Toyota’s All-New 2020 Highlander and All-Wheel Drive Sedans Make Their Debut at the New England International Auto Show
Toyota’s 2020 Highlander and comprehensive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) lineup are taking center stage at the New England International Auto Show, held January 16-20 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Highlander, the best-selling mid-size SUV in America, will be present with its fourth-generation model, featuring a bold, distinctive new design with the familiar safety, comfort, and reliability of its predecessors. In addition, a range of new AWD vehicles will be on the show floor, underscoring the company’s commitment to the sedan category as a whole.
2020 Highlander
With a new bold, yet functional shape stemming from the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K), the 2020 Highlander enables greater capability, comfort and safety than ever before. The all-new 2020 Highlander offers the choice between a powerful V6 or new-generation hybrid powertrain, with the gas version offering an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined fuel economy and the Hybrid offering a manufacturer-estimated 36 MPG combined fuel economy. Like recent models, the 2020 Highlander features a third row for even more family adventures.
Available in five grades, the Highlander starts with a new L grade, then layers amenities and technology in the LE, XLE, Limited and the top-of-line Platinum. Cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity is provided for all ages through the vehicle’s intuitive and versatile multimedia system, including a new largest in segment 12.3-inch multimedia display on the Platinum grade and 8-inch on all other models. The available new JBL Premium Sound System delivers a whopping 1,200 watts of power to turn any music source into a mobile concert.
The 2020 Highlander gets a grip on any road with a choice of front-wheel drive or three different available all-wheel drive systems — two for the V6 models and a unique AWD system for the Highlander Hybrid. For the Highlander Gas L, LE and XLE models, the optional AWD system can send up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels to counter wheel slip when necessary. Using the Multi-Terrain Select control dial on the console, drivers can maximize traction when driving through inclement weather or road conditions.
All-Wheel Drive Sedans
In recent years, market demand for AWD passenger vehicles has increased due to the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers, like the Highlander and the number one-selling vehicle in New England, the RAV4. Toyota is answering this demand by expanding its sedan AWD lineup, introducing the new Camry and Avalon all-wheel drive sedans.
The new Camry AWD has a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine teamed with an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission and balances added traction with exemplary fuel efficiency with a 202-horsepower engine.
The Camry AWD system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, in response to acceleration from a start or slippage at the front wheels, and match their FWD counterparts in critical passenger space, trunk room, ride comfort, cabin quietness and vehicle agility.
All AWD grades will have an optional Cold-Weather Package, with all other standard and optional features carried over from the FWD versions of the LE, XLE, SE and XSE model grades, including the latest Toyota Audio multimedia systems with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The 2020 Camry AWD, America’s best-selling midsize sedan for 17 years, will arrive at dealerships in early spring.
2021 Mirai Sedan Concept
Rebooted as a premium sedan with cutting-edge design, technology and driving performance, the all-new second-generation Mirai is the latest in hydrogen-powered full cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Built on Toyota’s premium rear-wheel drive platform, the vehicle debuts a dramatic yet refined coupe-inspired design with improved passenger room and comfort and uses a sustainable powertrain to meet a broad range of mobility needs with zero emissions. Toyota first began developing fuel cell technology at the same time as hybrid-electrics and unveiled its first fuel cell vehicle with the Mirai’s launch in 2015. In addition to the latest FCEV advancements, Toyota is working to develop a line of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in its electrification roadmap. The second-generation Mirai will go on sale in late 2020.
