2020 Toyota Highlander
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a compact SUV, rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 24
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $40,000
- Recalls
- 4
Watch: Highlander reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Toyota |
|---|---|
| Model | Highlander |
| Model year | 2020 |
| Vehicle class | Compact SUV |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 3.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 21 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 29 |
| Combined MPG | 24 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 372 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2600 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Highlander | 23 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Highlander | 24 MPG combined |
| Highlander AWD | 23 MPG combined |
| Highlander Hybrid | 36 MPG combined |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD | 35 MPG combined |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT | 35 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 21 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 29 MPG |
| Combined | 24 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 25% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $36,000
- Total interest
- $6,263
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≈ $1,675/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (4)
- AIR BAGS20V633000 · 2020-10-14
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.
Remedy: 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:DELIVERY20V162000 · 2020-03-19
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.
Remedy: 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:BUMPERS23V720000 · 2023-10-26
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.
Remedy: 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 CLASSIFICATION23V865000 · 2023-12-20
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.
Remedy: 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.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway).
Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander reliable?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2020 Toyota Highlander costs roughly $1,675 per year to fuel, or about $8,375 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC