I'm thinking that a hybrid version would be the sweet spot in the Highlander line. Excellent job, Lauren. Always informative and honest. Thannks from Arizona. 🌴🌵🌴🌵☀️
I’m looking forward to Uber drive that beautiful SUV. I would love the bench seats in the back instead but, that’s how the platinum comes. Great honest review
I am really surprised how beautiful this vehicle is-inside and out. The interior colour is stunning in ivory, with the cherry red exterior. It is also not cluttered and overwhelming, quite calming and serene; unlike many other new vehicles out there today. Great for families and or people that travel with friends, and especially dog people :) Excellent review!
Hi Car Coach, such a detailed precise presentation. Helps me choose . I choose not a hybrid only because I was told the body is more secure not exactly like back in the day vehicles were heavy durable. Hybrids are not heavy vehicles. They go faster up and go in 2sec(an exaggeration). I love the color in your presentation with creme. I subscribed
I'm curious I heard a complaint of not being able to put your arms on the door rest , it's to far away ?? Can anybody verify that claim ? I can see the rest in videos but def different sitting in it !!
Lauren could you please tell me what vehicle is best for someone who has MS? I'm only getting sicker and it's hard getting in and out of cars. Please could you tell me what car or SUV is easier to get in and out of? Thank you for your help. God bless you
God Bless you as well. Having a few friends in similar situations; they have found that CUVs (cross over utilities) offer the best options. The biggest consideration is comfort and the adaptability of mobility controls for future needs. Consider a minivan if you are using motorized assistance for walking. The second consideration would be visibility and ease of entry and exit. Once you find out what fits your budget, in addition to these factors; you will find the best vehicle. It’s hard to specifically pick one for you without having more details.
Depending on the criteria applied there are between 15 and 20 mainstream midsize SUV's in the American market. A dozen or more are three row vehicles most of which range from 195" to 203" in length. The remainder are two row vehicles that range from 188" to 192' or so. There are a couple of outliers in this categorization. The VW Cross Sport is a two row SUV that's larger than any rival at 195.5" in length. The KIA Sorento is 189" long and has 3 rows of seats. Otherwise, it's a reasonable way to categorize the entire mainstream set of SUV's. So why do consumers choose a three row SUV? Presumably because they need/want room for more than 4-5 passengers on at least an occasional basis. If that's the case the new generation Highlander is a questionable choice at best. With 27.7" of third row legroom it ranks dead last among all 3 row crossovers. The back seat of a Mustang provides 30". The Highlander and the Mazda CX-9 (29.7") are the ONLY mainstream midsize crossovers with less than 31" of third row legroom. And to add insult to injury Toyota makes the ludicrous claim that the third row has room for 3 passengers! A claim supported only by the fact that Toyota puts 3 seat belts in the back row while other brands more realistically provide two. Toyota has made a number of improvements over the last generation Highlander but while the 2020 version is almost 3" longer the room in the third row remains unchanged. Toyota claims the Highlander seats 7 to 8 passengers depending on the configuration of the 2nd row of seats. In reality it's a 4-5 passenger SUV with a third row suitable only for some children or a medium size family dog. And that's "some" children, not all. Putting kids in car seats in the third row is especially challenging and not recommended for safety reasons. And while an 9 year old can perhaps be crammed in the third row without complaint, kids have an annoying habit of growing over time. That same kid at 12 may well find the 3rd row to be so cramped that he/she has to be bound and gagged when forced to use it. By the time Toyota's three year warranty expires, the Highlander may well not meet a family's needs even without any additions or a bigger dog. So why don't Toyota fans opt for a two row SUV from the brand when they neither need nor want room for more than five passengers? Almost all other brands offer a choice between a smaller 2 row crossover and a larger 3 row vehicle. Not Toyota. The only other option it currently offers is the 4Runner, a fine vehicle for some, but not a car-like crossover. Apparently, though, Toyota has recognized the hole in their lineup. The forthcoming Venza is that 2 row, somewhat smaller crossover that the Toyota lineup lacks. And for those who really need/want a mainstream midsize 3 row crossover that realistically seats more than 4-5 passengers? Try another brand.
Thanks Lauren! Considering the price point, three misses for me. 1) No power folding mirrors, 2) The 12.3 inch infotainment screen is wasted because you can't fully expand your views for favorites, i.e. Apple/Android carplay or Nav; 3) No USB ports in the 3rd row and the cup holder in the middle of the captains chairs should have been fold-able (concealed when not used) as they were in the 3rd gen. However, overall they will sell a lot and the misses are not substantial enough to deter anyone. I'd go with the hybrid platinum, which separates it from the pack (Palisade, Telluride, Pilot, Explorer and Mazda CX-9) in terms of mpg for a three row SUV. Lastly, the sound system (1200 watt JBL) in the higher trims is a lot better than the other options sound systems, with exception of the top trim CX-9.
The missive aren’t a big deal for me imo. As far as the lack of 3row USB ports, it’s so easy to solve. Just buy a USB hub, stick it in the 1500watt inverter in the cargo area, boom problem solved. For the 12.3 in screen, I’m kind of glad CarPlay doesn’t use the whole screen. Because Toyota makes it easy to swap the screens left or right on the fly.
The Highlander Platinum version is a great vehicle. However, it's main drawback for me is the absence of the bench option. Can Toyota please include a bench option for the 2021 model year? Else this great car becomes an expensive 4 seater vehicle!!
The bench seat is not offered on XSE or platinum. I do agree they need to fix that. Because in 2017 when the Highlander got refreshed, they allowed you to get the limited and limited platinum trims with the 8 seat option
Good vehicle and will easily last 300,000 miles. Still they priced it too high. Even lower trims are easily 40,000 with fake leather. I take a Pilot Ex or EX-L with six speed. Better yet a certified Pilot in those trims the best deal on market.
Good points Paul, the Pilot just looks too much like a minivan to me. I loved the exterior design (box look) of the 2015 Pilot. All the Honda suvs look like Russian nesting dolls now - no real distinctive character lines or differences. Alias, beauty is in the eye of the beholder...
Depends on where you live if you need AWD or not. I live in the south where it doesn't snow so I don't need AWD and get an extra mile on a gallon of gas.
I'm thinking that a hybrid version would be the sweet spot in the Highlander line. Excellent job, Lauren. Always informative and honest. Thannks from Arizona. 🌴🌵🌴🌵☀️
Thank you 😊
Bought one, and I learned more from you than the dealer...Thank You!!!
Thank you. I appreciate the comment
I'm here because one of my local auto dealers has this very car in its used department. Low mileage, gently used. I'm transfixed.
I’m looking forward to Uber drive that beautiful SUV. I would love the bench seats in the back instead but, that’s how the platinum comes. Great honest review
I am really surprised how beautiful this vehicle is-inside and out. The interior colour is stunning in ivory, with the cherry red exterior. It is also not cluttered and overwhelming, quite calming and serene; unlike many other new vehicles out there today. Great for families and or people that travel with friends, and especially dog people :) Excellent review!
Thank you!
Great job!!! Love that color.
Great video thanks for the info, do you have video on the Lexus RX 350
2020 Lexus RX350L Improvements and Changes ua-cam.com/video/7j_0nCJUjvQ/v-deo.html
Hi Car Coach, such a detailed precise presentation. Helps me choose . I choose not a hybrid only because I was told the body is more secure not exactly like back in the day vehicles were heavy durable. Hybrids are not heavy vehicles. They go faster up and go in 2sec(an exaggeration). I love the color in your presentation with creme. I subscribed
I agree, these are important considerations others are not considering. You have chosen wisely. I appreciate the subscription and the comments.
Great job on on this 2020 Highlander!
Thank you!
I'm curious I heard a complaint of not being able to put your arms on the door rest , it's to far away ?? Can anybody verify that claim ? I can see the rest in videos but def different sitting in it !!
Lauren could you please tell me what vehicle is best for someone who has MS? I'm only getting sicker and it's hard getting in and out of cars. Please could you tell me what car or SUV is easier to get in and out of? Thank you for your help. God bless you
God Bless you as well. Having a few friends in similar situations; they have found that CUVs (cross over utilities) offer the best options. The biggest consideration is comfort and the adaptability of mobility controls for future needs. Consider a minivan if you are using motorized assistance for walking. The second consideration would be visibility and ease of entry and exit. Once you find out what fits your budget, in addition to these factors; you will find the best vehicle. It’s hard to specifically pick one for you without having more details.
Thanks You
women and men!!!! Made in USA 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💯🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏I still like my Toyota
Love the 2021 Limited AWD we bought about a month ago
Great choice. Hope you love it
Also remember lower trim versions have lower tech on four wheel drive and no leather and smaller and different infotainment screen.
Depending on the criteria applied there are between 15 and 20 mainstream midsize SUV's in the American market. A dozen or more are three row vehicles most of which range from 195" to 203" in length. The remainder are two row vehicles that range from 188" to 192' or so. There are a couple of outliers in this categorization. The VW Cross Sport is a two row SUV that's larger than any rival at 195.5" in length. The KIA Sorento is 189" long and has 3 rows of seats. Otherwise, it's a reasonable way to categorize the entire mainstream set of SUV's.
So why do consumers choose a three row SUV? Presumably because they need/want room for more than 4-5 passengers on at least an occasional basis. If that's the case the new generation Highlander is a questionable choice at best. With 27.7" of third row legroom it ranks dead last among all 3 row crossovers. The back seat of a Mustang provides 30". The Highlander and the Mazda CX-9 (29.7") are the ONLY mainstream midsize crossovers with less than 31" of third row legroom. And to add insult to injury Toyota makes the ludicrous claim that the third row has room for 3 passengers! A claim supported only by the fact that Toyota puts 3 seat belts in the back row while other brands more realistically provide two.
Toyota has made a number of improvements over the last generation Highlander but while the 2020 version is almost 3" longer the room in the third row remains unchanged. Toyota claims the Highlander seats 7 to 8 passengers depending on the configuration of the 2nd row of seats. In reality it's a 4-5 passenger SUV with a third row suitable only for some children or a medium size family dog. And that's "some" children, not all. Putting kids in car seats in the third row is especially challenging and not recommended for safety reasons. And while an 9 year old can perhaps be crammed in the third row without complaint, kids have an annoying habit of growing over time. That same kid at 12 may well find the 3rd row to be so cramped that he/she has to be bound and gagged when forced to use it. By the time Toyota's three year warranty expires, the Highlander may well not meet a family's needs even without any additions or a bigger dog.
So why don't Toyota fans opt for a two row SUV from the brand when they neither need nor want room for more than five passengers? Almost all other brands offer a choice between a smaller 2 row crossover and a larger 3 row vehicle. Not Toyota. The only other option it currently offers is the 4Runner, a fine vehicle for some, but not a car-like crossover. Apparently, though, Toyota has recognized the hole in their lineup. The forthcoming Venza is that 2 row, somewhat smaller crossover that the Toyota lineup lacks. And for those who really need/want a mainstream midsize 3 row crossover that realistically seats more than 4-5 passengers? Try another brand.
Thank you for your analysis and time. I agree.
Thanks Lauren! Considering the price point, three misses for me. 1) No power folding mirrors, 2) The 12.3 inch infotainment screen is wasted because you can't fully expand your views for favorites, i.e. Apple/Android carplay or Nav; 3) No USB ports in the 3rd row and the cup holder in the middle of the captains chairs should have been fold-able (concealed when not used) as they were in the 3rd gen. However, overall they will sell a lot and the misses are not substantial enough to deter anyone. I'd go with the hybrid platinum, which separates it from the pack (Palisade, Telluride, Pilot, Explorer and Mazda CX-9) in terms of mpg for a three row SUV. Lastly, the sound system (1200 watt JBL) in the higher trims is a lot better than the other options sound systems, with exception of the top trim CX-9.
Agreed. Thanks for your input. 👍
The missive aren’t a big deal for me imo. As far as the lack of 3row USB ports, it’s so easy to solve. Just buy a USB hub, stick it in the 1500watt inverter in the cargo area, boom problem solved.
For the 12.3 in screen, I’m kind of glad CarPlay doesn’t use the whole screen. Because Toyota makes it easy to swap the screens left or right on the fly.
Does the Hybrid one cost more for insurance?
Yes check with your agent
Does this have ambient lighting inside
u can buy it from china n install lol
In some states it’s illegal.
The Highlander Platinum version is a great vehicle. However, it's main drawback for me is the absence of the bench option. Can Toyota please include a bench option for the 2021 model year? Else this great car becomes an expensive 4 seater vehicle!!
I will pass that along to Toyota.
@@CarCoachReports Thanks a lot. Hopefully, Toyota will act quickly.
The bench seat is not offered on XSE or platinum. I do agree they need to fix that. Because in 2017 when the Highlander got refreshed, they allowed you to get the limited and limited platinum trims with the 8 seat option
THUMBS UP!
need a shot of the spare tire.
Good vehicle and will easily last 300,000 miles. Still they priced it too high. Even lower trims are easily 40,000 with fake leather. I take a Pilot Ex or EX-L with six speed. Better yet a certified Pilot in those trims the best deal on market.
Good points Paul, the Pilot just looks too much like a minivan to me. I loved the exterior design (box look) of the 2015 Pilot. All the Honda suvs look like Russian nesting dolls now - no real distinctive character lines or differences. Alias, beauty is in the eye of the beholder...
Imo not too high. The Explorer also gets really expensive. Additionally this is cheaper than the GMC Acadia Denali MSRP wise
Not bad for SUV
highlanders are nice. why anyone take front drive. awd always better.
Agreed
Some people live in areas where AWD isn’t needed. However, AWD is preferred and is more common in dealerships.
Depends on where you live if you need AWD or not. I live in the south where it doesn't snow so I don't need AWD and get an extra mile on a gallon of gas.
@@josephburgos5062 awd even wear on tires 1 mile ain't much Toyota pretty efficient
👍
This video sounds like an advertisement for Toyota
Nope just a review. I don’t get paid by any brands EVER!