3 Key Reasons to Choose a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Over Gasoline Models

We will be seeing a completely different 2020 Toyota Highlander very soon. Actually, we will be seeing two completely different Highlanders very soon. Toyota is introducing both the Highlander gasoline and Highlander Hybrid for the 2020 model year, complete with updates and changes galore.

For this exercise, I will discuss the benefits of choosing 2020 Highlander Hybrid versus its gasoline counterpart. I can think of three big reasons.

If you want gas savings, choose a Hybrid

Most people think of the perceived gasoline savings when contemplating buying a hybrid vehicle. They see it with the Prius and Prius Prime. They also can see it with the new Corolla Hybrid. And they most definitely will find savings at the pump with a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Toyota offers four trim levels for the hybrid: 2020 Highlander Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Platinum. For gasoline models there are these levels plus a lower L grade as well.

Hybrid buyers will find fuel efficiency ratings of 36 city / 35 highway / 36 combined for front-wheel drive 2020 Highlander Hybrid and 35 city / 34 highway / 35 combined for all-wheel drive. This is a 24% jump versus the previous generation Highlander Hybrid and a 50% benefit compared to gasoline versions.

On a similar note, 2020 Highlander gas grades offer 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined for front-wheel and 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined for all-wheel drive.

You may have noticed I am mentioning front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive when talking about 2020 Highlander Hybrid. Please take note of that and keep reading. Spoiler alert: it may be discussed later.

Pricing difference between 2020 Highlander gas and hybrid versions

In the past when shopping for Highlanders, you could expect a price increase of several thousand dollars if you chose to pick a hybrid instead of a gasoline-powered model. Luckily this pattern is not carried over for the 2020 model year.

This is a huge plus in Highlander Hybrid’s favor.

Toyota is only raising the price for a hybrid by $1,400 when compared to its gasoline equivalent, making the 2020 Highlander Hybrid an extremely enticing choice.

For example, factory MSRP for a 2020 Highlander LE front-wheel drive is $36,800 and $38,200 for the equal Highlander Hybrid LE FWD. A $1,400 difference. At the top of the chain, 2020 Highlander Platinum front-wheel drive costs $46,850, while Highlander Hybrid Platinum FWD is $48,250. Again a $1,400 difference.

I gave pricing for front-wheel drive trim levels. Expect a price bump of $1,600 to move to an all-wheel drive 2020 Highlander L, LE and XLE. There will be an increase of $1,950 for Limited and Platinum, both for gasoline and hybrid.

A front-wheel drive 2020 Highlander Hybrid

Front-wheel drive Highlander Hybrid. Did we read that right? If you have studied Toyota Highlander Hybrids in the past, you know that picking one of these meant you would be driving around an all-wheel drive vehicle. That is just how Toyota rolls (get it, rolls!?!)

For the 2020 Highlander Hybrid, buyers can now choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for each trim level. This should be a big benefit to those people living in warmer climates where there is less need for all-wheel drive vehicles.

THIS MAY HELP: Watch my video review as I explain 2020 Highlander trim levels and features

Advantages to going with front-wheel drive are modest gasoline savings versus all-wheel drive and price savings for staying at the front-wheel drive level.

Time for your thoughts on 2020 Toyota Highlander

I have written several Torque News articles on the 2020 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid in recent weeks. I will include these links you might find helpful in your research.

Features for all gas-powered 2020 Highlander trim levels

Interior first look at 2020 Highlander Hybrid Limited

See the standard features on all 2020 Toyota Highlanders

What do you think of the changes to 2020 Highlander? Will you be visiting your local dealerships to check one out, and will it be gasoline or hybrid?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I give 3 important reasons to pick gas vs hybrid 2020 Highlander.

YOU MAY ENJOY: Get a first look at 2020 Highlander Hybrid exterior and interior in my video review. Please subscribe to Torque News channel here for daily automotive analysis and reviews.

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