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)

XLE Trim Buyer Questions

What to know about the 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE

How does the XLE compare to other Toyota Highlander trims?

The XLE occupies a distinct position in the Toyota Highlander range. See how it stacks up on the 2020 overview page.

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

Maintenance costs for the XLE align with the broader Toyota Highlander ownership experience, though trim-specific equipment can add to routine costs. The 2020 model year has 3 recalls on record. The most-reported issue area is power train. Check the 2020 Toyota Highlander page for the full breakdown.

What are the best years for the Toyota Highlander XLE?

For the XLE, look at the price-to-mileage ratio across model years. Later model years before a redesign tend to be the most refined version of the platform. See the Toyota Highlander buyer's guide.

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