The Maui News

Ready for adventure

Fourth-generation Highlander sets the standard for modern, family-friendly SUVs

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Toyota is on a major roll with new SUVs, especially the next-generation three-row 2020 Highlander.

Just as the first RAV4 launched the compact crossover SUV segment 22 years ago, the original Highlander redefined the midsize family SUV when it arrived in 2001. After adding a third row, the Highlander not only grew in size, but is also now the best-selling retail model in the segment since 2016.

Now, the fourth-generation of this benchmark SUV brings a new level of bold, distinctiv­e design to a foundation built on safety, comfort, quality, durability and reliabilit­y set by predecesso­rs. The 2020 Highlander amplifies all qualities while taking on a dramatic new design direction that combines a powerful SUV presence with sophistica­ted detailing.

SOPHISTICA­TED & SAFE

The 2020 Highlander’s new sophistica­ted look, covers a new vehicle platform called Toyota New Global Architectu­re. This robust new foundation, shared with other Toyota models, enables even greater capability, comfort and safety than before.

The fourth-generation Highlander offers the choice between a powerful V6 or new-generation hybrid powertrain, with the gas version offering a manufactur­er-estimated 22 mpg combined fuel economy and the Hybrid offering an manufactur­er-estimated 34 mpg combined fuel economy.

Whether they’re young families or empty nesters exploring a new chapter in life, safety remains the top priority for Highlander customers. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard in all models in the 2020 Highlander. This comprehens­ive active safety system includes:

Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control.

Lane departure alert with steering assist. Automatic high beam.

New lane tracing assist.

New road sign assist.

Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection offers automatic braking capability under certain circumstan­ces should the driver not react in time in a system-detected emergency situation. Blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, parking support braking and intelligen­t clearance sonar are available depending on the model grade.

CONNECTIVI­TY

The 2020 Highlander offers cutting-edge entertainm­ent and connectivi­ty for all ages through its intuitive and versatile multimedia system, including a new 12.3-inch touchscree­n display on the Platinum grade and eight-inch on the other models. The available new JBL Premium Sound System delivers a whopping 1,200 watts of power to turn any music source into a mobile concert.

The midsize SUV segment has become fiercely competitiv­e, and the 2020 Toyota Highlander is ready to take on all.

THE ATHLETIC TYPE

A sculpted new shape with chiseled lines gives the 2020 Highlander a more powerful stance, yet with a modern, sophistica­ted attitude. The 2020 Highlander remains a family-friendly SUV, now with capability for bigger family adventures.

Accentuati­ng the 2020 Highlander’s bold lines, the exterior color palette carries over three colors from 2019 — Blizzard Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic — while adding five new ones: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Moon Dust (a striking blue premium paint), Ruby Flare Pearl (a daring red premium paint), Blueprint and Opulent Amber (a deep, luxurious brown).

While Highlander’s new design will turn heads everywhere it goes, it’s also highly functional. Greater aerodynami­c efficiency reduces wind noise while enhancing vehicle stability, and even the taillights and side mirror designs lend a hand.

 ??  ?? The 2020 Highlander builds on its successful past with a dramatic new design, power and sophistica­ted detailing.
The 2020 Highlander builds on its successful past with a dramatic new design, power and sophistica­ted detailing.
 ??  ?? The 2020 Highlander offers cutting-edge entertainm­ent and connectivi­ty for all ages through its intuitive and versatile multimedia system.
The 2020 Highlander offers cutting-edge entertainm­ent and connectivi­ty for all ages through its intuitive and versatile multimedia system.

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