 in
Track Width | Front1659.0 mm / 65.3 in
Track Width | Rear1661.0 mm / 65.4 in
Weight1964.0 kg / 4329.9 lbs2025.0 kg / 4464.4 lbs1880.0 kg / 4144.7 lbs
Wheel Size18 in, 20 in
Wheelbase2850 mm / 112.2 in

Performance

Fuel Economy6.5 L/100km / 36.2 MPG (combined) | 6.5 L/100km / 36.2 MPG (urban) | 6.7 L/100km / 35.1 MPG (highway)6.7 L/100km / 35.1 MPG (combined) | 6.7 L/100km / 35.1 MPG (urban) | 6.7 L/100km / 35.1 MPG (highway)9.8 L/100km / 24.0 MPG (combined) | 11.2 L/100km / 21.0 MPG (urban) | 8.1 L/100km / 29.0 MPG (highway)
Towing Capacity1588 kg / 3501 lbs (w/ brakes @ 12% gradient)1588 kg / 3501 lbs (w/ brakes @ 12% gradient)2268 kg / 5000 lbs (w/ brakes @ 12% gradient)

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-wheel driveAll-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Front-wheel drive
EngineA25A-FXSA25A-FXS2GR-FKS
Engine | Bore87.5 mm / 3.4 in87.5 mm / 3.4 in94.0 mm / 3.7 in
Engine | Compression Ratio14.0:114.0:111.8:1
Engine | Displacement2.5 L / 151.8 cu-in / 2487.0 cc2.5 L / 151.8 cu-in / 2487.0 cc3.5 L / 210.9 cu-in / 3456.0 cc
Engine | Power186.0 hp / 138.7 kW @ 6000 rpm186.0 hp / 138.7 kW @ 6000 rpm295.0 hp / 220.0 kW @ 6600 rpm
Engine | Specific Output74.8 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in74.8 hp/L / 1.2 hp/cu-in85.4 hp/L / 1.4 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke103.4 mm / 4.1 in103.4 mm / 4.1 in83.0 mm / 3.3 in
Engine | Torque237 Nm / 174.8 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm237 Nm / 174.8 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm357 Nm / 263.3 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Engine | Typedirect-injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderdirect-injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated direct-injected petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Fuel Capacity65 L68 L
Transmission | Gears8-speed
Transmission | TypeCVTCVTAutomatic

Production

Availability2020

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External Reviews

autocar[1]

Reviewer score 55% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from autocar have found:
The Highlander has long been a key part of Toyota’s line-up in the US and other countries. It manages to strike a difficult balance of classic rugged SUV design cues with the more refined, distinctive styling. The cavernous interior will be broadly familiar to Toyota drivers, too. Both Excel and Excel Premium trim offer plenty of kit, even if it ultimately lacks the premium sheen offered by the likes of similarly sized machines from Audi and Volvo.
Pros
  • Well-appointed interior
  • Comfortable ride
  • Decent fuel economy
Cons
  • No plug-in hybrid

autoexpress[2]

Reviewer score 59% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from autoexpress have found:
The Toyota Highlander is one of the more versatile large SUVs out there. Performance isn't sharp but is adequate, with 0-62mph coming up in 8.3 seconds, and top speed rated at 111mph. It settles nicely at speed and is extremely comfortable on the motorway, but the body is prone to a little wallowing on bendier and undulating B-road tarmac. Buyers of SUVs of this size and price will demand a quality interior, and the Toyota has its plusses and minuses.
Pros
  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Good standard equipment
Cons
  • Lack of sparkle in the cabin
  • Cheap to run

cnet[3]

Reviewer score 79% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from cnet have found:
Toyota skipped over its usual continuously variable transmission in favor of an eight-speed automatic. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard across the board. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard on every Highlander. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera are also standard on higher trims.
Pros
  • Gorgeous styling
  • Excellent infotainment tech
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Lackluster interior tech
  • Somewhat uncomfortable to drive

digitaltrends[4]

Reviewer score 59% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from digitaltrends have found:
The Toyota Highlander has been the go-to option for many families since the first generation launched in 2001. As before, buyers can expect reliability and a modicum of practicality, but the competition offers more. The Highlander's third row is too cramped for everyday use, and space in the other two rows is behind most of the pack.
Pros
  • Powerful V6 engine
  • Comfortable ride
  • Decent fuel economy
Cons
  • Lack of tech
  • Lackluster infotainment system

pcmag[5]

Reviewer score 76% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from pcmag have found:
Toyota's timid approach to the new Highlander's exterior styling is a textbook example of an if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it strategy. The interior's outstanding design, comfort, and materials give it a luxury vehicle feel. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid's new four-cylinder engine replaces a V6 on the 2019 model.
Pros
  • Powerful V6 engine
  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Stylish interior
Cons
  • Lack of tech features

References

  1. ^ Toyota Highlander 2021 UK review. [autocar].
  2. ^ New Toyota Highlander 2021 review. [autoexpress].
  3. ^ 2020 Toyota Highlander review: Practical but posh. [cnet].
  4. ^ 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD review: Cool tech. [digitaltrends].
  5. ^ 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review. [pcmag].

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