I'm still trying to figure out what I can do / can't do in my LX570. That being said, I have a family member with a late model but not new Highlander (completely stock). Assuming no rock climbing and no issues with clearance height, is there anywhere the Highlander wouldn't be able to follow me off pavement? I guess mostly traction (or loss thereof) to one or more wheels is the primary challenge? Others? And if so, how much different from the LX?
Highlander relative capability?
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Canyonero
Beating up Land Cruisers since 2015
It really just depends on where you’re going. Guessing anywhere an LX570 owner takes their LX, a highlander can follow.
My AWD Honda Ridgeline will go anywhere it’s not limited by approach/departure/ground clearance/breakover. Any AWD vehicle can more or Less scramble up and down loose terrain.
My AWD Honda Ridgeline will go anywhere it’s not limited by approach/departure/ground clearance/breakover. Any AWD vehicle can more or Less scramble up and down loose terrain.
If i'm not mistaken they even have locking diffs, so they may do better than you would think.
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Thanks guys. I'm still looking up the specs on the Highlander - I knew it was AWD but wasn't sure if they have a lock diffs or even 4L. Does AWD mean no 4L (4L is considered 4WD rather than AWD ? - still learning the terminology). They seem pretty capable although the Highlander, I understand, is based on the Camry which doesn't project any off pavement capability. Also, I was watching some YT clips (TFL channel?) and the Highlander seemed to have some challenges with an area that the LC/LX seemed to navigate without issue (Gold Mine Hill or something like that?). But other clips show the Highlander as fairly capable.
I'm still learning / testing what I can do with the LX (again, my first SUV) but we're trying to plan some trips for both cars. So, curious what the limitations were, if any, between the two.
Sounds like they should both go where ever 4L is not required. I'll check if the Highlander has 4L.
I'm still learning / testing what I can do with the LX (again, my first SUV) but we're trying to plan some trips for both cars. So, curious what the limitations were, if any, between the two.
Sounds like they should both go where ever 4L is not required. I'll check if the Highlander has 4L.
If a highlander can do everything a LC can do (per this thread), why aren’t we all saving $40k and driving a highlander ???!!!!!!!
The LC has more cup holders.
Thank you
Praise the lord !
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Thanks for the help guys. I apologize that this is my first SUV and my first attempts at leaving pavement. I'm okay getting stuck as I learn and test but was a little concerned for my nephews and nieces. Live and learn for all I guess.
Highlanders cannot do this:
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Pic is great and worth a thousand words. Just so I'm clear, the Highlander can't articulate like the LC/LX can. The ground clearance I understand but if you're saying it can't articulate well either, then that's good to know. That type of terrain is very probable for some of the areas we may consider. Thanks -- that helps rule out some things.
bjowett
Supporting Vendor
My vote, do it! Vehicles like the Highlander can be capable.... Toyota does intend them to have some off-road ability, as the Trac and downhill assist features show.
This is a comparison between the highlander and the pilot. I'm not sure whether they actually engaged the center lock differential or not, but the highlander didn't do that well. Neither crossover was able to go up their third obstacle.
The Highlander is intended to drive like a car and be unquestionably reliable, both of which it does quite well. We have one and an off-roader it ain't.
It has AWD and some traction aid so it would do ok. Almost any car can handle some light trail drives so it really depends on what kind of terrain you want to tackle. The main issues relative to the 200 are:
-Clearance: The terrain will dictate if this is an issue. If clearance is an issue then don't risk it as you're more likely to damage something underneath.
-Tires: If it still has stock tires then you're going to be limited from a traction stand-point.
-Gear Range: The 200 has a lower gear range thanks to 4L. This is also situational but can come in handy at times. Steep down hill sections is where it can be very useful.
-Durability: The 200 is body on frame and will withstand decades of punishing abuse. The Highlander is unibody and will not handle anywhere near the same level of abuse before critical body structures become compromised. It's just not designed to be a truck.
-Suspension: The suspension is not going to be tuned for off-road use nor are the components likely to be designed for it. This will make off-road driving a little less stable due to excessive body roll and you are more likely to wear out components.
So if you want to do some easier trail runs, by all means go for it. Just do your research before hand so you know what you're getting yourself in to.
-Clearance: The terrain will dictate if this is an issue. If clearance is an issue then don't risk it as you're more likely to damage something underneath.
-Tires: If it still has stock tires then you're going to be limited from a traction stand-point.
-Gear Range: The 200 has a lower gear range thanks to 4L. This is also situational but can come in handy at times. Steep down hill sections is where it can be very useful.
-Durability: The 200 is body on frame and will withstand decades of punishing abuse. The Highlander is unibody and will not handle anywhere near the same level of abuse before critical body structures become compromised. It's just not designed to be a truck.
-Suspension: The suspension is not going to be tuned for off-road use nor are the components likely to be designed for it. This will make off-road driving a little less stable due to excessive body roll and you are more likely to wear out components.
So if you want to do some easier trail runs, by all means go for it. Just do your research before hand so you know what you're getting yourself in to.
ewillis
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