Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.
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There's a reason that Toyota redesigned the Highlander for 2020. The current version had gotten VERY long in the tooth. The third generation was introduced in 2013 (refreshed in 2016) and still doesn't have Apple Carplay/Android Auto. (That comes in 2020.) At a bit over 192", the 2019 Highlander is among the smallest of the midsize three row crossovers. (Only the KIA Sorento at 189" is shorter among the midsize entries.) For 2020 the Highlander gains about 3" in order to provide a bit more room in the third row, a spot in the 2019 version that's suitable only for a bound and gagged hostage or very small children. Otherwise, however, the updates for 2020 (non-hybrid) model consist mainly of replacing some of the the dated interior features of the earlier generation. If the 2019 model works for you, it may be worth getting the last version of the previous generation. Much like the deals available for the 2019 Explorer before the arrival of the 2020 model, Toyota dealers have a strong incentive to get the 2019 models off their lots so you can potentially save a bundle.
On the other hand, if resale value is a consideration it's worth keeping in mind that a newer model year will always have a higher residual value down the line. That advantage is accentuated if the model is significantly redesigned from one year to the next. So if you plan to move on to another vehicle in, say, five years or less, the deal you strike with a dealer today should take into account the effect of depreciation on a 2019 model vs a new generation 2020 model. That difference may well amount to several thousand dollars three to five years from now. Unless the deal you strike with a dealer for a 2019 model amounts to a savings significantly more than that, you're not saving money in the long run.
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