Do people think you drive a Highlander?

[John E Davies]

My '13 is still stock and even I have trouble picking it out in a crowded parking lot, from a distance. I don't mind since I prefer stealth and don't care what people think.

Without fail, the same guy at the car wash asks me if it is a Highlander, every time, and I always laugh... I think it is kind of cool to fly under the radar in a fancy vehicle.

How about you?

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[wardharris]

John - I have a 200 on order so no point of reference yet, but I bought a 2006 Highlander new and loved the styling. Pretty good company in that regard and I, too, enjoy a bit of stealth.

 

[ryanCA]

In the US, yes. People think we are poor people with highlander or we are nuts to pay $80,000 for a toyota

Outside the US, no. It gets its proper respect in higherarchy of vehicles. They respect it because it is pricey, sheiks, members of parliaments, and gangsters have them. It is the Japanese G wagen

 

[cc1999]

Mine is an 11' and back then the highlander and LC styling were quite similar. I use to get it more back then, than I do now days.

That was always ok with me. I drive an LC because it is an understated 1st class high quality ride. I run a business where I sell product to contractors, and wouldn't feel comfortable rolling into work in something like an Escalade even though they cost about the same. I really like the fact most people wouldn't know a Land Cruiser from a highlander much less that they list for over 80k. So having a Lexus quality ride with a Toyota badge is really perfect for me.

 

[Rigger]

Actually had two occasions where women said "I like your 4Runner!"

 

[jblatl]

That happened to me yesterday!

 

[RS6tofj80]

I get the 4runner comment alot...... probalby a few times a week. Heck I even had a guy at the stealershipsay Nice 4runner....

 

[MrCWineMan]

Actually had two occasions where women said "I like your 4Runner!"

Valet said this to me the other day. I’d figure a valet is at least sort of aware what cars are out there enough to realize that the Land Cruiser does not look like a 4Runner, but I guess not.

 

[40Man]

I saw a Highlander the other day with a huge 4x4 decal in the side rear window. Made me chuckle a bit.

I have had coworkers compliment my 4runner/Sequioa and even got a "that highlander is huge!" recently.

 

[Rigger]

I explained to someone recently why the Land Cruiser is different, unique and special. Took em thru the heritage aspect, then the robust build and sophisticated mechanical systems. They, like most laypeople, had no idea.

 

[TonyP]

The service rep at the Toyota Dealer called it a 4Runner last week.

 

[MrCWineMan]

The service rep at the Toyota Dealer called it a 4Runner last week.

Confidence inspiring - hopefully the mechanic knew better.

 

[NC237]

Most people I run into don't know what it is. They just say it's too big. Sometimes that comment comes from someone driving a Tahoe or Suburban. Which is silly because those are bigger than a LC. I think the tall windows make it look bigger than it is.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

I've actually had people come up to me and tell me how much they liked my Land Cruiser and that they've only seen a few of them. Only one guy so far thought the Land Cruiser was a model of Land Rover.

But who knows how many people thought it was a different Toyota model, and just didn't approach me.

 

[TexasMethod]

Highlander, no. Sequoia, yes.

 

[dc916cruiser]

I heard a few kids a couple of months ago say "that's a nice highlander". I said thanks and chuckled to myself.

 

[DirtNap]

Posted this in SQOOD, but why not trot it out since it is more relevant here. In fairness there is some familial resemblance. At least from far away. But not side-by-side!

 

[marketShark]

I have both. Lines are different everywhere- front grille, rear roofline, even window pillars. Doesn't even look like other panels came from same parts bin at Toyota. They do both have similar spoilers over the rear window though and are both 4WD (only the Highlander advertises it on the rear hatch though )


Remembered this thread and finally got around to taking pics to illustrate:

 

[40Man]

I have both. Lines are different everywhere- front grille, rear roofline, even window pillars. Doesn't even look like other panels came from same parts bin at Toyota. They do both have similar spoilers over the rear window though and are both 4WD (only the Highlander advertises it on the rear hatch though )


Remembered this thread and finally got around to taking pics to illustrate:

View attachment 1534590

View attachment 1534591

View attachment 1534592

Do Highlanders have a transfer case? I was under the impression they were AWD.

 

[marketShark]

No transfer case on the highlander. It's full time AWD.

Interesting that the "A" of the AWD logo on the rear looks very similar to a "4". (Someone at Toyota probably designed the font on purpose like that!)