Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2020 Toyota Highlander pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2020 Toyota Highlander
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2020 Toyota Highlander
L / LE / XLE / Limited / Platinum (4th gen XU70, 2020–2024; XSE added for 2021)
Low Risk

The 4th-gen XU70 Highlander is a significant redesign over the XU50 — TNGA-K platform, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard, and a much better interior. For 2020 the engine choice is the 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 (295 hp) with an 8-speed automatic, or the 2.5L Hybrid; the 2.4-liter turbo four that replaced the V6 is a 2023-and-later car, so do not shop for one on a 2020. The V6 is the same proven unit as the Camry V6 and Sienna. The Hybrid delivers 36 mpg combined. No widespread failure modes. No Highlander of any generation is on Toyota's Takata affected-model list; run the VIN for first-year 2020 campaigns instead. Outstanding family SUV.

Items to check
8
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
150
Top concern
Minimal

Powertrain

3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 — no chronic issues

Low Risk
New-generation 2.4T. No established failure modes. Change oil per OLM.
Cold-start check. Smooth idle. Oil level and color.
Est. cost: Routine maintenance Source: Toyota 2.4T Highlander reliability

XU70 Hybrid — excellent

Low Risk
THS-II Hybrid on the new platform. 36 mpg combined. No widespread issues.
Confirm EV mode engagement. No HV battery warning lights.
Est. cost: Routine hybrid maintenance Source: Toyota THS-II standard

Recall

Check VIN for early-production recalls

Monitor
Run VIN for any first-year 2020 recalls.
Run nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Est. cost: Free dealer repair Source: NHTSA

Documentation

Service records

Low Risk
Young vehicle. Standard check.
Request records and confirm any open recalls.
Est. cost: n/a Source: AutoVetting editorial
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

More Toyota checklists

2008 4Runner · 2010 Highlander · 2012 Prius · 2012 Tacoma · 2014 Corolla · 2014 Highlander · 2015 Sienna · 2016 Prius · 2016 RAV4 · 2016 Sequoia · 2017 Prius Prime · 2018 4Runner · 2018 Avalon · 2018 C-HR · 2018 Camry · 2018 Camry Hybrid · 2018 Highlander Hybrid · 2018 Land Cruiser · 2018 Tundra · 2019 RAV4 · 2019 RAV4 Hybrid · 2019 Tacoma · 2021 Corolla · 2021 RAV4 Prime · 2021 Sienna · 2021 Venza · 2022 Corolla Cross · 2022 GR86 · 2022 Sequoia · 2022 Tundra · 2024 Camry · 2024 Tacoma
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