I test drove the Platinum Hybrid this past Friday. I was impressed. Your review was spot on and while the 4 cylinder was a bit louder but had no issues with acceleration to get on local highways. If I was in the market for a V6, I’d go with a Palisade or Telluride. I’m sacrificing some of their features for the hybrid and Toyota quality over time.
It is so well equiped!! I think your off-road test is what families would ve exposed to during the winter so glad to see the car handles well. Ps: Utah is a great place for winter sports it hosted the winter olympics at some point.
I love my new 2020 Highlander XLE FWD gas model! I wasn't willing to sacrifice my V6 engine power for hybrid gas mileage. It's a very excellent mid sized SUV. Thanks for your helpful review.
@@vinnyramanath6622 The hybrids have to be ordered right now....but the gas models are here in Southern California. However they sell IMMEDIATELY. I ordered my car back in November & just got it 2 weeks ago. Low to no inventory available.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q no traction issues so far. We live in a canyon location with alot of rural narrow roads/ twisting/ winding hills. Southern California is dry with no snow, so I can't address that.
Upon look at this review, I am almost sure the traction motor is as much pitiful as last generation which was max out at 50kw and this one will be negligible more powerful. The way we forced to use gas engine in traffic due to weak traction motor hurt gas mileage. I am sure if Toyota drop a 100kw traction motor from BYD Tang PHEV will make the fuel economy lot better.
Great job on your review! I'm sure your channel will grow quickly! I have a 19 RAV4 Hybrid and I have to say that the eAWD is different to get used to having always driven a Subaru or an SUV with a real 4WD system. It does take some relearning in slippery conditions and I also find the RAV4 Hybrid to be a little tail happy when it's slick. Part of that could be because my Michelin X-Ice snows are no where near the level of security I've felt with my usual studded Nokian Hakkas but that's what the dealership provided when I got my RAV4.
Right Lane Hog Here in Idaho studs are legal. October 1 - April 1. Gas mileage has been great! I have been getting around 30 mpg during the winter. I average between 40-44 mpg when it’s spring, summer, and fall. With my Subaru I would get about 22 mpg during the winter and 28-30 mpg during the other 3 seasons.
@@parsley0120 Your mpg is impressive and certainly a big improvement over your Subaru. In Ontario, Canada I cannot use studs but my X-Ice tires do a fine job and last a long time.
@@rightlanehog3151 I was expecting far more out of my X-Ice tires. I was super excited for it to snow so I could test them out and it just left me wanting for more. Since this winter has been fairly light for us here, this year, I'm riding the rest of the season out then I'll sell them. I think they are great tires on ice, hence the name I suppose, and for cold dry road conditions but when it comes to deeper snow and slush I feel they leave a lot to be desired. I'll probably go studded Nokian Hakka 9s for next year but I'm still knocking around the idea of doing the studless Hakka R3s.
Very nice review, thank you. Personally, this hybrid might fit my needs, we don't really need a 3rd row anyway. The noise is a bit of a concern, but I'll know more after a test drive. I never thought I'd be looking at a hybrid until I watched this video. Thanks again.
You’re the only one I recall mentioning all the hybrid badges. Oh, & to Utah... great place. If you like skiing. It may be the best in the states. 5+ resorts within 35 minutes of the city & airport. I highly recommend. Nice review. Thanks.
I have the 2019 Rav4 hybrid and I don't know what people's deal is, but when I'm driving at night I will occasionally get people flashing their brights at me when I don't have mine on because they are LEDs. Does the Highlander have LEDs?
I saw it in the Auto Show and it is nice! The only fault I can complain about is the 3rd row seats... yeah, yeah, you don't need it too often, but when you do, it is NOT really usable if you are taller than a 4ft tall - I guess the roof is too slope and it cuts head room. The Pilot and the Telluride third row seats beat the Highlander in usability. I still put it in my short list of next SUV to get.
You answered one of my questions about automatic braking when going down a steep hill. I assume when using cruise control that means it will maintain set speed when going down a long hill without having to ride the brakes. You also mentioned, but did not test, how the car maintains speed when going up a steep hill in the mountains. In Utah there are some interstate roads that go through the mountains East to West. Would the electric motors help maintain speed going up a long hill or would the speed still drop off like with just a gas powered engine? It would have been nice if the sticker price for the tested model would have been mentioned.
So... when you did the 0-60 mph test did you try both the sport and normal mode? One would assume the sport mode would change parameters to give you more acceleration. My Prius V has a PWR mode which increases the acceleration by a huge amount.
Great review thank you! I’ve been waiting for a Platinum hybrid review. I have to say, the pros outweigh the cons for me. I was a speedster back in the day, but I’m all about fuel economy now. You’re right, they have no real competition outside of the Explorer, which is ten mpgs' lower.
True, as long as your good with the low Mpg. I looked at the Atlas too but I didn't need all the space and the Mpgs were a concern. Enjoy yours and safe travels.
No transfer case in the hybrid should reduce weight, complexity and maintenance in this model. This is similar to the AWD Hybrid arrangement in RAV4. Looks like the one to get.
The battery pack with 2 traction motors plus 1 starter generator add a lot of weight on. My 2016 K platform Highlander hybrid has curb weight of 2 tons if I am remember correctly.
I am interested in replacing my 10 years old Highlander AWD with this 2020 Highlander Hybrid. Are there any problems for the Hybrid to merge or pass on highway?
For once, a TH-cam Video title that makes sense. If you don't need the 5,000 lbs towing capacity of the V6, the #Hybrid 35-36 mpg is a huge leap forward in this segment. Let's see if Toyota can keep up with demand better than they did on the RAV4 Hybrid last year.
After all the great improvement, etc. Highlander still does NOT have "AUTO DIMMING SIDE MIRRORS". All of the competitors on higher models have it except for Highlander. Very disappointing!
Dimming mirrors is what stops you?? Boy the complaining list gets longer and longer with you babies. Just because you dont have it, doesn't mean no-one else will give a fuck that you will have it. This has a hybrid that no one else in this segment has and toyota does hybrid best.
I am in the market for a SUV, and was considering this one very much since it's a hybrid, but you lost me at 4 cylinder engine. I'll pass on it now. For a vehicle this size, it definitely needs a v6.
After watching this honest review, I am not very optimistic about putting this Powertrain under the hood for next gen sienna. It already feels underpowered for highlander. Sienna is a much heavier vehicle than highlander fully loaded.
@Matthew Huszarik Give Toyota another year to start spreading the Prime's powertrain across the range. From the numerous reviews I have seen, the Highlander Hybrid's current setup is perfectly acceptable for a family commuter. I expect it will triple or quadruple the sales of the previous V6 Hybrid and Toyota will have a hard time keeping up with demand.
@Matthew Huszarik The new RAV4 and Highlander Hybrids are very impressive achievements already. There are always going to be enticing options around the corner and you also have the choice to keep your money in the bank and hold onto the truck.
Good Path a transmission that’s continuously variable. Regular transmissions have actual gears to get the car up to speed. Cvt have a belt that gets the car up to speed. The belt is weakest link and often goes out. But with a hybrid you have electric motors in place of the belt. Making it indestructible.
Toyotas have no cool options, they look unattractive and priced too high. Why all reviewers love them? Do they pay you on the side? Highlander is ugliest in its class and overpriced.
To see where this new Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ranks within Drivers Only SUV rankings, check out: driversonlyrankings.com/
I would by the normal highland that can last 30 years
The rankings do not include BMWs.
I test drove the Platinum Hybrid this past Friday. I was impressed. Your review was spot on and while the 4 cylinder was a bit louder but had no issues with acceleration to get on local highways. If I was in the market for a V6, I’d go with a Palisade or Telluride. I’m sacrificing some of their features for the hybrid and Toyota quality over time.
The snow track sure looks like a lot of fun!
It is so well equiped!! I think your off-road test is what families would ve exposed to during the winter so glad to see the car handles well. Ps: Utah is a great place for winter sports it hosted the winter olympics at some point.
Utah is an amazing place...never knew :). Yea the off-road test course is about the limits of what most families would experience.
@0:52 _"Toyota flew me out to Utah"_ ... I thought it would end up being an advert for Toyota but this was actually a pretty good & critical review.
That interior looks incredible. Toyota really paid attention to the details. This thing is going to be every where by the end of the year.
It was a general comment about the Highlander. Not just the hybrid.
I love my new 2020 Highlander XLE FWD gas model! I wasn't willing to sacrifice my V6 engine power for hybrid gas mileage. It's a very excellent mid sized SUV. Thanks for your helpful review.
Kerri Dillon is 2020 hybrid available is ur area. Here in Georgia it’s still not available in most dealerships
@@vinnyramanath6622 The hybrids have to be ordered right now....but the gas models are here in Southern California. However they sell IMMEDIATELY. I ordered my car back in November & just got it 2 weeks ago. Low to no inventory available.
The new Toyota SUVs are the bomb!
Do you have any issues with traction? I had a front drive 2nd Gen Highlander. It smoked the front tires, even when I was easy on the throttle.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q no traction issues so far. We live in a canyon location with alot of rural narrow roads/ twisting/ winding hills. Southern California is dry with no snow, so I can't address that.
EV drive train just makes it so much more amazing. And Toyota reliability doesn’t hurt either.
Upon look at this review, I am almost sure the traction motor is as much pitiful as last generation which was max out at 50kw and this one will be negligible more powerful. The way we forced to use gas engine in traffic due to weak traction motor hurt gas mileage. I am sure if Toyota drop a 100kw traction motor from BYD Tang PHEV will make the fuel economy lot better.
Thank you for review.
Will be interesting to make everyday test drive to proof mpg numbers.
Toyota usually get their mpg numbers right.
Great job on your review! I'm sure your channel will grow quickly! I have a 19 RAV4 Hybrid and I have to say that the eAWD is different to get used to having always driven a Subaru or an SUV with a real 4WD system. It does take some relearning in slippery conditions and I also find the RAV4 Hybrid to be a little tail happy when it's slick. Part of that could be because my Michelin X-Ice snows are no where near the level of security I've felt with my usual studded Nokian Hakkas but that's what the dealership provided when I got my RAV4.
You will never beat studded tires but they are illegal in many jurisdictions. How is the gas mileage compared to the Subaru?
Right Lane Hog Here in Idaho studs are legal. October 1 - April 1. Gas mileage has been great! I have been getting around 30 mpg during the winter. I average between 40-44 mpg when it’s spring, summer, and fall. With my Subaru I would get about 22 mpg during the winter and 28-30 mpg during the other 3 seasons.
@@parsley0120 Your mpg is impressive and certainly a big improvement over your Subaru. In Ontario, Canada I cannot use studs but my X-Ice tires do a fine job and last a long time.
@@rightlanehog3151 I was expecting far more out of my X-Ice tires. I was super excited for it to snow so I could test them out and it just left me wanting for more. Since this winter has been fairly light for us here, this year, I'm riding the rest of the season out then I'll sell them. I think they are great tires on ice, hence the name I suppose, and for cold dry road conditions but when it comes to deeper snow and slush I feel they leave a lot to be desired. I'll probably go studded Nokian Hakka 9s for next year but I'm still knocking around the idea of doing the studless Hakka R3s.
@@parsley0120 I would use studded tires if it was an option.
Very nice review, thank you. Personally, this hybrid might fit my needs, we don't really need a 3rd row anyway. The noise is a bit of a concern, but I'll know more after a test drive. I never thought I'd be looking at a hybrid until I watched this video. Thanks again.
You’re the only one I recall mentioning all the hybrid badges. Oh, & to Utah... great place. If you like skiing. It may be the best in the states. 5+ resorts within 35 minutes of the city & airport. I highly recommend. Nice review. Thanks.
Never knew but yea Utah is an amazing place. Will be taking the family in the future.
Drivers Only Definitely a hidden gem!
Great review. How did the heater perform in the cold temps? Hybrid cabin heaters can be weak in the cold.
Good question, unfortunately I didn't test it.
I prefer this styling more than the Lexus RX.
You covered all the points that I was interested in. Thanks
You're welcome!
What do you mean, Toyota is up there? They're #1 in several categories.
Yes they are 1 and the best
I owned a brand new Camry a while ago and to this day I still wonder why it was ranked so high tbh.
@@CoralSea
That,s a lie
@@lollymanna Lie? I have only owned Honda's since and much happier, sportier and better built.
@@CoralSea
Honda is not better built than Toyota. They are sportier though since they use twin turbos.
Toyota shies away from turbos
Compact car fuel milage is awesome, I don’t care if its a lil slower
Are the cup holders on the floor removable?
I have the 2019 Rav4 hybrid and I don't know what people's deal is, but when I'm driving at night I will occasionally get people flashing their brights at me when I don't have mine on because they are LEDs. Does the Highlander have LEDs?
I saw it in the Auto Show and it is nice! The only fault I can complain about is the 3rd row seats... yeah, yeah, you don't need it too often, but when you do, it is NOT really usable if you are taller than a 4ft tall - I guess the roof is too slope and it cuts head room. The Pilot and the Telluride third row seats beat the Highlander in usability. I still put it in my short list of next SUV to get.
You answered one of my questions about automatic braking when going down a steep hill. I assume when using cruise control that means it will maintain set speed when going down a long hill without having to ride the brakes. You also mentioned, but did not test, how the car maintains speed when going up a steep hill in the mountains. In Utah there are some interstate roads that go through the mountains East to West. Would the electric motors help maintain speed going up a long hill or would the speed still drop off like with just a gas powered engine? It would have been nice if the sticker price for the tested model would have been mentioned.
A good family car with good mileage.
Would love to drive on that snow course with my Trail 4runner...
So... when you did the 0-60 mph test did you try both the sport and normal mode? One would assume the sport mode would change parameters to give you more acceleration. My Prius V has a PWR mode which increases the acceleration by a huge amount.
Great review thank you! I’ve been waiting for a Platinum hybrid review. I have to say, the pros outweigh the cons for me. I was a speedster back in the day, but I’m all about fuel economy now. You’re right, they have no real competition outside of the Explorer, which is ten mpgs' lower.
Yes and explorer is priced much higher.
Drivers Only Indeed, great point...
the PlugIn Version will be another huge bump in hp and better mileage and pure EV mileage !! test the RAV4 Prime Plug In with 302hp !
3rd row sucks!!! My atlas has so much room. I like the interior of this Highlander and the fact it’s a hybrid
True, as long as your good with the low Mpg. I looked at the Atlas too but I didn't need all the space and the Mpgs were a concern. Enjoy yours and safe travels.
Throw on some snow tires, and it would be a great ski trip car
If you switch to sport mode you get a lil bit of that get up you were lookin for... but yet it’s not as powerful as the v6.
got to love this car company
I get more than 35 mpg with my diesel. . . Which is better pollution-wise?
Is your diesel a plush SUV with advanced technology and safety features?
While the Highlander is a step up in class, how do you feel it compares to the new 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid?
Will the CVT hold up ???
We have 2008 400h with cvt 150 k miles no probs
Hmm why didn't you put it in Sports Mode and do the 1 to 60? When I put it in Sports Mode, It really takes off.
No transfer case in the hybrid should reduce weight, complexity and maintenance in this model. This is similar to the AWD Hybrid arrangement in RAV4. Looks like the one to get.
The battery pack with 2 traction motors plus 1 starter generator add a lot of weight on. My 2016 K platform Highlander hybrid has curb weight of 2 tons if I am remember correctly.
Zinfandel is in a class by itself, also, but that doesn't mean it's special.
I am interested in replacing my 10 years old Highlander AWD with this 2020 Highlander Hybrid. Are there any problems for the Hybrid to merge or pass on highway?
Slower than the v6 but still adequate for everyday driving.
For once, a TH-cam Video title that makes sense. If you don't need the 5,000 lbs towing capacity of the V6, the #Hybrid 35-36 mpg is a huge leap forward in this segment. Let's see if Toyota can keep up with demand better than they did on the RAV4 Hybrid last year.
After all the great improvement, etc. Highlander still does NOT have "AUTO DIMMING SIDE MIRRORS". All of the competitors on higher models have it except for Highlander. Very disappointing!
No one needs that
Dimming mirrors is what stops you?? Boy the complaining list gets longer and longer with you babies. Just because you dont have it, doesn't mean no-one else will give a fuck that you will have it. This has a hybrid that no one else in this segment has and toyota does hybrid best.
@@Anomize23
Yea, some people like to complain about the most ridiculous things.
Look at subwoofer to the left
He is playing the grandpas kitchen music 🙂.
nismo armada rip
@@joskjj3625 yes. You know his videos ?
nismo armada yep I’m subscribed
nismo armada I miss his laugh
@@joskjj3625 oh yes , it's sad when he gone
I am in the market for a SUV, and was considering this one very much since it's a hybrid, but you lost me at 4 cylinder engine. I'll pass on it now. For a vehicle this size, it definitely needs a v6.
As long as it drives fast enough on highway I’m okay
U sound like George from Cryptos RUS
After watching this honest review, I am not very optimistic about putting this Powertrain under the hood for next gen sienna. It already feels underpowered for highlander. Sienna is a much heavier vehicle than highlander fully loaded.
When did you drive the Highlander Hybrid?
@Matthew Huszarik Give Toyota another year to start spreading the Prime's powertrain across the range. From the numerous reviews I have seen, the Highlander Hybrid's current setup is perfectly acceptable for a family commuter. I expect it will triple or quadruple the sales of the previous V6 Hybrid and Toyota will have a hard time keeping up with demand.
@Matthew Huszarik The new RAV4 and Highlander Hybrids are very impressive achievements already. There are always going to be enticing options around the corner and you also have the choice to keep your money in the bank and hold onto the truck.
I swear 19"+ wheels were invented to help the chiropractic business. I was not happy to see a CVT in this one. This will be a deal breaker for many.
matrixist hybrid cvt is not your convention cvt. Hybrid cvt are all bulletproof.
Yeah Toyota had me until they said the CVT word. They're just too expensive to fix.
What is CVT?
Good Path a transmission that’s continuously variable. Regular transmissions have actual gears to get the car up to speed. Cvt have a belt that gets the car up to speed. The belt is weakest link and often goes out. But with a hybrid you have electric motors in place of the belt. Making it indestructible.
Midsize? 😂 7 passengers. A full size suv will fit 12?
That wing is stupid
Great video!! First!
nice video,Ugly design
Toyotas have no cool options, they look unattractive and priced too high. Why all reviewers love them? Do they pay you on the side? Highlander is ugliest in its class and overpriced.
Funny - people buy them because they last well over 150-200k miles and that with simple maintenance