Most significant changes: New XSE trim for gas-only Highlander; standard LED headlights for L, LE and XLE; upgrade on standard Toyota Safety Sense system
Price change: $210 for L, LE and XLE; $115 for Limited and Platinum
On sale: Now
Which should you buy, 2020 or 2021? The modest price increases for enhanced safety features make the 2021 a better choice, assuming dealers aren’t discounting 2020 models significantly. And if you’re looking for the XSE, the 2021 model’s your only choice.
Toyota redesigned the popular three-row Highlander for the 2020 model year, so it’s not surprising to see relatively minor changes in this generation’s second year. The automaker is introducing a new, sportier XSE trim with different suspension tuning, along with XSE-specific exterior and interior styling cues. Beyond that, the LED headlights have been upgraded to projector-style lights on the gas-only L trim and both the gas and hybrid LE and XLE. Toyota claims the change improves visibility.
Related: 2020 Toyota Highlander Review: More in Some Ways, Not in Others