2020 Toyota Highlander dimensions and size guide
2020 Toyota Highlander
Add comparisonExterior dimensions
2020 Toyota Highlander exterior dimensions
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is larger than the average crossover in every exterior dimension. Its 495cm body is around 42cm, or 9%, longer, while its 193cm body width is approximately 8cm, or 4%, wider. At 173cm tall, it stands about 10cm, or 6%, higher than the class norm. Its 285cm wheelbase is around 13cm, or 5%, longer than average. Together, its length and width create a footprint of approximately 9.6m², roughly 1.2m², or 14%, larger than the typical crossover, so both its extra length and width are likely to be less forviging when parking or fitting it into a garage.
Measurements
Length
495 cm
Body width
193 cm
Height
173 cm
Wheelbase
285 cm
Ground clearance
20.3 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
9.6 m²
How the 2020 Toyota Highlander's exterior dimensions compare with the average Crossover
Length
42.4 cm longer than the average Crossover
Body width
8.1 cm wider than the average Crossover
Height
10.2 cm taller than the average Crossover
Wheelbase
12.6 cm longer wheelbase than the average Crossover
Ground clearance
2.2 cm more ground clearance than the average Crossover
DriveSize footprint
DriveSize footprint compares this car's footprint with the average footprint for the same class.
A positive percentage means a larger footprint and a negative percentage means a smaller footprint. About average means the rounded difference is 0%.
+14%
Larger footprint than the average Crossover
Fast facts
Fast facts
It can carry up to eight people
The Highlander accommodates three more occupants than the five-seat layout typical of crossovers, making its larger exterior particularly relevant to drivers who regularly transport a bigger group.
Cargo capacity changes substantially depending on the seats
With all eight seats upright and in place, the Highlander's SAE cargo space is 39% below average, but its maximum capacity is 28% above the crossover norm once the car is arranged for its largest loads.
Only one regional space provides comfortable access
Seven of the eight standard parking spaces tested by DriveSize physically fit the Highlander, but only USA/Canada leaves comfortable surrounding room.
Ground clearance is 12% above average
At 20.3cm, the Highlander provides around 2.2cm more under-car space than the typical crossover.
2020 Toyota Highlander front view
Cargo space & efficiency
2020 Toyota Highlander cargo capacity and space efficiency
With all eight seats upright and available, the Highlander provides 453 litres of published SAE cargo capacity. That is around 286 litres, or 39%, less than the average crossover, so carrying a full group leaves considerably less room for bags and other cargo than the class norm. Maximum SAE capacity reaches 2,387 litres, approximately 516 litres, or 28%, above average. Folding the seats therefore changes the Highlander from a below-average everyday cargo result into an above-average maximum carrying result. Combining its seats-up and maximum cargo figures, the Highlander provides about 118 litres per square metre of ground space. That is roughly 10% below average for a crossover, meaning it provides less combined cargo capacity for each square metre of ground space than the class norm.
Measurements
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
453 L
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
2,387 L
Cargo space vs length
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by overall vehicle length.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
228.3 L per m
Cargo space vs footprint
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by footprint.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
It helps show how efficiently a car turns exterior area into usable cargo space.
118.3 L per m²
How the 2020 Toyota Highlander's cargo space and efficiency compare with the average Crossover
Standard cargo capacity (SAE)
The standard cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
286 L less cargo volume than the average Crossover
Largest cargo capacity (SAE)
The largest cargo capacity using SAE, the method commonly used in the US.
If only one SAE figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
516 L more cargo volume than the average Crossover
DriveSize space efficiency (SAE)
DriveSize space efficiency compares blended cargo volume per square meter of footprint with the class average.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure within the selected cargo measurement method.
VDA values compare with VDA class averages, and SAE values compare with SAE class averages. Positive percentages indicate more space efficiency and negative percentages indicate less.
-10%
Less space efficient than the average Crossover
Parking
Will the 2020 Toyota Highlander fit in a standard parking space?
Seven of the eight standard regional parking spaces tested by DriveSize can physically contain the Highlander, but only USA/Canada provides comfortable surrounding room once parked to enter and exit the car within the space. Its body is 9% longer and 4% wider than the average crossover, making most of the other regional spaces restrictive. The car is too long for the United Kingdom space. The European Union, India and Japan are especially tight, while China, Australia and the Middle East physically contain it but leave limited room for getting in and out.
DriveSize parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 41 cm per side, and length clearance is 27.5 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
41 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
27.5 cm
Usability
2020 Toyota Highlander usability & manoeuvrability
Even though The Highlander has a footprint 14% larger than the average crossover, it has an almost exactly average turning circle for the class at 11.4m, which is around 0.2m, or 1%, wider than the norm. It turns neatly for a car of its size. Its 1,964kg kerb weight is approximately 332kg, or 20%, above average. Ground clearance measures 20.3cm, around 2.2cm, or 12%, above the crossover norm, providing additional under-car room over uneven tracks and sharply angled entrances.
Measurements
Doors
5
Max seats
8
Turning circle
11.4 m
Curb weight
1,964 kg
How the 2020 Toyota Highlander's usability and manoeuvrability compare with the average Crossover
Turning circle
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Crossover
Curb weight
332 kg heavier than the average Crossover
DriveSize manoeuvrability
DriveSize manoeuvrability combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
A positive percentage means more manoeuvrable than the class average and a negative percentage means less manoeuvrable.
-5%
Less manoeuvrable than the average Crossover
2020 Toyota Highlander rear view
DriveSize overview: 2020 Toyota Highlander
Considering its dimensions and capacities, the 2020 Toyota Highlander may suit drivers who regularly need seating for up to eight people and want above-average maximum SAE cargo space when fewer seats are required. Its 2,387-litre maximum capacity is 28% above the crossover norm.
Its larger exterior is the main compromise. The Highlander occupies 14% more ground space than average, does not physically fit the typical United Kingdom bay and provides comfortable access only in the USA/Canada space. With all eight seats available, SAE cargo capacity is also 39% below average.
The eight-seat 2023 Hyundai Palisade is closely aligned on footprint and maximum cargo capacity.
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Toyota documentation. Unless the page identifies a specific trim, body style, powertrain or market version, DriveSize uses manufacturer-published specifications for the base model as its default reference. DriveSize standardises the published measurements and calculates the comparisons and derived figures shown. Figures can vary by market, model year, trim, powertrain, wheels, tyres and measurement method. How DriveSize sources and calculates these figures.