2019 Toyota Highlander vs. Mud, Snow, Road

"Driving Sports TV" (drivingsports) 02/05/2019 at 12:04 • Filed to: Toyota

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Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander SE any good with put against rugged, offroad conditions? In this full review we find adventure, as we tackle snow, mud, rocks and road to see if this 3-row family crossover still has what it takes to compete in a crowded market. It also gets compared against the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot and Dodge Durango.

Oppo notes: This is one rig that I didn’t want to like. But it turned out to be pretty decent, in spite of the dated tech and what I thought was going to be just so-so AWD.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Driving Sports TV 02/05/2019 at 12:29

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Very nice review! My wife’s current ride is a ‘14 MDX (previous was an ‘08 CX-9). Will be looking for something new (or lightly used) to replace it in the next 2-3 years, and will be looking at the Ascent, the new CX-9, the Pilot, etc. What would be your choice in this segment?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/05/2019 at 12:45

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A proper minivan ;)

Driving Sports TV > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/05/2019 at 13:18

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Ascent and Pilot are my favorites, currently. I prefer the ground clearance of the Ascent, and I like the IVTM-4 AWD  in the Pilot.

HammerheadFistpunch > Driving Sports TV 02/05/2019 at 13:42

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You know what honks me off about Toyota?

2gr-fks in Camry - 301/265 (hp/torque)

2gr-fks in Highlander - 295/265

2gr-fks in Sienna - 296/265

2gr-fks in Tacoma - 278/266 ?

WHY? I get that the tacoma’s torque peak is a little lower but only 500 rpm and the difference just can’t be noticeable in this engine. the redline is lower (which is why the power difference is less) but why? longevity? Is the GR in those other vehicles less reliable because of those extra revs? probably not.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 02/05/2019 at 13:46

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Haha - yes, that’s probably the correct choice. Doubt if I’ll convince Mrs. addiction, though. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Driving Sports TV 02/05/2019 at 13:51

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Thanks (watching your IVTM-4 vs SH-AWD now).

E92M3 > Driving Sports TV 02/05/2019 at 13:57

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It does everything well, except protecting occupants in a rear end collision.

Now you’re probably thinking what SUV/CUV is going to protect you from a dump truck rear ending you? What if I told you this Highlander was hit by a 2004 Accord at just 40 MPH. It WAS an offset crash (the driver swerved at the last second), and it might of faired better if it was a centered collision. Or something with similar ground clearance. But there is no way in hell I would put anyone I cared about in the third row of a Highlander.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Driving Sports TV 02/05/2019 at 14:06

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We might just end up with another, newer MDX - ha!

It is really good to drive. 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > HammerheadFistpunch 02/05/2019 at 14:34

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So you’re saying that I should definitely get a tune? =)

Driving Sports TV > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/05/2019 at 15:24

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Hoping we get an all-new MDX (like the RDX) soon!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/05/2019 at 16:00

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Driving each and seeing how much easier things were with the van was all the coaxing my wife needed.