Fourth-generation Toyota Highlander unveiled at New York Auto Show

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota has unveiled the fourth-generation Highlander at the ongoing New York Auto Show. The vehicle has got a number of makeovers at both outside and inside. Earlier this month, the carmaker had teased the three-row crossover with a video clip.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander is based on the TNGA platform’s modified version. The platform was designed perfectly to accommodate a twin engine setup so that the buyer can opt for either a hybrid or a naturally-aspirated gasoline engine.

Coming to the styling, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is completely revamped. It looks bolder than its predecessor. It shares some designing elements with the latest RAV4, including a massive grill flanked by a pair of sharp headlights. At the rear, there are sleek LED taillights, which draws a similarity to the LED units of Camry.

The cabin has also gone through a lot of upgrades. The range-topping variant comes with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the lower-spec models equip an 8-inch unit. Moreover, the infotainment system comes with the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as standard.

Under the hood, the gasoline-powered variant gets a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine, which is capable of producing a maximum power of 295 hp along and a peak torque of 357 Nm. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the hybrid model is equipped with a 2.5-litre inline-four and two electric motors. The system can churn out a maximum power output of 240 PS. It can come with either with 2WD or AWD layout.

The 2020 Highlander features Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard. It comes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (TRAC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The three-row crossover will arrive at the global markets by December 2019.