Federal safety data shows 3 recalls and 274 complaints for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

274

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

20V6330002020-14-10

AIR BAGS

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.

Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

View at NHTSA

20V1620002020-19-03

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

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.

Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

23V7200002023-26-10

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

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.

A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 274 issues reported over 1 model years, power train problems are the most common for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Power Train94

02Air Bags29

03Unknown Or Other27

04Structure22

05Service Brakes20

274 total across 1 model years (2020–2020)Full data at NHTSA.gov

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Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy data for all 2020 Toyota Highlander trims

23–36mpg combined

20-36city

27-35hwy

$1,200-$1,900/yr

The 2020 Toyota Highlander delivers 23 to 36 MPG combined across 6 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Highlander Hybrid - Automatic (AV-S6)

36mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

36 city35 hwy~$1,200/yr8/10 Clean

Highlander Hybrid AWD - Automatic (AV-S6)

35mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

35 city35 hwy~$1,250/yr8/10 Clean

Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT - Automatic (AV-S6)

35mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

35 city34 hwy~$1,250/yr8/10 Clean

Highlander - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city28 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Highlander AWD - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

20 city27 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

2020 Toyota Highlander L FAQ

Trim-specific pricing and feature questions

How does the L compare to other Toyota Highlander trims?

Every Toyota Highlander trim targets a different buyer. The 2020 model page compares all available trims side by side.

What should I know about maintaining the 2020 Toyota Highlander L?

The L shares its core mechanicals with other Toyota Highlander trims, so major service intervals are similar. Watch for power train issues, the most commonly reported problem area. There are 3 recalls to verify before purchase. The 2020 model page has the details.

What are the best years for the Toyota Highlander L?

Check the price-to-mileage ratio for each Toyota Highlander L year. The last year before a generation change is usually the most refined; the first year after is when resale drops fastest. The Toyota Highlander overview compares all years side by side.

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