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SUVSince 2001

Toyota Highlander

Toyota's benchmark 3-row mid-size family crossover, offering ultra-efficient 36 MPG hybrid powertrains, punchy 2.4L turbocharged options, standard Toyota Safety Sense, and seating for up to 8 passengers.

Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The Toyota Highlander is a suv featuring powertrains delivering from 185 to 306 horsepower, achieving up to 35 MPG combined on official EPA ratings. Engineered with AWD and FWD drivetrain systems across 2 generations, the model holds 4 active NHTSA safety recall campaigns.

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Official Toyota Highlander 2020 exterior styling, aerodynamic profile, and vehicle dimensions
Verified Press Vehicle
Toyota Highlander SUV2020 Spec

Years

2001 - present

Power

185 - 306 hp

Best MPG

35 MPG

2020 Recalls

4 campaigns

Complaints

321 filed

01At a glance

Toyota Highlander by the numbers

TopicToyota HighlanderDetail
Power range185 - 306 hp6 powertrains verified
EPA fuel economy22 - 35 MPGCombined cycle, best trim
Recalls (2020)4Open NHTSA safety campaigns
Complaints (2020)321POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES
Fuel typesHybrid, PetrolAWD, FWD drivetrains
Generations indexed2Each with full spec sheet
Dimensions (latest)4950 x 1930 x 1730 mmL x W x H, 2850 mm wheelbase

03Active safety

2020 Toyota Highlander open recalls

AIR BAGS

20V633000

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.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

20V162000

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.

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

23V720000

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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

23V865000

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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

05Pick your year

Toyota Highlander generations

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05Generation comparison matrix

Compare all Toyota Highlander generations

SpecificationHighlander IV (XU70)2020 – present (XU70)Highlander III (XU50)2014 – 2019 (XU50)
Power Output243 – 295 hp185 – 306 hp
EPA Fuel EconomyUp to 35 MPG combinedUp to 29 MPG combined
Quickest 0–100 km/h6.8s7s
Exterior Dimensions4950 × 1930 × 1730 mm4890 × 1925 × 1730 mm
Wheelbase2850 mm2790 mm
Powertrains Verified3 trims3 trims
Full SpecsView spec sheet View spec sheet

Smart Value & Budget Pick

Highlander III (XU50)

Ideal for used-car shoppers seeking reliable transportation with lower acquisition costs, proven naturally aspirated engines, and mature parts availability.

Explore Highlander III (XU50)specs →

Technology & Modern Pick

Highlander IV (XU70)

Best for drivers wanting contemporary safety tech, digital cockpits, peak horsepower ratings, and the latest aerodynamic styling.

Explore Highlander IV (XU70)specs →

06Answers

Toyota Highlander: what buyers ask

How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander have?

The 2020 Toyota Highlander has 4 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.

What MPG does the Toyota Highlander get?

Across verified powertrains, the Highlander achieves 22 to 35 MPG combined (EPA cycle).

How much horsepower does the Toyota Highlander have?

Power ranges from 185 hp to 306 hp across 6 verified powertrains, spanning Hybrid, Petrol fuel types.

What are common Toyota Highlander problems?

NHTSA has 321 owner complaints on file for the 2020 model year, most frequently involving POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES. 16 involved a crash.

How many generations does the Toyota Highlander have?

We index 2 verified generations with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 2001 to the present.

Sources for this page

Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.

Check a specific Highlander

Model-level data is a starting point, not a guarantee for your vehicle. Decode the exact VIN to confirm year, trim, engine, assembly plant and any open recalls that apply to that specific production run.

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