The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway.
Pros Better style New sporty XSE look Still practical… ...and fuel efficient Great standard safety
Cons Infotainment is still a headache Exterior is a little busy Pricey top models Small-ish third row
The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
Pros Attractive design, optional hybrid powertrain, generous standard features.
Cons Few driving thrills, skimpy third-row room, fussy interior styling.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 2 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.New sporty XSE trim debuts.
Pros Comfortable, quiet ride Easy to see out of Good power and fuel economy from V6 engine
Cons Third row is kids-only Below-average cargo space behind the third-row seat
The Encore GX, despite the familiar name, is an all-new model for Buick for 2020.Buick offers several attractive and comfortable crossovers, and the all-new Encore GX occupies the smaller end of that spectrum. The 2020 Buick Encore GX initially sounds as if it were a trim level that is offered on the subcompact Buick Encore, but it is actually its own, bigger model positioned below the compact Buick Envision. The Encore GX gives Buick another entry in the ever-popular crossover market, with its purposeful design and efficient packaging.
The Encore GX is an all-new crossover.It's larger than the standard Encore.Part of the first Encore GX generation introduced for 2020.
Pros Fuel-efficient engine choices Large cargo capacity for the class Plenty of standard and available safety features Accessible pricing
Cons Engine output is weak compared to many rivals
Positioned as an in-betweener for Buick's crossover lineup, the 2020 Encore GX is bigger than the subcompact Encore, but smaller than the midsize Envision. Pros Sharp, bold exterior styling Standard active safety equipment
Cons Consumer indifference to an undefined brand
