2020 Toyota Hylander Hybrid Rocks

BY H. THROTTLE -- AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST

This has been a good week for Toyota here in the Denver Metro area with the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) voting the Toyota / Corolla hybrid the 2020 “Car of the year.”

The new Corolla was redesigned in 2020 and the first-ever Corolla Hybrid was introduced in the United States. This vehicle boasts up to 52 miles-per-gallon with a very sleek design.

Toyota North America Inc. and affiliates across 13 states have made a $500,000 donation to the United Way for COVID-10 emergency usage for food, water, childcare, and other emergency relief needs.

This week’s car review features another outstanding Toyota vehicle in the 2020 Highlander Hybrid Platinum L-4 all-wheel drive. This luxury SUV is state-of-the art in hybrid efficiency, design, and performance.

The exterior is a bright “Rudy Flare Pearl,” with the final assembly of this Highlander in Princeton, Indiana. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price that includes luxury options is $50,200. This Highlander is loaded with every safety feature in the marketplace.

While horsepower is not provided for the 4-cylinder 2.5L engine, it is a hybrid with the instant battery surge for speed and fuel economy. This vehicle averages 35 mpg in all highway driving, city or country.

With less driving, because of the Covad-19 virus, the fuel mileage is impressive, linked to the very efficient electronic variable transmission with normal and sport modes.

The sound system is outstanding with JBL 10-speakers with sub-woofer and amplifier. There are 4—UBS ports so everyone can charge their phones and a wireless charge station for one phone. A 12.3 touch-screen controls features like Car Play.

The Highlander by virtual name is good for mountain driving and has heated seats and outside mirrors with puddle lamps and LED fog lights for those blinding snowstorms.

A large cargo space is available for the third-row seating or storage of luggage, skis or snowboards. Less room if the third row of seats are in use for cargo storage. The power lift is always a useful feature and appreciated in grocery loading.

The interior is brown with abundant leather, a sunroof opens for beautiful Colorado mountain scenery.

This is really an outstanding vehicle.