2014 Toyota Highlander Off-Road Review: Colorado Muddy Mess Test
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- Опубликовано: 15 сен 2024
- ( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2014 Toyota Highlander can go off-road. In fact it will do just fine on a dirt road. But what happens when that road turns snowy, muddy, messy and slippery. In another accurate fun and informative TFLcar off-road review Nathan and Andre find out just how the new 2014 Toyota Highlander handles the Colorado mountains in the spring.
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Guys, I wanted to thank you so much for these reviews. My family and I are in the very beginning of looking for our second car and we need that 3rd row, but I also love camping and don't want to be restricted to paved campsites. I very frequently go up forest service roads here in Colorado, camping with friends, and we generally need that extra oomph from 4 wheel drive to get where we're going. These reviews (Highlander, Durango, Traverse, etc...) give me the peace of mind that my wife can drive securely in the snow, and that I can take the kiddos camping in our great Rocky Mountains, we don't need to go mudding, we just need to make it up road 700, and thanks to these, I can shop with a little more confidence in what I'm looking for!
I love what Toyota did with the Highlander! Its beautiful!
Best in class IMO. Love the looks and the interior looks great. The V6 engine is one of the best engines being built right now
6 year old video, I know, but one thing I'd love to see on some videos (once every generation at least) is how the model does with good tires. There's ABSOLUTELY a benefit to reviewing with stock tires, but how is the Highlander's AWD if you throw some Falken Wildpeak AT3/W tires on there? How is the fuel economy effected? Etc
i love the ride on our previous gen highlander. very good road trip car. we didnt want anything smaller after we picked up a highlander
Just bought a XLE this week! I test drove different trims and I feel that the smaller 18" ride much better than the 19". Not sure if it is due to their sizes or the tires they come with. The 18" come with either Bridgestone or Michelin tires. Best car I ever had though, perfect family car!
I'd like to see a test done similar to this one on an FWD Highlander, in case the worst happens. Here in Georgia, AWD is a very hard-to-find option, and if an event such as those ice storms in January and February occur again, it would be nice to see if an FWD or RWD vehicle could pull through or not.
Did any parts of the video seem 'off' to anyone else? It seemed like the video was slowed down ever so slightly.
Clay Martin
He also sounds exactly like Roman lol
How about a follow up review "Towing" something like a pop top trailer, review gas mileage when towing. Thanks
Here's some Rules for the Auto Industry.
1. If it doesn't have a Clutch - It's not a Manual, it's an Automatic that you can make suggestions to.
2. If it doesn't have a Frame - It's not an SUV, it's a Station Wagon. It might be butch, but it's still just a bloated station wagon.
So the Jeep Cherokee was just a butch Station Wagon? I can live with that.
Of course it was. But I loved mine too. It was great fun. Until we just plain drove it to death.
they call em "crossovers".
Which is Lithuanian for Station Wagon.
I'm a body on frame guy but I don't make it a requirement for an SUV. What it needs is a live rear axle, center-locking differential, and a 2-speed transfer box with low-range.
Toyota AND Lexus is MY LIFE!
I'm sorry.
+Maheen Azad. You said it. Don't forget Scion and sometimes Diahatsu
Maheenstar1 Gamer Me too! love the damn good quality you get with Toyota/Lexus!
Highlander still maintains a decent ground clearance compare to other crossovers. Wished they kept the better approach/departure angles
I prefer Nathan's reviews over most especially roman. I would like to see you review the cherokee trailhawk in depth. Full all around review.
We've certainly reviewed that vehicle to death. Please go to TFLcar.com and take a look at all of the Trailhawk reviews.
My dad brought home one of these 2017's as a loaner. I tried it out in my front yard. It is so weird to have the pedal FLOORED but to just sit there as each wheel barely moves. As soon as it detects any slip it cuts power to that wheel. Got me through situations but just looked a little tame doing it! lol
You can enable a central differential lock which puts full power to all wheels
Just one correction. To the best of my knowledge there is no center locking differential. I thought that too upon buying it and seeing the button. Sales people have no idea. Basically the lock button (for lack of anything else to call it) is an AWD lock button that locks distribution of torque at 50/50 front to back (like the 2nd gen highlander). However, the system works with all open differentials so this operates like the 2nd gen highlander when the button is pushed. No matter when it is pushed or not, when a wheel slips it will continue to slip until the ABS system locks it down and allows distribution of torque to the non slipping tires. The 50/50 split will now only work up to 25 mph. Generally the system operates front wheel biased based on Toyotas dynamic torque control system which monitors acceleration, steering angles, yaw rate, etc and moves torque distribution from front to back based on these things. As I have an indicator called AWD control (XLE model and above) you can see this live while driving where torque is distributed. Generally at highways speeds its mostly front wheel drive.
Its a good system. I own the 2014 and prior to that the 2011 and I have never really had trouble if you understand the truck and systems limitations. It's not a 4x4 with a locking diff like a 4runner, some Jeep models, etc. The biggest flaw is the original equipment tires they put on these highlanders. Currently I believe Toyota puts either Michelin Lattitude, Toyot open Country, or Bridgestone Dueler 422 Ecopia tires on this car. These are all designed for highway driving and have minimal all season capabilities. I had put winter tires on my 2011 HL and it was unstoppable in the snow and ice. I plan on doing the same with my 2014 HL. No system can equal what snow tires can do. All cars are subject to the amount of friction and traction the tires can provide on the surface they are on. Winter tires work best for winter driving. Though I have never had AT tires on either HL I am assuming they would work better off road through mud, sand, rocks, etc. In the 17 inch 2nd gen HL tires sizes (245/65/17) there were a few AT selections that fit. In the 18 inch 3rd gen HL there are none in the stock size 245/60/18. You have to go 255/60/18 to find any AT tires that fit which is fine. The other flaw would be ground clearance for any deep snow or rocky climbs.
The Banker Tire Guy and for winter tires I recommend Nokian. Best winter tires in the world.
The Banker Tire Guy and the snow button is as helpful as the awd lock, preventing wheel spin at lower speeds
+Jimmy the Banker/Tire Guy spot on....
+Jed Knutson Thanks Jed.
Good review guys, did not need to know about Andre's bowel issue though. Sometimes you can share too much. Love the Highlander's looks and with proper A/T tires it seems as though it can really do it all.
Good lookin car. I can't wait for you guys to get and fully review the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography though! Any idea when you will be able to do that?
Autobiography Dynamic I mean. But of course since you always get top of thee line. I want to see if that little added power makes it more fun.
what's up with the front tire spinning at 7:20. doesn't look like awd is working at all.
Is there some kind of competition going on in the USA whereby the company who produces the biggest, most cumbersome automobile wins a prize ?
***** Fair enough, but the size of some of these things is verging on the ridiculous, as the nun said to the Republican. Boom, boom !!! ;-)))
***** Please don't get me started on the excesses of the " midsize " cars. They are ludicrously over weight and are only midsize in comparison to the behemoths from the next size up.
It’s actually really roomy and comfortable for a 5 person family. Good for long road trips. It has its purpose. It’s also decently off road capable.
Cool review 👍
There is an invention called traction control. it stops the wheels from spinning and transfers the power to the other wheel. I see you have this turned off. This is a technology that really helps open differentials. This review was not very good in terms of covering the off road capabilities. Everyone has their bias but, try to use the technology as it is designed for these situations. The highlander does pretty good. The tires... lol... don't get me started.
U guys should revue a sportmoble campervan 4x4
Nice but it always comes down to the tires in any off-road Cross over or SUV. But do they know you are testing it off-road & do they look underneath to see the tons of mud that missed Andre on the curve? I have Cooper AT/S on my LR2 & I have had them on my Jeep & Patriot too, rain, snow, sand, mud & sharp stones does the trick. (I am not paid to say anything about any endorsement from anyone) I just like my Cooper AT/S Tires.
The russian Mechanic Speaks english!!!
I have a 2007 highlander V6 and its great!. 100K miles and going.. looks like a good car but mine gets 20-22 on highway at 3.3L , they should improve the MPG its almost 8yrs ahead.. Goood review
Most 3.5 engine heavy crossovers should not venture far into woods or deserts. For that purpose 2.5 smaller crossovers do better and lighter on their toes.
Great review !!! Ordered one two weeks ago
P.S. I hope Andre made it to the W.C. Dump on time :-)
I can't believe they left that part in at 6:21. "you okay?" "GO!," "you okay?" "no, I have to go to the bathroom." "Well, then go. Oh sh!t, literally." Not sure if that was Andre or Roman, but by the way he was breathing, you can tell it was serious. Lol still laughing.
Does the Hybrid have more power? I just found out that the Hybrid has a CVT :(. How would you compare the acceleration between the Hybrid and the V6 model?
At least this one has a lock mode.. All of the newer vehicles like this are becoming automatic now which sucks ass. Also having offroad tires always helps.
@the fast lane car hey Nathan which one would you pick the new Nissan pathfinder or this 2014 Toyota highlander in your opinion..? i rarely go off road but i do snow boarding a lot..
Great video guys!
Thanks for the review.Going to test drive.
One of your cameras is dropping frames like crazy...
Did Andre just spoke in English?
thank you for sharing the information for 2014 Toyota Highlander
:)
This one is on top of my list of mommy wagons currently. Cx9 is awesome, but old......so is the Pilot. No pathfinder for me. Until the time of release of the new pilot and cx9......this is the one for me.
Is that the first time Andre has spoken in English. I thought it was interesting that you never did speaking in English on camera. hmmm. Great job TFL Car.
I wonder if Andre found a bush after the recording of that scene 🌰🌰🌰
Will you guys do a 0-60 review on this highlander? =D I am really curious on what time it can get. I just bought mine and I do not want to redline it before breaking it in. Also, did Andre just say there's a branch there? Was it a significantly big branch? I am a little confused why you had to turn away.
My almost new 2015 Highlander FWD has lost alignment 2 times in less than 6 months. The second time was in under a week of getting the alignment fixed. And I just drive all highway miles to work. The dealer said that any pothole or curb contact can throw it off alignment. I see in the Video that car is taking on quite a rough ride, and I am pissed off mine cant even handle potholes on a regular highway! Dont like the feel I am driving a sensitive car that only looks tough :|
+Praneeth Gadam that shouldn't happen...I've been driving mine for 2+ years and hit potholes and never had to realign. Something else is up.
sounds like a problem you really should have the dealer look at. I've taken mine off road a few times and never once lost alignment.
The AWD of the Hybrid system is ineffective! If you want to get the AWD Highlander Hybrid, you will not get out of snow. The traction control will disable the rear wheels when it detects slip. I got stuck in snow so many times with the Hybrid, so decided not to get another Hybrid AWD car (traded my Highlander Hybrid a few days later) until it's a little bit more mature!
Are you talking about the 2014 Highlander Hybrid or earlier models? I thought I've read the 2014 hybrid sends power to the rear wheels as well.
CJ VN There's no drive shaft that link the engine to the rear wheels. The rear wheels are only powered by an electric motor directly connected to the rear wheels. No power from the engine are directed to it. When there's slippage on the front tires, the electric motor (alone) cannot push the car, so the ECU shuts power to the rear wheels, and only the front wheels will continue to spin. No matter how hard you step on it. And, since the engine and the rear wheels are not connected by a drive shaft, you can't lock the wheels. So, you will be stuck. Unless the tech has matured, I would not spend an extra 20k on a power train that is virtually useless when I need it in the New Hampshire winter. Get the traditional Highlander.
CJ VN Sorry to double post. Rear electric motor is the same as a Gen 2 Prius. The traction control is what disables the electric motor.
consolemaster You can't disable the traction control on the Hybrid one. Not sure why or because I had the 2008 version of the Hybrid which the 2014 Model should have the same drive train.
consolemaster You don't think they've made any changes to the traction control/AWD system since 2008? Perhaps someone who's familiar with the 2014 Highlander Hybrid will chime in with some up to date info.
you done did good Nathan
i have a 2012 highlander and its got a 4-cyl. and getting it moving isn't a problem.
and the 2014 model is ugly
2:35. wait wait wait the Russian Mechanic speaks English? lmao
Yes he did speak english! Everybody knows how to speak english when they have to take a shit! Right Russian guy?
That was Roman...
boberson33 No
Los Pollos Hermanos Yes
boberson33 nope
I like this video. Thanks! TFLC is the one of the best reviewers ^^
I do not like this car in general, i am VW fan, but the way he talks about it... I want to byu it)
every single negative you have said in this video is false and incorrect
Could you explain why acceleration in gear S6 is better than "D" on a highway?
Is the Highlander fun to drive
Nice Video!
Nathan how does this do against the Durango? Like in ride quality is it more quiet than the highlander?
Could you guys make a video on Nissan Armada
2:37 Andre spoke English !!
Finally Toyota designs the interior right! However, I still hate this because it's a copy of my 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My Jeep also has that rear window that lifts up!
It will hold it's value better than the Jeep.
Did he just say he locked the center diff?! Since when does a Highlander have a locking differential?
I commented before the end of the video. Holy smokes, had no idea
The 2004 is AWSOME
*COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!*
One of Toyota best...
6:51 is that locking diff button i see?
Should tow a port-a-potty for Andre.
At 7.20 when the front wheel span, shouldn't the TC have cut in to give traction to that wheel?
Yes
The front end with the grill is aggressive and looks great. The best looking Highlander past and present (2017) which is hideous!
We have a 2011 Higlander.
una muy buena camioneta, lo mejor es Toyota haylander
Now for the All-Important Question: When are you guys gonna feature a sexy-ass featured FEMALE co-host in the show?
center diff? Don't you mean "lock" the electromagnetic clutch? Same AWD system as the RAV4, right? Too bad Toyota gave the RAV4 pathetic ground clearance. VW has its hands full when the finally introduce their 7-passenger Passat-based SUV
If it has a diff lock then its probably intended for offroad lol bet you it wuld look badass if it had 2 in lift with bigger tires and TRD package..... Toyota might make a more offroad version of it.....since they been doing it to all their other trucks
Lol Trd highlander, like the sound of that
They do. The 4 Runner.
2:31 he speaks English!!!! Andre
Tweeter!
He spoke!!!
At 7.12! If that actually has traction control it's the worst I've seen!
Roman was panicking....
Were you test driving the AWD or FWD?
Hoyt Yee If he said he locked the center diff it is the AWD.
bergi85
gig
Nice but I like my CX9 fun to drive
Sienna on stilts!
44 grand?! Don't think so!
It's pretty nice, the interior loos good.
Keep in mind this is the top model, base price is much lower.
I am so glad it does nothing to your skirt Nathan ......
would not be a pretty sight for sure ! :)
Adree first time said something in english :)
Lol that bleep sounded fake :D
3rd row headroom sucks. Unless you are a little kid. Width is great and you can shuffle seats for decent legroom.
what do you expect for this class? If you want 3rd row room and need AWD, then get the Sienna AWD.
No get a Pilot or Santa Fe.
Ivan Vojt Yup I'd get the pilot if you wanted to stay in the SUV sector.
Treat it nicely you crazy!
You took 10 years out of the cars life in 3 hours. That was cool.
No way he speaks English!!!
4runner trail is way better for the $
@9:0 he says "19" wheels, By the way I think they're actually gorgeous on this thing" BS meter is at the MAX here. Come on! They are plastic HUB CAPS SUCKER!
This guy sounds like a professional BS artist, or is spoon fed what points to make on the car by some marketing guy. I like the tests you run the car through, but you dance around all the brands like your walking on eggshells. Nothing brutally honest about this review here.
They ARE 19" alloy wheels. With Chromtec fused onto the rim (not hub caps). They DO look gorgeous. Chromtec maintain their finish while painted alloys dull and corrode over time.
I wish this was nicer.
Hearing his heavy breathing bothers me
T
Let you came to Russia and try it in moscow region forest after we talk about it!
get a jacket, and you will be warm...
Lol did I see a car seat?
These cars usually belong to someone and they rent it.
Andre if your going to be a camera man filming in off road conditions you need to learn to adapt to adverse conditions. Man up bring a camping shovel, a roll or two of toilet paper dig a cat hole deep, tend your expelling business, wipe, cover, and go.
I was embarrassed for you your on camera comment "I have to go to the bathroom" You need to respect that FLC FLT are very well respected and their comments are closely listened to by the auto manufacturers. Hearing you sound like a girly man I have to go to the bathroom is so degrading to you and the TFL Staff.
You do realize that TFLCar does this thing called editing... And they chose to put that in the video, right? I don't know what kind of moron would think having to go to the bathroom is "degrading". TFLCar is and will always be a successful and respected channel on youtube regardless of wether or not Andre has to go to the bathroom.
((((((((((((
lol have to go to the bathroom
U have to buy 100% bmw x5 for this price
This one is on top of my list of mommy wagons currently. Cx9 is awesome, but old......so is the Pilot. No pathfinder for me. Until the time of release of the new pilot and cx9......this is the one for me.