2020 Toyota Highlander Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The transmission is the primary concern, with widespread reports of failures, whining, and slipping, often at high mileage and outside warranty.
- Inspect air bag systems thoroughly; numerous recalls and complaints point to potential issues.
- Check service brakes for any signs of sponginess or inconsistent performance.
- Fuel economy is respectable at 23 MPG combined, but high fuel costs can be a factor.
2020 Toyota Highlander
Critical Failure Risk
Widespread issues with the automatic transmission, including whining, slipping, and complete failure, often occurring outside the warranty period.
Early detection can help you avoid a $3,000-$6,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
- Horsepower
- 295HP
- Torque
- 263 lb–ftLB-FT
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
This Highlander might appeal to buyers prioritizing safety ratings and interior space over long-term mechanical dependability, provided they are prepared for potential costly repairs, especially to the transmission.
+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Risk-averse buyers or those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience should avoid the 2020 Highlander.
+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2020 Toyota Highlander Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 7
- Horsepower
- 295 hp
- Torque
- 263 lb-ft
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- MSRP Range
- $34,600 - $48,800
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23
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Most Common Issues
1. Powertrain
Most reportedUsage: 82 reports
2. Airbags
Usage: 30 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Inspection
Est. shop cost: $75 - $125
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FAQ
Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2020 Toyota Highlander is 4.6/10. Reliability score is 4.6/10. NHTSA recalls: 28. Owner complaints: 296.
How practical is the 2020 Toyota Highlander for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.6/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 23 MPG. Seating capacity is 7. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 453 litres.
What is the overall score for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2020 Toyota Highlander is 6.4/10. Overall score is 6.4/10 (Mixed). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.5/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.6/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Inspection at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,000 - $1,500. Repair prediction highlight: Automatic Transmission (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $3,000 • Max: $6,000).
What is the MSRP range for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
MSRP range is $34,600 - $48,800.
What engine is in the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Engine specs list V6 • 6 • 3.5. Output is 295 hp • 263 lb-ft.
What transmission does the 2020 Toyota Highlander use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is FWD/Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
EPA combined estimate is 23 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
12 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
What is the fuel economy range for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, fuel economy range is 20-29 mpg combined.
How many people fit in a 2020 Toyota Highlander?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, seating capacity is 7.
What body style is the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2020 Toyota Highlander use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, drivetrain is FWD/Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a family-oriented SUV prioritizing comfort and practicality. While its 3.
Should I tune the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is a family-oriented SUV with a focus on comfort and practicality rather than performance. While the V6 engine offers adequate power for daily driving, it is not designed for significant aftermarket tuning. The vehicle's primary market and design intent do not align with performance modification, and there is limited aftermarket support for engine tuning. Therefore, it does not meet the criteria for active aftermarket support, engine tunability, or a "sleeper" status/cult following.
What are the most common power train problems on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Top complaint category: power train (82 reports, 27.7% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
This model year has 28 official safety campaigns listed.