Page 41 - MotorTrend (March 2020)
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2020 Toyota Highlander I FIRST DRIVE
WILL TOYOTA’S THOUGHTFUL
INTERIOR TOUCHES BE ENOUGH
TO FEND OFF THE COMPETITION?
pronounced separation between the Toyota considered a turbo-four, but in previous model’s inefficient base 2.7-liter
center stack and the passenger side. That the end, the smoothness of the company’s four-cylinder and its lower base price
change should help prevent your other 3.5-liter V-6 won out. Sure enough, the have vanished. If you still want a V-6
half’s sunglasses and phone from sliding 2020 Highlander V-6 delivers power in a hybrid in a three-row Toyota product,
into your mints and charging cable. comfortable manner, only interrupted by try the longer-wheelbase Lexus RX 450h
Sexy, right? There are plenty more subtle shift shock from the eight-speed L. (Then again, given that third row’s
changes where that tray came from. automatic. As before, the V-6’s peak power extreme limitations, maybe don’t.)
In a turbocharged world, Toyota arrives at a high rpm, and there’s a slight A more performance-focused six-
keeps things natural. Eschewing the surge of power as it approaches 6,000 cylinder hybrid has never fit the image of
forced-induction trend we’ve seen with rpm. Except you’ll barely feel it, because a practical, family-focused SUV, so the
the Explorer, Subaru Ascent, and others, you’re driving a Highlander, not a Supra. Highlander Hybrid returns as a four-
the 2020 Highlander’s heart remains a That’s why the rest of the Highlander’s cylinder model with only 243 system hp,
3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6. engine changes make so much sense. The down from 306 in the previous hybrid.
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