With Ford having already launched its latest-generation Explorer, it is now Toyota’s turn to bring something new to the mid-size SUV segment, and testing on the all-new Highlander, as you can see, is well under way.

Despite its heavy, and weird-looking camouflage, this prototype isn’t being quite as mysterious as Toyota might have hoped. For instance, we can still see the silhouette of the rear end, as well as that of the front fascia. The 2020 Highlander also appears to have grown in size, compared to the current iteration.

Bigger, more elegant RAV4

After staring at the front end for a while now, we believe that Toyota have applied a similar design language as they have to the 2019 RAV4 crossover, meaning there’s a hexagonal grille hiding somewhere underneath there, as well as fog lamps positioned out wide towards the wheel arch.

The position of the headlights also appears indicative of the RAV4, as do the re-positioned mirrors, which are now on the doors instead of the side windows.

Meanwhile, the distance between the rear wheel arch and the far end of the tailgate is what tells us that the all-new Highlander has grown in size, which will surely make things easier for third-row passengers, regardless of configuration.

As for the rear end design, the outer edges of the taillights are still protruding, like on the current model, although the light cluster design and graphics could be quite different as far as anyone knows.

In terms of on-board tech and power units, we expect Toyota to focus their efforts on modern active safety and connectivity features, making sure the 2020 Highlander doesn’t lose ground to its main rivals. The current model already comes with Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and a Pedestrian Pre-Collision System, among others.

The engine range should include a couple of petrol options, as well as a hybrid power train.

Toyota will probably unveil the new Highlander either by the end of this year or in early 2020.

Photo Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops