Checking Out the New Toyota Highlander
Recent Oklahoma City Auto Show put the Highlander front and center, and we were there to appreciate it in the fullest.
At the recent Oklahoma City Auto Show, Toyota made a concerted effort to showcase its SUVs and truck. And, of course, we wanted to get at an up-close look at what the iconic carmaker was bringing to market. And we were not disappointed.
On display among the wide array of vehicles was our favorite: the iconic Highlander. The mid-size SUV had been a staple in the Toyota family for two decades, and for the 2020 version, the designers upped their game to create a visually stunning and high-performance vehicle.
It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295-horsepower and 263 pounds of torque. And for a mid-size crossover, it’s pretty spacious with three-row seating that seats eight. The second row, which can be heated, comes with a pair of captain’s chairs or a bench style. The third-row folds down and increases the cargo area.
The best feature, without a doubt, is the panoramic moonroof. From the front seat all the way to the edges of the third row, the roof slides back to unveil a clear window that can also be slid back to let the breeze flow through.
For those who want the feel of a convertible in an SUV, this may be as close as you can get.
Our second favorite feature seems basic, but it’s immensely useful: the Qi wireless charging pad located in the center console of the front row. All you have to do is just lay a smartphone down on the pad and let the charging begin while driving. No wires, no entanglements.
However, the Highlander still comes with five USB ports and two 12-volt ports for the other passengers. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity.
While it looks like the classic SUV, its technology definitely raises the bar.
The 2020 Highlander comes with an intricate camera system that provides a few unique viewing angles not seen on any other SUV that we can think of.
One angle allows the driver a view from outside the automobile. It almost looks like it has its own personal drone following it around and giving you a bird’s eye point view of the entire SUV.
A large touch screen infotainment system, which is located on the dashboard, is used for navigation as well.
A digital rearview mirror can be switched from the standard mirror to a camera mounted inside the rear window for a wider field of vision. on the back of the Highlander.
Overall, we were impressed with the 2020 Highlander. While it looks like the classic SUV, its technology definitely raises the bar.
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