Page 16 - Motor Trend (May 2020)

NEWS I OPINION I GOSSIP

Intake Chicago Auto Show

2021 Toyota
Highlander XSE
The new Highlander just came
out last year, and already Toyota is
upgrading it. The sporty XSE trim
level is available on the Highlander
for the first time; it packs stiffer
springs, new dampers, a new rear
anti-roll bar, a retuned steering
rack, and 20-inch wheels. The
295-hp V-6 and eight-speed auto-
matic are standard; all-wheel drive
is optional. Either way, you get the
more aggressive looks, blacked-out
trim, and faux leather interior.

2021 Jeep Wrangler High Altitude
Not everyone actually off-roads their Wrangler or
Gladiator. For them, Jeep now offers the High Alti-
tude model with 20-inch wheels and a leather-
wrapped interior. Completing the look are body
color trim, blacked-out badges, running boards
with steps, and full LED exterior lighting. The less
aggressive Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza tires still
get the job done off-road well enough to retain the
“Trail Rated” badge, which is also blacked out.

2020 Nissan Frontier

Wait, that’s new? Sort of. For 2020,
the 16-year-old Frontier gets a new
3.8-liter V-6 and nine-speed auto-
matic transmission. Why bother,
especially when an all-new Frontier
is due next year? To work all the
bugs out of the new powertrain
before the new truck goes on sale.
The upside is 310 hp instead of 261.
Torque holds steady at 281 lb-ft.
The four-cylinder engine is gone, so
hopefully the new V-6 and transmis-
sion improve fuel economy, which
wasn’t available at press time.

16 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020