2020 Toyota Highlander | The Family Dog 

My dad still has a 2006 Highlander lol, he’s been off-roading, dirt riding, city cruising, everywhere and that sucker won’t die

"Customers wanted a minivan that wasn't a minivan" Isn't that every large crossover ever?

Couldn't make it through without 4:51 laughing out loud about the preferred seating position and 5:00 Jack laughing out loud Total KO, dropped the tablet. These times make me feel bad for Turbowski, but what you guys have here is special. I'm sure Scott sees that and wishes the two of you well. Good luck shaking those visions from your head.

Toyota owners prioritize reliability over excitement. They're willing to spend good money for cars they know will last a long time.

So it's just like a minivan except your kids can bang the back door into my car when you park next to me. Fantastic.

With the glitchiness of new technology in its competitors, I'm beginning tp appreciate Toyotas conservative approach for reliability.

when I got my 2019 RAV4 I couldn't open up the hatch without physically unlocking the doors----------until I dug through the car settings on the infotainment and saw I could change it. that one quirk really irritated me but no longer.

Love the segments in the video for easy scrolling!

I'm retired and 70 and kinda like boring. I also love Toyota's reputation. I'm giving the loaded Highlander serious thought.

Aren't Highlanders among the longest kept by owners? Average is 15 years I think... So kind of like a dog for real

I always appreciate that he looks out for the practical uses of the vehicles

Loved hearing Jack's laughter. BTW, I'm really pleased with the consistency and results of your investment in the shop and your editing studio. It feels like tuning into one of my favorite TV shows and getting exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for taking the leap to bring us this great content!

Agree with the constant beeps on my Toyota. After a week took the gauge cluster out and ripped out that speaker. It's been quiet bliss since then 🤫

Excitement shouldn't really enter the equation when you're reviewing SUVs and trucks. 99.99% of people on the planet don't have the cash or the motivation to spend close to $100,000 on a loaded, 575-horsepower Range Rover or $125,000 on a 541 horsepower Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Hell, most of us can't even afford a $55,000 400 horsepower Ford Explorer ST. Car reviewers get so spoiled and jaded from driving so many cutting-edge, super-expensive, high-performance vehicles, they lose sight of what it's like to be a common, everyday person with a 9 to 5 job. I'm a military retiree and high school teacher. I've never even ridden in a BMW, Lexus, Ferrari, Corvette, Supra, ZL1 Camaro, Shelby Mustang, or even a Mazda MX5. I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner Sport, and a 2003 Acura TL-S. I bought both of those cars new, and I will drive them until they're ready for the scrap yard.

Finally a real review of this car.

You're never going to get young Jack out of your basement if you keep cracking him up.

Jack laughing far away in the background after commenting about his size was hilarious!

Have owned 3 Highlanders. Complete reliability, comfort and impressive trade in value. Toyota is the best. Looks and electronic means zip to me when purchasing a vehicle.

12:10 I talked to a Cab driver who was driving a Sienna, and asked him how old the car was. He said around 900,000 km, on it's second engine and second transmission. The engine lasted around 600,000 km, the taxi company put in a new engine and kept the thing going. It's easily a million-km chassis, and very high mileage engine. Basically said that other than regular maintenance ("that is the key!" he told me), they were dead nuts reliable. Pretty good testament to Toyota's engineering.

I agree with this review completely. Test drove the Telluide and the Highlander. 10/10 would drive the Highlander again.

Love your reviews. I wish automakers would send you trim levels that most people can actually afford.

Honestly one of my fav channels on the Tube! Ur Killin it!!!!

AC control from touch screen !? That’s big big negative especially in places like texas when i entered my car in middle of summer i just rotate a simple button as fast as possible without even looking at it! I hate these unnecessary gimmicks 🤦🏻‍♂️

We traded our Cadillac XT-5 for a highlander. It’s my wife’s car, we test drive everything. When it comes down to it you cannot beat the reliability of a Toyota. There might be better equipped models from other manufactures out there, but knowing that when your gone that your wife’s car won’t breakdown on her has its merit. There’s tons of room in this thing, if your looking for a great three row SUV I highly suggest a highlander

I originally wanted a Kia Telluride, so I went to the dealer to test one out. I liked it, it definitely looks very good. But then, I decided to try a toyota because I've always heard hype about their reliability etc etc, but I've always found them boring. So I test drove a Highlander....let me tell you... I was BLOWN away at the difference between this and the Kia. It might not be as flashy as the kia or others, but the build quality is astronomically better. The kia felt so plasticky and weak compared to this. It didn't strike me at first because I didn't really have a reference, but once I tried the toyota I could just FEEL the cheapness of the Kia. It was really eye opening. If you want solid built, definitely go for toyota.

My wife and I just purchased a 2021 Limited after watching this review. After nine Hondas, we are very pleased with the Highlander

Best reviews on RU-vid.

This is the best review of this car!No nitpicking about useless features

Great video. Think you really captured what this car is all about. We have a 2019 highlander that we purchased for our main family vehicle. You’re correct in calling this car boring. It doesn’t elicit any emotion. Wife originally wanted an outback but we settled on Toyota primarily for their reliability and family friendly features.

Once again, great well produced video. Always a pleasure to watch and digest. .

"I stuffed a lot of things back there."

Canada. "you have a nook and cranny for 2 charging ports" America. "you have space for a 9mm and 2 spare mags" I'm American. Just typing what I was thinking.

Thanks, as always, for reviewing cars on what their potential buyers actually value. Too many other fools want every car to have leather, fat exhaust pipes, and 500 horsepower. Sometimes being a reliable appliance is almost enough.

Amazing review on this new vehicle, SavageGeese. Keep up the good work, and I hope you're safe and doing well during these hard times.

I just cant stop building things with my hands 😂 I love you Mark

Best review on highland so far. Cant Wait to see the top trim hybrid coming to Australia next year.

Thanks for the great video. I was struck the statement that the chief engineers, who are Japanese, spent time in USA to understand the American consumer. My guess is that chief engineers for Ford or GM don't do bother understanding foreign consumers.

Your're getting better and better with music. In other news: Europe is getting the Highlander as well in early 2021.

I'm not a fan of Toyota but I subscribed to the channel. I like the way you review cars. Very detailed and great information

Very good review. Crucial facts and reasonable opinions. The "no visits to the dealer" part of me loves this SUV. $46k for this vs a GLE350 at $52k is an interestint comparison. Having dealt with so many horrible MB dealers for the same, repeating issues, I'll pass on sexy (GLE450 or GLE53)...dont need that drama.

This is the exact kind of vanilla review i need right now to get my head away from the shitshow happening all around me Thank You Savagegeese.

just bought 2021 highlander XSE. one of the most amazing SUV i have ever driven. The quite ness and smoothness and the sporty character in this SUV is just phenomenal.

I purchased a 2020 Highlander limited and love it. The car is smarter then me. It has a lot of extra features that I am just now finding.

Always entertaining and informative! Thanks.

Best review of the highlander yet! Pros and cons described well. In this market, for me, reliability, cargo space, awd, and comfort are the important things. This does all of those well.

Really awesome video thank you man! Love the detailed look at this!

There are nearly 20 mainstream midsize crossovers offered in the US market. One group consists mainly of two row models and with the exception of the VW Cross Sport (195.5" long) range in length from about 188" to 192". A second group of three row vehicles are typically larger, ranging in length from 195" to 204". Here the outlier is the KIA Sorento, 189" long while providing 3 rows of seats. The previous version of the Highlander was also an outlier with three rows in a vehicle about 192" in length. In 2020 Toyota added almost 3" to the Highlander's length to put it (barely) in the larger category and bring it close to the size of Pilot, the Ascent, the Telluride, and the Palisade. So why do some consumers shopping for a midsize SUV select a three row model? Presumably because they want to use the additional third row seats on at least an occasional basis. Of course, few midsize 3 row SUV's offer truly roomy rear seats. But almost all offer 31+" to 33+" of legroom. The Sorento, for example, provides 31.7" in a vehicle that's half a foot less in length than the Highlander. Only two mainstream midsize SUV's provide less than the 30" of legroom found in the back seat of a Mustang; the cramped CX-9 (29.7") and the ridiculously cramped Highlander. At 27.7" that's 4" less than a Sorento and no more than the previous generation of the Highlander. It's noteworthy that the video shows Jack climbing into the back seat but not actually sitting there with his knees supporting his chin. And the third row accommodations are not "pretty close" (4:38) to that of a minivan, Mark. The Sienna, for example, has 36.3" of legroom in the 3rd row, 8.6" more than the Highlander. That ain't nowhere close to "pretty close." Of course it's common for reviewers of 3 row SUV's to note that the third row is mainly for "kids." But children aren't all the same size. And as parents know, they have an annoying habit of getting larger on a regular basis. Children in child or infant seats shouldn't be seated in the third row for safety reasons. And a nine year old who fits in the rear seat of a new Highlander may well be too tall by the time that same kid is 12 years old. Toyota vehicles are known for their long term reliability but that doesn't mean much if after 3 years of ownership the Highlander can't accommodate the same family it did when it was new. As a "family hauler" that's a point to consider seriously. So what's the basis for Toyota's claim that the Highlander seats "up to 8" passengers or to 7 in the versions with 2nd row captain chairs? Simple. The Highlander has 3 seat belts in the third row while rivals provide a far more realistic two seat belts. In reality, the Highlander seats five human beings or four in the top trim with captain chairs in the second row. If the cramped rear seat is a cruel joke, the three seat belts add insult to injury. So why don't those who want a midsize Toyota crossover but don't need or want a typically useless third row of seats get a two row vehicle? Again, the answer is simple. Toyota, unlike most other brands, doesn't currently offer one. Want a two row Highlander? You're outta luck. Get a RAV4. But there's evidence that Toyota recognizes the problem. The forthcoming Venza is that midsize two row vehicle. Until then, Toyota fans can get a Highlander with a third row they don't need or want, get a compact RAV4, or opt for any of a number of alternatives with greater versatility, most at a substantial initial savings.

Man! I love how he review the underside as well, my best car reviewer PERIOD! People todays only looks at what interiors tech and that's it!! No one cares about for example independent suspensions which is a deal breaker if a car didn't have it (for me)... Oh and nowadays every car manufacturer aim for sportiness while at the end you'll be crusing most of the time WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT Bucket seats are the worst of the worst

Great job SG, this is my wife's next vehicle, same color. She is leasing the 2018 Highlander so yeah she will be buying this one.

We had a rental Highlander once. It took us twenty minutes to figure out how to operate the tailgate. Times have a-changed.

Glad to see a reviewer who seems to hate touchscreens as much as me!

Perfect upload timing, now I can enjoy breakfast with another great video from Mr. Goose himself.

Appreciate the sound testing. If you can add a decibel test for hwy, 45 mph… to see how quiet some of these vehicles are that would be great. That would set you apart from all other reviewers from reading the website and brochure.

I’m getting a older Highlander from my Mom in a couple of months. She has quit driving and I’m going to take over the SUV. It’s a 2003 with only about 30000 miles on it. Being an older retired lady she didn’t drive very much. It is only FWD and it has the 4 banger under the hood. Should get pretty good mileage for an SUV. I only drive 3 miles to work every day so it should last me a long time.

This video is such a breath of fresh air

Another winning product from Toyota. I wouldn’t say it’s boring but it’s just so good that it gives you nothing to worry about. With that V6 this thing will prob ever die. That interior is luxury level. Good styling on the exterior not over the top but very nice (XSE trim looks even better)

I think highlander satisfies the segment requirements(provided most people need 3rd row for kids).The features in other competitors like telluride aren't really required in this segment(they are just hyped in reviews)

We still drive our 2010 Highlander Limited with only 125K miles! Just the usual maintenance with the exception of the water pump needed to be replaced last year. Love Toyota/ Lexus products!

My favorite auto review channel for a reason. Always very well put together. And I'm happy to have someone agree with me that a stuck on, 50" screen looks terrible.

So what is your favorite in this class? How is the reliability of the engine and trans? I heard they had issues with the trans!

Love your videos!

Very honest and fascinating review

4:57 I love Jack's laugh

Hey Man! Like the way you talk about the cars compared to others. Do you plan to make an update test drive on the 2020 CX-9?

I'm looking for a 3 row that is engaging to drive dynamically and has a decent engine character. I rented both an atlas and Q7 on different trips and liked the space of the Atlas but it lacked in power and handling. I really liked the Q7 dynamically and good with power but it felt a bit small inside. My current cars are a 997 911 and Passat GT. I'm looking to replace the Passat. What are your suggestions?

N/A V6 with direct injection AND port injection. Timing chain instead of a belt. Real transmission. It’s gonna run forever.

Our family has a 2018 Highlander XLE. Bought it because we also have a 2006 Sienna with 400000 km. Toyota still believes in normally aspirated engines. No turbo to go wrong. The car is totally boring, but it eats up the miles on long trips. My neighbor likes my Highlander better than his much more expensive Infinity. Dec 2022: Highlander is approaching 5 years old now. Still boring transportation. To be honest for everyday driving boring is good. The only 2 negatives are that when we go out with friends they always want to go in the Highlander. The other is that the dealer calls me every week to beg me to sell it back.

I really love your presentation and informative critique of this vehicle. I hope to see many more videos from you guys. Cheers!

lmao the sense of humor in your videos is top notch. "I'm in the process of building a gingerbread house for me and my friends". Gold. Onto the topic of this video: This is a great car, and looks great too, IMO.

What's your experience with the reliability of the 8 speed?

Great review !

Since we’re on the TNGA platform, and minivans were mentioned, is a 2021 Sienna review possible?

Nice review! what are your thoughts on the Sienna Vs Sedona? did you review the Sienna?

I wish you also could mention about fuel economy of it. Great video thanks

For 2021, the XSE trim has the dynamic torque AWD system. Bought one over the Honda Passport/Pilot. Traditional shifter, smoother power delivery, better audio and a timing chain over the Honda’s (Honda V6 have timing belts).

I may be buying the small Airstream that weighs 3,500lb. Would this be good for towing or would it stress the vehic!e out too much and shorten it's lifespan? Your videos are excellent, by the way.

I did a test drive today with a 2021 limited hybrid...feels really good only thing that bothered me was the engine noise when you accelerated it...the isolation failed in this case...

I was shopping for a highlander and stumbled upon the 2020 Ascent. I love it. Curious if you would review it. It has a third row meant for people you actually care about. A driving experience that I dare say is fun.

Hi Mark, i wonder if the transmission here is having the same issue you noticed on the Rav4 and Camry, since it is basically the same? i've heared somewhere that if you put it in sports mode it becomes more responsive but i am not sure if that was for the Highlander or for another car. Great review as alwayes. Thanks

I love this. Reliability, sure footed and comfortable ride and nice looks inside and out (imho) and enough get up and go power for passing and merging onto highways.

I have physical HVAC buttons on my Scion iM, but since it's auto climate the only buttons I ever touch are temp up/down and the defrosters. I don't think people adjust the vents as much as they used to.

Ever consider putting out your music for download? I'm assuming these are original as I've tried to Soundhound but couldn't find them

Great video! What’s a good website to check if a vehicle has direct or port injection? I am having trouble finding this information. Does this car have direct or port injection?

Want a Limited, but these 20" wheels, is the ride comfortable ?

Just got the 2021 platinum and it’s nice. But coming from older Toyota’s you can tell how much less material they use now in the metal and plastics

I go for Bike rides in my Upper class neighborhood and I see 1-2 million+ dollar homes with brand new Highlanders on the driveway often

Can you please later in all your videos as you feedback for audio system, would like to have also same but for comfortand road/wind noise.

You guys are genius at judging vehicles according to their mission: - No whining about lack of "rock crawling" ability - No whining about "needs 500hp" - No expectation that it be $22k These are owned by grown-ups who pay cash, don't need a pretentious badge, aren't concerned what others think about them, and who don't tie their ego to a Nurburgring lap time or street "racing" showdowns. I don't own one, but that's how I see the Highlander being used: Good, low cost, reliable family hauler so you can have more $ for fun stuff.

Does the 2021 XSE version gave the torque vectoring rear diff?

Have a 97 avalon, but i would like to pull a small camper. Could this suv get the job done without destroying itself.

This is the best review ever, it's big upgrade from Rav 4. The hybrid is really good, as functional as minivan

I need a Japanese V6 5 seater SUV with a big cargo area and am debating between a 8 seat Highlander with the 3rd row folded down vs a Honda Passport.

*savagegeese* Nice vid keep it up you got some interesting stuff.

Should totally bring back the savage part of that geese more often please

I cannot wait to see the review of an eventually redesigned Sienna :D

so what are these smaller competitors youmare talking about? Lexus us/nx? Toyota Rav4?

Is the 'smokers parlor' lighting optional?

SVG, why dont you mention the pilot's v6 and torque vectoring when comparing the Highlander? FYI, I have an 18 EX CRV and would love to upgrade to a 17+ Highlander.

But do they just want to inject the minimum amount of flair, or do they want to do more?

I would assume that most of the systems on the Highlander are just as automated as my Sienna. I haven't touched the climate control in months. I set the temp I want, just like my house and it adjust the temp and fan speeds for me. Having controls on a touchscreen just wouldn't be that big of a deal as long as there is a physical button to set the temp. I will say, that most time its just me and my wife so the 3 climate zones are usually sync'ed together and we keep it at 66.