What's The V6 Like? | 2020 Toyota Highlander 

Sorry for the re-upload. RU-vid has been having issues ingesting videos lately, sometimes there are some odd "static" glitches.

Great review.. Nobody else has even come close to comparing the AWD's.. I have driven both the Hybrid vs V6 twice now and I have no issues with the hybrid power, but there is a driving feel the V6 gives the hybrid WILL NOT. Also being in Canada , the Highlander is Cheaper than the Telluride, I have priced both..

You’re terrific, Alex. Thank you for another excellent, well-presented review.

Alex knows how to address the decisions buyers have to make. Helps ease the stress of deciding.

I am more interested in the Highlander because it is 2 inches narrower than many others. Easier to park. I would use the third row rarely. I like the cargo area in the highlander for it's capacity. Also like the smooth power of the V6 and 8 speed transmission.

Hybrid Highlander for me, thank you for the detail Alex. I've driven both and now lean hybrid.

Watching it again, I know the video had some glitches, probably why it has been uploaded again. Great video as always.

Amazing Alex, Absolutely the best

Great review /comparison!

Your review makes car purchase much easier.

Appreciate your view and comparisons so much! For me, while I appreciate the Highlander, Telluride and Atlas, the CX9 Signature is my favorite. And I'd probably never open the 3rd row!

Thank you I really enjoy your videos. Older format was easier to watch without distractions of side screens. Not sure if others will agree. Thanks again.

Alex, You got 20.6 mpg with the V6 Highlander and 36-38 mpg with the Highlander #Hybrid. The choice of which one to buy is "insanely" and "astonishingly" obvious especially when we throw in the fact "Toyota's Hybrid systems have been incredibly reliable" .

The 3.5L V6 version is more economical than most people think. With 2022 3.5L V6 model in suburban driving I can get anywhere between 9-11/100km, provided that there is a reasonable distance between each traffic light, and that I don't accelerate too hard. On a recent 30km combined run (80% highway, 20% suburbs) I got an impressive 7.2L/100km. The guy at the Toyota dealership told me that the 3.5L model gets better gas mileage on the highway than the hybrid. He wasn't exaggerating!

If you plan to buy new and keep it for 7-10 years or so, definitely get the hybrid. If you plan to drive it till the wheels fall off, get the V6

There will probably be a Highlander Prime in a few years

Hi Alex, i wonder what you think of the Hy XLE without the torque vectoring? is it going to make handling much worse? thanks for the great videos

As clear and concise as always, great job Alex. Hey, I was wondering, because of the COVID-19 forced downtime, have you ever considered a bloopers compilation kind of video? You have such a huge library of videos over the years. Of course, that might not necessarily work (credibility-wise, or you may not want to document the minor snafus that happen with automakers’ provided cars) but I still think it’ll go a long way to humanize the channel (not that you’re a robot). Just my thoughts.

Definitely a Toybaru Highrester

Hey Alex small suggestion but could you go back to retaining the information about vehicle 0-60, cabin noise levels, and quarter mile times/speeds at the end of videos? Noticed you phased it out

The V6 is the one I’d get

We purchase a Toyota Limited Hylander in 2012. It has a V-6 and this car is the smoothest machine I have ever owned. It will haul ass when needed and the dealer offered a lifetime powertrain warrantee. Free oil and filter changes for life of original owner.

I think this beats the mdx except for SH AWD. Plus even though Toyota’s hybrids are very reliable and simple, my worry is that repairs will generally speaking be more expensive. For instance if one of the motors go out it can be several thousands. In the regular v6, repairs are quick and easy and cheap. Now Im torn 😭

Definitely would get this over any toyota hybrid. Any V6 is better then a hybrid due to the fact it doesn't use a cvt and have a lame 4 cylinder. Toyota is making a mistake by not giving a V6 with 8AT option to the Venza and Sienna

Waiting for the S trim....any idea when it will be in market?

Hybrid model would be more appealing to most if had extra 30hp and sacrificed a bit of fuel economy (around 32mpg combined). Would have still had impressive fuel economy along with decent power (around 7.7s 0-60).

The Chevy looks good but the 2022 looks nicer and I would like to see what they adding to the inside? Can’t wait to see

I always enjoy watching your videos Alex but the comparison with the MDX I think is unfair. This comparison should be with the pilot not MDX, from Honda line up. I was also looking to hear more in your driving scores about the gas vs hybrid

Except for 2022 Acura MDX interior looks now much nicer then the Toyota interior. I can’t wait to see that new mdx review when you can get it.

Good review! After carful consideration I bought the gas 2020 Highlander Limited AWD. Love it! I thought about the hybrid version but considering the miles I drive and the cost of gasoline, it would take about 3½ to 4 years just to break even on the price premium. I also wanted the greater acceleration and towing capacity. I’ve noticed the resale value of hybrids are not as good at non-hybrids. Here in Florida no one seems to care about hybrids. And the thought of listening to the “engine scream” of a hybrid upon accelerating was something I could do without. One final thought, and shocking as it seems, I am getting the EPA estimates with the gas version.

What’s usually the warranty period & parts coverage of the hybrid model? As a potential buyer that’s really important since it has additional parts than the standard version.

Lexus needs a 3 row crossover based on this, and I'm not talking about the RXL. That was designed as a two row crossover, and stretched to accommodate a non practical third row.

I bought the MDX cause same price as Hylander as big $ on hood right now .

Does the 2020 HL v6 still have the annoying Stop-Start engine system that can only be temporarily disabled? We have a 2013 Limited with 124,000 miles and it's been one of the best vehicle purchases we have made over the years, but my wife and I absolutely hate the Stop-Start in the loaner Highlanders we have driven.

Just want to say with our or plus fwd, we get consistly 27 to 31 mph on the open road. We have a 2019.

Why doesn't the Ascent show up in the comparisons for these SUVs/CUVs?

I'll take the 6 over a 4 with turbo or a 4 hybrid. Actually, I'm looking at the Lexus RX350 with the same V6 at the highlander.

Going to wait for the Prime version. As far as i know, Toyota will have all their line up Primed by 2025. Gonna start saving money 💰

How does this compare with the Subaru Ascent?

It might be in a couple of years Toyota will bring to market a PHEV Highlander version similar to Toyota RAV4 Prime which comes this year as a PHEV with highest power, acceleration and towing vs other RAV4 versions.

I love Hybrids but need more power so I would go for the V6 with the soon to be sport package

That hitch problem is ridiculous. I can't believe Toyota doesn't do something about it. People who have something to tow will have to buy a Kia Telluride.

Does the Highlander Hybrid AWD have the same drive train as the non-hybrid AWD, or are the real wheels driven by electric motors like the RAV4 AWD Hybrid?

V6 is great at towing!

I'd go for the V6. My family members own em with 300k miles, still going strong

Nobody mentions what the resale value is going to be on a nine-year-old hybrid that’s about due for a new set of batteries might make that extra cost of gasoline look quite cheap

I went from 2020 Rav4h to 2020 Highlander gas. It's much much better then rav4 aside from gas economy

Toyota could have offered both the 2.5 liter hybrid and the 3.5 liter hybrid to satisfy a wider customer base. They could have reserved the 3.5 hybrid as an option on their higher trim levels for their well-heeled customers with a need for more power and acceleration. Just a thought! 😊

Alex, Who would be faster around the #Nurburgring? Would it be you driving the Highlander V6 or Sabine Schmitz piloting the Hybrid?

Finally I decided to buy a second-hand GLS.

Isnt the highlander a 3 row? Weird when these dont have a v6. My wifes pilot has a v6 and the vtec crack is glorious and power a plenty. I recently test drove a turbo 4 cyl 2020 explorer and was waiting for the boost to kick in. And waiting... And waiting... Not impressed. Very numb and noticed the ugly sound of synthetic engine noise pumped in from the rear speakers. Very odd sounding woosh like turbo spool from the wrong end of the car.

This need to be prime with bigger battery pack than the Rav4 Prime. Give it more stronger EV motor then the 4 cylinders can act as generator on long trip.

I would just get a Sienna (assuming there are no nasty surprises)

Fun

Highlander TRD

I d take the Hybrid! Besides 0-60 not important for ppl carriers like this!

Highlander Hybrid: 36mpg with 8 passengers? I doubt it. Highlander with a sporty look IS going to happen. XSE.

40 mpg on the hybrid ??????????? I’ve been hearing 30 is much closer and how about when you have to replace those batteries what does that cost?????

Needs crisper body lines. Looks like a slab of butter on wheels. Lol

which one will cost more to repair and maintain?

Just factor in the cost of batteries when purchasing a hybrid.

It's a Toysubaru. I'm curious which company will cooperate with Toyota next after BMW and Subaru. I don't think, that those cooperations helps the reputation of Toyota but without BMW we could not get a revived Supra.

the handling of the MDX with torque vectoring put a little bit of fun in the handling of the car. unfortunately, the quality of Acura MDX interiors has been sacrificed, the quality does not meet the definition of luxury. Acura has also made the MDX longer, so they could fit the components of the MDX type S all in one chassis and frame. So the hood is long, the windshield has been shorten, mirrors have made smaller, the car is somewhat slow and no longer fun to drive unless you use the "Dynamic Mode" as Acura like to call it. There is nothing dynamic about it, its a placebo mode button, i felt no difference in between modes. the Sport mode had a quicker throttle response but that was it. my 2011 has a sport mode, never used it, the regular drive is the best mode, which is what Acura should have stick to.

My understanding is that the Hybrid model is underpowered

V6 is fast becoming “The Last of the Mohicans” in midsize SUVs. Just ordered a Sorento EX as the all new generation coming this fall drops the V6. Turbos are false economy if you don’t drive like an 80 year old going to church. MPG numbers are not realistic. Also, costly repairs 5-10 years down the road.

13:35 Looks like Toyota will have no problem selling another 250k Highlanders this year, even during a Plandemic. Highlander passed the Explorer in sales in 2019 to become Class President

i dont see the subie resemblance...

Is 0 to 60 a major factor when buying a bread box?

Toyota needs to start making V6 hybrids. They're starting to show up now in trucks. And these bigger SUVs would be a good use for them. They're even doing it with a mild hybrid system for the tundra. (Though they don't need to slap a dual Turbo V6 on these like the truck lol) You'd get the extra power and better feel of a v6, bit still get decent fuel economy. I would love a rav 4 with a 3.5v6 hybrid

You don't compare the resale value which is very important this days as this SUV as very expensive well, 40 + K range for decent options . Also the expected reliability is out contest as you can't compare Toyota vs Ford . Another problem in your review is MSRP ( or dealer price ) vs what is really been paid. Like Korean trucks has not have any discounts, people pay either sticker price or even over that is damaging their resave value and more import trade value. Now days you can't sell your car it's almost impossible. As you said Ford give you lots money back that is make sense as better buy or even Chevy. Toyota does twice year big sale and it could be up to 8 K with very aggressive financing options from Toyota Finance, I think only GM can compete in this option. Rest of, you will get very poor rate from banks plus dealer makes another 1% to 1.5% on deal.

Just bought the 2021 highlander xle model , but MPG is worse I only get 300 miles per tank (18 gallons)

It may be just me but I like the looks of my 2017 more than this one.

4th

The pilot uses a zf 9 speed 👎

the interior of the MDX A-spec is the worst by far. the blending of suede and leather do not age well. I test drove 2023 A-spec with 788 miles yesterday and the seats and rims were already worn out. the suede inserts on the seats were faded and looked somewhat wrinkled. MDX Advance, leather was slightly better quality but the interior does not scream luxury at all, plus that car was over $63k, unacceptable. I own a 2011 MDX base model with SH-AWD and my interior feels luxurious with excellent leather quality and the interior definitely stated a nice level of luxury when i bought 12 years ago. I have owned several Acura products, as of the test drive of the MDX Spec and Advance models, i willno longer be buying the MDX. I am now looking at Highlander Platinum 2022 with the v6

fuel range (not economy) is too low

1.5 seconds slower 0-60 then the Honda passport. That’s sad.

Hybrid V6 variants are much better. But toyota really screwed up and gave us a Rav4 base hybrid system.

i like the lexus RXL better

Why we need 23 minutes of bla bla bla... just yes or no and little why... enough