Highlander...snoozefest.

"mazda616" (mazda616) 09/10/2019 at 21:49 • Filed to: Highlander

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I managed to get one photo of it before I fell asleep.

It’s not bad but it is thoroughly “meh.” In every regard. My wife adores it, which means we’ll probably get one. I realize 3-row SUVs aren’t supposed to be exciting, but damn.

The Subaru Ascent was $38,500 OTD and had memory seats, heated second row seats, a heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Subaru STARLINK ( which made the car be able to be unlocked and locked and remote started with a phone) . For a subscription cost, yes. But it was decently priced.

The Highlander is $36,000 and doesn’t have any of those things. Also, Highlander financing is 3.9% (or we can do $6,000 customer cash - but not both). Subaru’s financing is 3.49%. So, that’s a little annoying .

I haven’t even bothered to drive the Highlander . I guess I will in the morning...w hen I’m more awake.

I’m more frustrated than ever at the Subaru’s possible lack of reliability, because it’s perfect for us in every other way.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > mazda616 09/10/2019 at 22:09

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But what does the wiiiiife think

Under_Score > mazda616 09/10/2019 at 22:16

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I’m sorry, man. I’ve been super happy with my Toyota, but Subaru seems to be nailing it with their new designs, especially the Forester. Because I’m in the south, availability and the dealer network are small. I’m even in metro Atlanta, but it was hard to find a Forester Premium.

You never know until you go down that road. I know you want to make your wife happy, from caring about safety scores to satisfying all of the wants, but you never know about a car until you try it out. Back when the face-lifted CR-V came out in 2015, there were bad consumer reviews about it. My mom got one in 2016 and has loved it trouble-free for 40,000 miles. My sister’s Rogue has a few thousand miles now and no issues have popped up, either. The people I know with Subaru’s got them to replace unreliable cars and they love them. Because Subaru has that reputation, that’s probably why people are more vocal when issues do occur. There may be people having issues with Fords, but that crowd isn’t as likely to complain online as the Subaru crowd. 

HoustonRunner > mazda616 09/10/2019 at 22:39

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Looked at your past posts and didn’t see you mention the Pathfinder. My wife loves her so much we are on the third one (first two flooded; yeah, I live in Houston near a bayou). Only repair item we have had is a radiator fan that went out of balance just after the warranty expired. I don’t love the CVT, but it is fine.

Only thing that drives me crazy is that even as recent as the 2015 models (our model) you can’t connect a phone as a phone AND a media device, only one or the other. Maybe they have that fixed now, but super annoying.

wafflesnfalafel > mazda616 09/10/2019 at 22:45

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My boss’s boss just got a Highlander because she liked the sales person she bought her rav4 from several years ago .... She is “still figuring out” the Highlander.

Nibby > mazda616 09/10/2019 at 22:45

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they’re comfy and good at what they do. boring, yes. but it’s a family hauler not some sports car.

Under_Score > HoustonRunner 09/10/2019 at 22:47

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Pathfinder after the refresh should be fine, but I noticed how sparsely equipped one was compared to my sister’s Rogue. It’s like they forgot about them, which is a shame. 

AestheticsInMotion > mazda616 09/10/2019 at 23:48

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This whole marriage thing sounds like a huge bummer the more I hear about it

vicali > AestheticsInMotion 09/11/2019 at 01:11

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Ha! You would have to have the other seat i n the Miata all the time! Could you imagine?!

AestheticsInMotion > vicali 09/11/2019 at 01:33

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The very thought brings me pain.

...a t least with my mismatched seats. Blehck.

DME > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 02:47

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Drive one then take about it. This is my second XLE and I love it. I have the smart start auto starter (purchased no subscription) XM radio(subscription after trial period) The Highlander has so many features that I’ m still learning them(and it’s been 2 years 2017 and 2019 models) . I.e. auto high beams, heated front seats, chrystal clear backup cameras, pedestrian warning signal, lane departure and steering assist, with audible warning if you start to drift, awesome touch screen navigation system with traffic warning,and verba l fuel indicator that let’s you know how far you can travel on your remaining fuel as well a list of gas stations near you and distance and directions to the station of your choice. Bluetooth link for several phones and their music , voice dial, steering wheel controls. Audio system will read your tex t messages if you choose, several USB ports(front and back, a 12v socket and a power plug ( ACTUAL SOCKET).Dual heated seats (driver& passenger) front and rear heating and air systems that can be controlled by driver or rear passengers AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.

jumpingbum > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 03:37

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The problem with Subarus is not their reliability but the fact that the outer body starts falling off after a few years or just looks like crap. If you want to constantly being doing bod ywork, then by all means get the Subaru.

Highlander has ALL of th e listed features.  You just have to pay a little more. And i f yo u’re only paying $36K for a new one, it means you are not only are ou buying the base (cheapest) model, but also you aren’t purchasing a hy brid. In a few years, most cars sold will be electric and then won’t you feel stupid?

jumpingbum > HoustonRunner 09/11/2019 at 03:37

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Except that Nissan is having major problems right now...

LJ909 > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 03:43

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Yea the Highlander is the Camry of crossovers to put into context how boring it is. Thats not to say its bad, its a Toyota. Its comfortable, reliable and will get you guys from point a-b. But you will blank out driving it. You should check out the new Explorer. At least its rwd. 

Deedee > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 05:05

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That one in the picture? That looks like mine. But mine’s a 2015. You’re right, it IS kind of boring. The really NICE floor mats, which, by the way, I had to pay close to $200 for, have made it a little more “cool”. Really. I love the way they fit into the spaces, almost custom! Except the pkg doesn’t include a third row set, which, if you have a bunch of kids, that’s where you want it the most. The chrome accessories potentially make it more interesting, but the Highlander will never be a truly hip ride. Never. And I’m not sure it’s worth the couple of grand it would cost to add the chrome. I love the lighted shelf that runs the whole length of the dash, really great for my phone, my keys, which by the way, I don’t have bc the model I have is keyless with a push button start. Really nice, except before I got used to it, I forgot to turn it off and left it unlocked and running for three hours in Manhattan. I couldn’t believe it was still there when I got back. Which leads me to the very quiet, purr of the engine. Didn’t even notice I’d left the engine running, so that’s my excuse. My model has the 2nd row captains chairs, not quite as cushy as the ones in my old GMC Acadia, but still comfy and convenient for getting in and out of the third row without moving the seats. Mine also has the full overhead sunroof with the roof that slides all the way back. The kids like it. I bought mine certified used, so it has a one year warranty on everything. Doesn’t have a DVD player in the back, which is a bummer, but the kids just play on their phones and listen to music anyway. DVD is great for little kids, but mine are teens so they don’t miss it at all. The 60/40 (? is that what they’re called) back seats are so much better than the full or half seat flip; plenty of room in the back for a kid, two dogs, and packing for a beach trip. The space behind the third row is a little smaller than some suv’s but it works. The safety features are pretty amazing, but I won’t go into all of them here.

I actually could add a bunch more things I like about the Highlander but I’m getting tired. I will say I have had a lot of other cars, but Toyota’s have been the most reliable. We have a 2006 Highlander which is still running and has had zero problems. ZERO. It’s not cool at all, but recently someone on the street asked my husband if he wanted to sell it. Not happening. My kids, fifteen year old triplets, will be learning to drive in our 2006, which by the way, has amazing visibility, has always started right up, and has a pretty good stereo system in it. So, yeah, the Highlander will never be a WOW vehicle, but they are the all around best family SUV for us. Thanks, Toyota.

SWEENEE > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 05:23

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CX-9 is the shiz

Nanana > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 06:44

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Owning a 2018 highlander I can say while it’s not particilarly exciting the v6 and 8 speed auto is brilliantly smooth and comfortable to drive, and the interior is excellent. Sure it lacks some of the entertainment and technology of the Subaru but it makes up for it in reliability and comfort . Have done 80,000 kilometers in the Australian outback (at least 10,000 of those on unsealed roads) and it hasn’t even had a flat tire yet.

Giorgio > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 06:53

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Subaru engines are notorious for head gasket problems especially the 4 cylinders. And they don’t look anywhere near as  beefy as the Toyota.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AestheticsInMotion 09/11/2019 at 07:33

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Or you just marry someone who enjoys driving as well......

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Nibby 09/11/2019 at 07:34

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Why not both?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 07:34

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Do do it man.

It’s a long dark road which will eventually lead to terrible driving and complete hatred of vehicles.

Fat.duck > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 07:39

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Highlander got miniscule gas tank for it’s size. I think any Tesla will go further range.

Those plastic wheel covers on premium trim is acquired taste and will get scratches in first two weeks. No way to fix them, only replace.

With phone connected to Bluetooth and you are listening to regular radio, all phone audio is muted , because it still thinks it’s playing through Bluetooth when it’s not. This is most annoying.

An d that slooooow trunk door. With all the unnecessary beeping. 

Nibby > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/11/2019 at 08:32

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have you looked at the ford aerostar

mazda616 > SWEENEE 09/11/2019 at 08:43

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In my previous posts, you’ll find that the CX-9 was my pick and we tried it. But, my wife hated it. So that is off the list considering this will be her daily driver car.

Redskirt > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 09:19

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I’ve been following your posts and I haven’t seen anyone considering the drawbacks *many* of these vehicles have for transporting multiple children in carseats. You said yesterday that you often transport a 5 year old along with your own child, and plan on adding a second child of your own in the near future. Do yourself a favor and check out the family vehicle buying guide on the Car Seat Lady’s website.

The Highlander is a difficult vehicle  for transporting 3 children in carseats and/or boosters, especially if you want any hope of transporting the friend with mobility issues as well, *and* the 11 year old sister (who may not be using a booster anymore, depending on how tall she is).

I have 3 kids, and have been doing this hunt myself so I feel your pain (we have a minivan, a Honda Odyssey, which we love and works really well with kids, carseats, and multiple other riders, and I do not understand why people who scorn minivans love SUVs, but that’s another post). We’re looking for a second car for my husband that can also carry all three kids safely. Two minivans seems a little excessive!

But it’s like car manufacturers don’t pay attention to the car seat reality. Until this year, Toyota marketed the RAV4 as a five person vehicle when their manual prohibits holding 5 passengers at once because the seatbelts overlap each other by several inches. (That has been fixed for 2019). Heck, the Dodge Grand Caravan has seatbelts in the third row that are completely unsafe for *adults* to use because they are mounted so far forward that the belt doesn’t rest over the collar bone.

My point is, look into your car seat situation before you sign on the dotted line.

flyinbrick > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 09:54

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I think I have the exact same Highlander - XLE AWD. We also got the metallic grey since that was the least offensive. Wife drives it mostly (thankfully). It will be reliable as hell for years to come. Uh, that’s all I can say to you. Sorry. Peace out.

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 10:01

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Being all-in on the Subaru Kool-Aid myself, I want to push you in the direction of the Ascent, but Googling “Ascent transmission problems” does not give pleasant results. The only positive thing was someone said as of Aug ‘19, Subaru is putting transmission coolers on the Ascents.

It grates on me how Toyota rides their reliability rep to sell vehicles with stone- age interiors.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 10:02

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If you get the Highlander, definitely take the $6k and find financing through a bank or credit union.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 09/11/2019 at 10:02

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LOL

The Ghost of Oppo > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 10:04

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You know the old saying, ‘h appy w ife, and she won’t stab you with a knife’, or something like that

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Nibby 09/11/2019 at 10:08

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Family hauler/off-road toy, check.

Family hauler/corner carver, check.

Celerygt5 > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 10:08

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Try the telluride or Palisade.

Telluride was the nicest 3 row suv we tested, the cx9 is by far the most fun to drive.

We ended up getting a CPO sienna though as none of those SUVs can come anywhere near matching 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.  Also, there are actually aftermarket mods for it.  3 row SUVs are pointless.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 10:10

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Didn’t like the Palisade/Telluride? Reviews have been glowing. I have sat in the Telluride and I thought it was very well put together with bold styling. My wife loves how it looks inside and out.

Roybig > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 10:10

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I am on my 4th Highlander. This one is a 2016 and I have had 45k trouble-free miles. I do electro nic repair, this vehicle holds plenty of gear. It is also a rocket ship, I have beaten 3 series Beemers in the stoplight drags, I averaged 25 mpg on my last trip to Montana. I am 6'4", 300 +, I fit into it just fine and take naps in th e super comfortable seat on a regular basis. My most favo rite car out of 40 I have owned in my life. My $ .02...

Mic McDevitt > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 10:11

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My wife has a MY19 Highlander. To replace her MY12 Highlander. They both drive great. But they are the definition of MEH. Nothing fancy, but works very well.

Ill stick to my MY19 Taco. Nothing special either. But very fun to drive! To me at least (coming from a MY10 Legacy 3.6R. Which was fun to drive too haha)

Old Red Wagon > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 10:11

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Have you guys checked out the Atlas?

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > wafflesnfalafel 09/11/2019 at 10:35

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God, regular people are so strange.

Wacko > The Ghost of Oppo 09/11/2019 at 10:48

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Lucky you, I wish i was just stabbed...

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 11:57

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It’s dull, but there’s a reason they sell the hell out of them.

CACressida > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 12:06

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Look... its either this or get a minivan. Trust me, it’s e mbarrassing to be spotted in a C UV.

HoustonRunner > Under_Score 09/11/2019 at 12:25

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We have only had top of line platinum ones, so not sure what the difference is between trims. Cooled seats are nearly  a requirement in Texas.

Dru > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 13:28

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Can you take the 6K and then go refi with your own bank or credit union or the auto enthusiast choice, LightStream?

mazda616 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 09/11/2019 at 15:17

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Hey. She doesn’t hate Jolene the Sunbird and has even requested to drive it before. That’s a win.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > mazda616 09/11/2019 at 17:03

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I’d take the $6000 and get a bank loan somewhere. I know a local CU here has a 3.3% loan for anything 2017 or newer...

Toyota has all that cash on the hood for the same reason that Ford has all the discounts on the last-gen Explorer: They have a 2020 coming out and need to clear stock of the old one.

Under_Score > HoustonRunner 09/11/2019 at 18:39

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The Rogue has a lot of minor, additional features that the Pathfinder doesn’t have. Cooled seats would be nice, but new, the Rogue is still a winner. 

HoustonRunner > Under_Score 09/11/2019 at 20:26

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Interesting, didn't know that.

Under_Score > HoustonRunner 09/11/2019 at 21:33

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It’s stuff that may not matter but seems to matter to Mazda man. Additional safety technology, CarPlay and Android Auto, an electronic parking brake. Minor things that tell you Nissan cares more about the Rogue.