Highlander versus Sorento

[SamIam]

From Consumers Report. 2020 Highlander,

Overview
Toyota took the wraps off its all-new, fourth-generation Highlander SUV. This new Highlander features sleeker styling, revised powertrains, a robust suite of standard safety equipment, and a more comprehensive infotainment system.

It holds tight to its winning formula, although there are incremental improvements throughout that promise to make it even more appealing to family shoppers.

The new Highlander goes on sale in December, with a hybrid version following in February 2020.

Here’s what we know so far.

Impressions
The 2020 Toyota Highlander looks like an extension of the current model. The grille is a bit less aggressive, and there is more sculpting to the sides, with a dramatic flare that rises to the rear fenders. The company says that the new body is more aerodynamic than the outgoing model, helping fuel economy and reducing wind noise. Twenty-inch alloy wheels are offered for the first time.

The Highlander can seat seven or eight passengers. The L and LE trim levels come with a second-row bench seat, while the XLE, Limited, and Platinum come with captain's chairs. A standard three-zone climate control system enables air to be routed around the cabin, based on everyone's needs.

The 2020 Highlander measures about 2.4 inches longer than the 2019 version. That extra space goes to the cargo area, and the second row has more space to slide forward and back, giving the passengers there the chance to balance legroom with the third-row occupants.

Toyota has stepped up its infotainment game. All Highlanders come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as Alexa In-Car and WiFi hot-spot capability. More expensive trim levels get audio upgrades, and the Platinum trim gets a large 12.3-inch screen.

The Highlander will be offered with two powertrains, a conventional 295-hp V6 engine or a 240-hp hybrid four-cylinder. The V6 can pull up to 5,000 pounds with a tow package that includes a heavy-duty radiator with an engine oil cooler. There are two all-wheel-drive systems offered with the V6, a traditional setup and one that is focused more on performance—it sends more power to the rear wheels.

The hybrid powertrain is said to deliver an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined—a large step up from the previous hybrid’s 28 mpg overall rating. (We got 25 mpg overall in our tests.) For the first time, the hybrid will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive.

There are driver selectable modes: Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport. Eco favors efficiency from both the engine and battery. Sport uses power from the battery to improve acceleration. And EV allows the Highlander to operate short distances on strictly battery power. Further, a feature called Auto Glide helps hyper-milers achieve maximum efficiency by limiting engine braking when coasting. A Predictive Efficient Drive feature learns the driver's behavior and routes and, using the navigation system, optimizes battery use based on past patterns, adjusting for hills and traffic.

The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and the ability to display speed limit in the instrument panel. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert are optional, depending on the trim level.

CR's Take
The Highlander has long been a strong performer, even in the face of newer competitors. It's had a desirable balance of an absorbent ride, responsive handling, and generous interior space. But rivals have edged past it with more advanced infotainment systems and more lavish creature comforts.

This new Highlander looks to level the playing field and defend Toyota's position as a top seller in the category. We welcome the strong roster of safety equipment, as well as the comforts and conveniences promised for the cabin.

We look forward to testing this all-new model once it goes on sale.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Sawdusty

That is good to know. I will now consider the Highlander when I replace the Ridgeline. I also like the Sequoia but it won't be upgraded until the 2021 model year which may be too late for me.

Yes, I agree. When looking at the latest SUV lineup. Telluride, Palisade, Traverse, Highlander, Ascent, all have the temp spare which I do not want. Good to know a full sized spare will fit in the Toyota. Something to throw into the ring when bargaining for best deal, oh, and a brake controller set up........

[gbaglo]

"The V6 can pull up to 5,000 pounds with a tow package that includes a heavy-duty radiator with an engine oil cooler".


Do you think they meant transmission fluid cooler?

[SamIam]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

"The V6 can pull up to 5,000 pounds with a tow package that includes a heavy-duty radiator with an engine oil cooler".


Do you think they meant transmission fluid cooler?

The transmission fluid is typically cooled in the larger “heavy-duty” radiator. Vehicles with a factory tow package often have a separate engine oil cooler.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

"The V6 can pull up to 5,000 pounds with a tow package that includes a heavy-duty radiator with an engine oil cooler".


Do you think they meant transmission fluid cooler?

No. Since the introduction of the 2GR-FE engine (3.5 L) over a decade ago (2007 in the Sienna, 2008 in the Highlander), there has been an engine oil cooler optionally provided on some models (such as the Sienna, and likely the Highlander). It is required for the higher tow rating, and is standard equipment on some models and variations. This new engine had so much more power than the previous one that with a trailer the driver could use a lot more power (e.g. hauling the trailer up mountains) so the engine oil could get too hot without the cooler.

In the Sienna, the towing preparation package no longer had a larger radiator when the engine oil cooler became available; presumably, a larger than previous radiator became stock equipment.

The higher-capacity radiator is needed in part because the oil cooler transfers heat from the engine oil to the coolant. Usually, enhanced transmission oil cooling also needs a larger radiator for the same reason.

The engine oil cooler would be a very expensive part to retrofit, so anyone intending to ever tow with one of these vehicles should ensure that it has that cooler from the factory.

[gbaglo]

And, I see that the 2020 Highlander can be equipped with 20" wheels.
My RAV4 has 18" wheels ( don't recall the standard size ).
Other than getting to pay more money to replace tires, what are the advantages of larger wheels?

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

And, I see that the 2020 Highlander can be equipped with 20" wheels.
My RAV4 has 18" wheels ( don't recall the standard size ).
Other than getting to pay more money to replace tires, what are the advantages of larger wheels?

You get to be an SUV stud. When you cruise the avenue everybody looks at you. I don’t know if they make Goodrich super all traction mud tires for rollin on 20’s. Some hydraulics and them big speakers and boom you’re there.
Iowa boom boom Dave

[Rossue]

None for towing. I wish I could have had stock 18" wheels on the new TV, yet they seem to bundle the 20" with the options you do want. Larger wheels = rougher ride.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Other than getting to pay more money to replace tires, what are the advantages of larger wheels?

Larger-diameter wheels can accommodate larger brakes. In some models, some high-performance brake options will not fit in the smallest factory wheel; this is typically not a concern with SUVs, which tend to have unnecessarily large wheels in even the base trim.

Assuming the usual formula of the same overall diameter for all wheel & tire choices, larger wheel diameter means shorter sidewalls, and the advantage of that is more responsive handling, and possibly lower rolling resistance for the same width. Towing, that can include greater lateral stability and thus a more stable rig.

There are multiple disadvantages.

[cpaharley2008]

Actually in some models the larger wheels take away from some weight capacity ratings also...just cosmetic. Also watch out for that spare tire issue with the larger wheels...

[nrthwds]

Are better off with 20" or 18" wheels on a Ford F150 4x4 for towing and for ride?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Actually in some models the larger wheels take away from some weight capacity ratings also...

One of the disadvantages of the shorter sidewalls resulting from larger wheels is that the tire has less load-carrying capacity (for the same inflation pressure) due the reduced ability to accomodate sidewall flex under load. This is often not a capacity problem for the vehicle (especially in an SUV), since all of the tire choices may have more capacity than required.

Another disadvantage of larger wheels is higher weight, of both the wheel and the tire. There's less tire sidewall, but the bead area is very heavy and more of it more than makes up for the sidewall reduction. Higher weight is undesirable for handling and ride (although probably not noticeable in a pickup, and maybe not in an SUV), and for those of use who change tires seasonally it makes them harder to handle. Every bit of extra weight of any part of the vehicle reduces payload by the same amount.

[LoonCall]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

I don't knock anyone’s choice of equipment and don’t have any experience with Kias or Hyundai vehicles. So all I will say is that we have had very good results towing with both the 2012 and 2018 Toyota Highlanders. About 45,000 miles towing in the past 6 years on 19 and 21 foot Escapes. I especially like the 8 speed transmission in the 2018 unit. It’s especially good for descending steep grades and staying off the brakes. That’s my experience.
Iowa Dave

Iowa Dave, Are you near the towing limits of the Highlander with the 21'? We have a Highlander (rated 5,000#s) and are considering either 19 or 21. Appreciate your experience.

[h2owmn]

there are more feet/inches per tire rotation on the ground, so they'll last longer, right?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by h2owmn

there are more feet/inches per tire rotation on the ground, so they'll last longer, right?

Even if you were serious... no, because the overall diameter (and thus the circumference) is the same between the various wheel&tire options on the same vehicle.