The 2020 Toyota Highlander has been upgraded to meet the market demands for more powerful hybrid SUVs. This car is a workhorse that also has great fuel efficiency. The newer design is dramatic and sophisticated. Here are the things I find most impressive about the new Highlander.

, 6 Reasons I Like the Toyota Highlander, Days of a Domestic Dad

2020 Toyota Highlander

Hybrid Powertrain

The 2020 Highlander is available with either a conventional V6 engine or the new generation hybrid powertrain. You can choose between efficient front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) formats.

You can manually select 5 different driving modes: Normal for everyday driving, ECO for maximum efficiency, Sport for increased acceleration, Trail Mode for extra traction, and EV Mode for driving short distances on electricity only.

, 6 Reasons I Like the Toyota Highlander, Days of a Domestic Dad

Best Fuel Economy in Class

The EPA estimated fuel economy is rated at 35 MPG. It is super easy to monitor the use of fuel and electricity use on the largest-in-segment 12.3-inch multimedia display touch screen that is centrally located on the dashboard for easy access and viewing.

Smoother Drive

The newest Highlander offers a smoother and more confident drive, thanks to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. The sturdier frame provides a more comfortable ride and better handling experience. Enhanced sound proofing ensures that the cabin interior remains as quiet as possible.

, 6 Reasons I Like the Toyota Highlander, Days of a Domestic Dad

Roomy Interior

The interior of this SUV is spacious with seating for up to 8 people. There are 3 rows of comfortable seats. The third row can fold down to provide more cargo area for extra gear. The two front captains’ seats are heated and ventilated. The entire interior is well-appointed, as you would expect from a high-end SUV.

, 6 Reasons I Like the Toyota Highlander, Days of a Domestic Dad

Advanced Technology

You have all the tech and entertainment features within reach on the large display screen and in the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Sirius XM, Waze, and Amazon Alexa compatibility are available. The JBL audio system includes 11 speakers with surround-sound.

There are 5 USB ports available throughout the car. And, there are two 12-volt outlets. By enabling Wi-Fi Connect, you can turn your vehicle into a 4G hotspot for better connectivity.

, 6 Reasons I Like the Toyota Highlander, Days of a Domestic Dad

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0

As with most Toyota models, this SUV is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) package. I am a big fan of all things safety related for my family. The 2020 Toyota Highlander does not fall short. Some of the features include Pre-Collision System with Low-Light Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist. There are adequate airbags strategically located throughout the cabin.

, 6 Reasons I Like the Toyota Highlander, Days of a Domestic Dad

Recap

This 2020 SUV is a great family car with all the luxury you expect to find. The new hybrid powertrain makes this an energy efficient vehicle to help save on fuel. The ride is smooth and the interior is roomy and quiet. All the technology and entertainment are within reach. A suite of safety features is standard.

If you are in the market for a large utility vehicle with plenty of power and an upscale interior, check out the new 2020 Toyota Highlander here.