Family fun is the name of the game when you get behind the wheel of the Toyota Highlander. Equipped with a spacious, family-friendly cabin, fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient powertrains, an athletic style, innovative technology and an affordable price tag, the next-generation 2020 Toyota Highlander is more attractive than ever. Find out how the redesigned Highlander stacks up against a premier competitor in the segment with this 2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2020 Mazda CX-9 comparison.
A complete redesign has taken the next-generation 2020 Toyota Highlander to the next level and Bangor-area families will have five trim levels to choose from – L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum – that feature a base MSRP of $34,600. Base Toyota Highlander trim levels feature a standard second-row bench seat and room for eight passengers. The entry-level Mazda CX-9 makes room for seven with a second-row bench seat. With the addition of second-row Captain’s Chairs, the Toyota Highlander has room for seven in sublime comfort.
Differences Between the 2020 Toyota Highlander and the 2020 Mazda CX-9
Loaded with premium features, the 2020 Toyota Highlander promises to set itself apart from the competition in this 2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2020 Mazda CX-9 comparison. Entry-level Toyota Highlander L trim levels are equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 technology, Toyota Smart Key® with Push Button Start, LED headlights, five USB ports, three-zone automatic climate control and an 8-inch Toyota Entune™ 3.0 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. Add 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row to the equation and the Highlander is tailor-made for family adventures.
Families who choose the 2020 Toyota Highlander will find no shortage of upgrades available on the spec sheet. The elite Highlander Platinum trim promises premium family luxury at every turn with a features list that includes a best-in-class 12.3-inch Toyota Entune™ touchscreen display, 20-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive front lighting system, a color Head-Up Display, a panoramic moonroof, heated second-row seats, premium leather interior and more. Additional highlights of the Highlander spec sheet will vary by trim level and include a JBL® sound system, wood interior trim, heated and cooled front seats, Toyota SofTex® interior, a 7-inch Multi-Information Display and a hands-free power liftgate.
To deliver an athletic performance to match an athletic style, the Toyota Highlander employs a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel drive Highlander will achieve 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Armed with Dynamic Torque Control AWD with Rear Driveline Disconnect, the 3.5-liter Toyota Highlander with AWD will make 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Toyota Highlander Hybrid variants employ a Toyota Hybrid System that pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a pair of high-torque electric motors to make 243 horsepower and 36 mpg combined.
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 features a 250-horsepower 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired with a six-speed SKYACTIV®-Drive automatic transmission. Armed with this combination under the hood, the front-wheel drive Mazda CX-9 will make 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. With Mazda i-ACTIV AWD® added to the spec sheet, the Mazda CX-9 makes 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Schedule a test drive in the redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander at Downeast Toyota today!
