2020 Highlander Hybrid Off Road
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2020
- The Highlander Hybrid has the most capable AWD system of any hybrid we have tested to this point. Can it make it up the tough line of our test hill?
Engine Adventures strives to explore and test the AWD and 4WD systems of all crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. To do this we test vehicles in real world environments in a way that allows viewers to cross shop and explore any vehicle they may be interested in learning about. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
That's not the battery pack hanging down in front of the rear electric motor - that's the gas tank. Battery pack is located under rear seat and has no exterior exposure.
Thanks for clarifying this!
Also battery is nickel metal hydride. Low fire risk.
I do like that Toyota does that, the new Sequoia and Tundra have the nickel batteries instead of lithium.
@@EngineAdventuresjust cost savings for them
@@lilpeppa117G true, but there are actually a lot of other benefits as well, better in low temps (but still not great), better on the environment, more energy by volume, very safe operation. They also have lots of downsides, they are much heavier, self discharge faster, are more picky on how they charge, etc.
Best car test video on TH-cam Thank you from Saudi Arabia
Thanks for the support!
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شكلك من محبي هايلاندر 😁😍
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You made every effort to make the video more useful for the viewers specially the buyers. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for watching!!
Awesome, I am thinking about getting a Toyota Highlander hybrids AWD next year.
Thank you very much for this review! This is exactly what I was looking for.
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!
Thanks for making this video! All that electrical "noise" you hear is actually a speaker called a pedestrian audio warning system (PAWS).
Cool thanks for the info and support!
Very impressive Hybrid Hylander for off road climbing test and tires were great too
Thanks for the support!
The electric motors are silent. The sound you hear is artificially generated by a speaker inside the engine bay. It is legally mandated to help pedestrians and the blind identify vehicles that can run silently. All new electric and hybrid vehicles do this including Tesla, Hyundai, Toyota, etc.
Thanks for the input!
Whic better kia hyldener or Toyota ?
Toyotas awd traction control system is really good. I am impressed. Even more so considering this vehicle has street tires, with little to no traction.
Thanks for your video! All-terrain tires would have made a big difference making up hill based on other Highlander Hybrid videos I've seen. I actually impressed how well the Highlander Hybrid did in the off-road test.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Having the right tires for the terrain is very important, however they don't make much difference in this test. Essentially there are parts on the hard line that have two diagonal tires with almost zero traction, usually one of those two tires is in the air. The vehicle has to be able to transfer power to the other two wheels that have traction, and do so with enough torque to climb the hill. In the case of most crossovers, and as seen here, the brake based traction systems use too much torque and/or don't apply enough braking force to transfer the needed amount of torque to the wheels with traction.
Thanks for the test. Most folks will never go off road with this but it's good to know it has some very limited capabilities. So, if you want true off-road capability the Forerunner would be the choice.
Thanks for watching! As far as hybrids go, I'd say this thing is one of the best. and the eCVT that doesn't use belts should be more durable than the belt/chain CVT's.
Great test. Thanks
Thank you!
great video
Thanks for the support!
Thanks good to know my wife and I can make it out of the parking lot if things get steep in our new 2021 HH Platinum awd
Thanks for watching, it's actually pretty capable for what it is!
Perfect candidate for my next vehicle when my 15 years old, 300k miles but still runs flawlessly Toyota Sienna gives me any reason to trade it in. The hybrid Highlander is the perfect vehicle for modern transportation because of Toyota’s quality, reliability, longevity, ruggedness, great mpg, flexibility, range, low cost of maintenance and the unchallenged parts logistics and huge modern dealer network.
Do you work for Toyota or trying to convince yourself that you need a new car? I think the first. "unchallenged parts logistics" rolf you get what NAPA has for 95% of users. "great mpg" right, like 4Runner with 16MPG or Sequoia with 13MPG. A freaking F150 truck with V8 has better MPG than those two
I have a highlander and it is a good care with lots of space ! Hope it will withstand the test of bad roads from east europe ! I cannot find a review about the suspension
Very impressive for the hybrid E-AWD. Love to see how the new TV-AWD capable of with the gas Limited trim.
I tested the TV-AWD system on the Rav4, I know it's not the same as the Highlander, but it would be similar.
Isn't it AWD-i?
TV just means torque vectoring in this case.
@@EngineAdventures Sorry, I meant as opposed to the AWDe (such as used on the Prius) - not that 100% on the differences to begin with!
Good job
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for doing this! It is definitely a vehicle I'm interested in. How well do you think this would have crawled uphill, if at all, with all terrain tires?
Thanks for the support! As far as this test goes, better tires won't help too much. Even with better tires it still has to transfer power to the 2 wheels with traction, which is where it struggled. However there are many off pavement situations where A/T tires would make a significant difference.
@@EngineAdventures My pleasure! I'm disappointed to hear that tires won't help. Overall, it's still a vehicle that checks a lot of boxes. Thanks for your response!!
Good review, thanks. I also think you should probably do just comparison between trail and normal. Sport and and eco doesnt change anything in terms of off road capacity.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Testing all modes is beneficial because sport mode makes the throttle more aggressive. This helps many vehicles that don't have a lot of low end torque to get up into the power range more quickly and have a better chance of overcoming the brake based limited slip system. Eco mode numbs the throttle which has the opposite effect of sport mode, but makes precise driving easier. I've tested vehicles that were able to climb the test hill in sport mode, but not in trail/terrain mode.
Thanks for the test, could we see the V6 version and explorer 2020
Thanks for the support. I do want to get my hands on the explorer!
hillarious
with stock wheels too! i wonder how well it will perform with proper off road tires.
Better tires won't help when a wheel is in the air. The struggle on the hard line is the ability to transfer power to the wheels with traction. On different terrains however, tires can make a huge difference.
Great vid and off road test. Clearly showed the limits of the vehicle on such fairly rough terrain. I think the results supports what i would of thought had i been confronted with such terrain. I'm considering the turbo Outback and the Highlander hybrid on my next purchase. I'm guessing with fair assumption that this is where the two vehicles set themselves apart on the terrain capabilities. Luckily, i have a range of considerations that still attracts me to the Hybrid Highlander. I'm not realy in that type of terrain and would be more curious about this hybrid in how it would conduct itself in the snow rather. I'm wondering if the rear end electric motor supplies as much torque as to the front. I'm guessing it not. I'm from canada where we have at least 4 to 5 months of snowy winter weather.
Thanks for demonstration.
Either vehicle should handle snow no problem, I tested a 2018 outback with the 2.5 non turbo and it was before the test hill got really torn up. It made the easy line, but the hard line was a no go. Thanks for watching!
Fantastic video, this hybrid awd is very good. Could you test the e-four system of the Lexus UX hybrid? Thanks
Thanks for watching! I've never had a UX before so I imagine there will be one in the fleet before too long.
@@EngineAdventures pls do a UX Hybrid AWD test...i heard its also new programmed and much better than my old RX450H system
Thank you for doing these tests. It’s kinda lame that Toyota can’t make the Highlander more capable. No reason they can’t. Have 2017 GX and the few times a year I use the 4 low, it pays for itself.
Thanks for watching! The Highlander is great at what it does. It's not designed for off-roading, and the unibody design means it has a much more useable interior than the 4-Runner/GX. If someone needs more capability than the Highlander offers, get a 4-Runner, if they need more space then get the Sequoia. I feel like Toyota has a pretty complete lineup to meet everyones' needs.
Any plans to test the upper trim non hybrid models which have a torque vectoring AWD?
I'll test whatever I can get, but nothing like that is scheduled yet.
Best 4x4 reviews on you-tube brother. Night and day verse watching those bafoons on that other channel test their vehicles on the fabled "rAzOr RoCkS"
Thanks for the support!
I bought a 2020 hybrid limited awd for the wife. Doesn't look like it'll off-road as well as my 2016 QX60 awd did. Under powered to say the least, but good mileage..
It is definitely down on power but has like 35mpg combined which is great for a 3 row crossover! Off-roads surprisingly well for what it is.
subscribing in hopes of seeing a 3rd gen Sienna AWD test :)
Haha sorry, but I don't take most vans on this course, they are too low to the ground!
@@EngineAdventures Fair enough! I’m curious how the AWD system on the Sienna compares to the Highlander as they share the same powertrain.
I'm curious, did you get any messages, warning or overheating or something else on the dash? traction control probably beeping a lot. Thx
I don't remember it beeping at all, but it does make the traction control light fladh.
I really Hope Toyota actually Releases a Hilander thats Capable for Offroading that would be Pretty cool to see how it would Compete against its other Off road Rivals.
Yeah, the highlander is definitely designed for on road driving. With the 4-runner and Sequoia in their lineup I don't see Toyota changing the Highlander to be an offroader. I do agree that could be a cool design though! Thanks for watching and commenting!
REAL OFF ROAD REVIEW !!!
Thanks for watching!
Спасибо за обзор! Я думаю, что водители Хайлендера не будут выезжать на такое бездорожье на нём, статус не позволяет. А вот с заснеженными дорогам и легким бездорожьем по дороге в загородный дом данный автомобиль справится.
Thanks for watching! You are exactly right, that's what the Highlander is built for.
Great video. I'm am making a video on the the differences between the dynamic torque vectoring and the E four system, can I use your video please? We don't have the Highlander in England unfortunately.
Sure, just make mention that you got it from Engine Adventures and link the video with a card or in the description.
@@EngineAdventures No problem, thanks. it maybe a couple of weeks till I post it.
@@EngineAdventures Hi the video is uploaded, thanks again. th-cam.com/video/nFPV4Q8UX3I/w-d-xo.html
It would be cool if trail mode enabled an override to allow the eletric motor to give full torque for a few seconds to help push the Highlander through those moments when traction control bogs it down.
One thing I learned after making my videos on the Highlander is that Toyota's eCVT uses planetary gears instead of belts like a typical CVT. I don't fully understand it yet, and I may need to do a video on just that because it's so awesome, but I still have a lot to learn about it.
Could probably be programmed in, but I'm sure it's set up for protection
@@EngineAdventures The planetary gear acts as a power-split device. Power is divided between the ICE, MG1, MG2, and the FWD. Through the front motor-generators, power is further shared with the traction HV battery, and finally with MGR (at the rear). The eCVT does not have a separate transmission structure, as with a mechanical transmission (CVT, or otherwise). If I understand correctly, the ECU can power the wheels through MG1, MG2, ICE, MG1 + MG2, MG1 + ICE, MG2 + ICE, or MG1 + MG2 + ICE, and also add additional power from MGR, when warranted.
The effect is that there is no clutch (or torque converter). The ICE never needs to be mechanically disconnected from the drive wheels because low speed acceleration can occur through the electric MG's (virtually full torque from 0 RPM), and slippage can occur in the electromagnetic field that connects the stators to the rotors.
The original Hybrid Synergy Drive/Lexus Hybrid Drive positioned MG1 & MG2 inline, but I believe they have since switched to a parallel design. If you search "Weber Toyota hybrid," I believe that's where I saw a video where they have a newer HSD broken down and explain how the components work together.
BTW, it may be past 225K miles, but I LOVE my 2007 HiHy!!!
Thanks for the info!
I won't go offroad, but I would go on occasion trips to lake Tahoe. So I would like to know how it does in the snow.
Tires are probably the biggest factor, but the traction system is very capable for bad weather.
we want to see a non hydrid model off roading please.
I'll see what I can do!
Toyota really needs to do a Highlander Prime with maybe like 315 HP.
I like that idea!
@@EngineAdventures If Toyota could give it an EV only range of say 60 - 80 miles then, man, it'd be a really interesting package.
Is it a proper extreme off-road capable vehicle? Like Land Cruiser?
No it's not. I have another test hill that is much more difficult where I have tested the Land Cruiser 200 and LC300. The approach is too rough to even get the Venza on that hill.
What if you had 18 inch rims and larger tires?
It would smooth out the ride, allow for sitting down the tires with less risk of wheel damage, and provide more traction over certain retains. However, it wouldn't really help in the slow speed articulation tests in this video. It may even be worse because the larger diameter tire would mean less torque to the ground.
Just took this back and got the v6. Don’t get sold on the fact the hybrid “FEELS” like a v6 is false. V6 platinum is already way better as of today.
The other huge advantage with the V6 is that you also get the 8-AT transmission instead of the CVT that comes with the hybrid. V6 all the way.
I haven't tested the V6 yet, but I'm sure it is much more powerful than the hybrid!
While I'm a fan of manual transmissions and the CVT is about the furthest thing from it, this CVT is a planetary gear system with no belts, much better than most CVTs out there.
Paul ironically when I drove it on to the freeway off the lot I instantly realized that it’s an 8-AT!! How funny! You know I came from a 2017 RX350 and it really feels like the same exact engine! I’m so much happier with the change.
@@jonesaaron62 I am definitely sure you made the right choice. It feels the same because to a large extent, it is, which is a solid, workhorse of a platform. Even many of the qualities and comforts are Lexus-level. Many reviewers are trying to compare the Highlander with many models from Subaru, but none of those are competition at all. Toyota really stepped up the Highlander with the best and latest technology, features, and quality comforts thst make it feel like a Lexus, was because of new models that were coming out primarily from the Telluride and Palisade, and we see how much effort and impressive designs Hyundai and Kia have made, and how it would heat up the competition. Toyota definitely brought their A-game on thw 2020 Highlander (V6). Sadly, the Hybrid is nowhere near persuasive and competitive enough with the V6, and is more of a distraction.
Good video. But it seems that Highlander cant do anything off road. Volvo xc90 or Audi q7 will do it. I don’t understand. Is it really so that Toyota is not able to share power to wheels?
It does well for a hybrid. I haven't had a single Audi or Volvo yet, both vehicles I want to test!
Do you think the highlander hybrid has enough power on the freeway going uphill?
I don't see why it would have any problems with that unless you're towing at it's max limit.
That sound from under the Highlander is NOT the electric motors ! Actually that was a government mandated sound for hybrid and electric vehicles so pedestrians hear them coming
Thanks for the tip!
These are not off road SUV's.. I had a 2018 SE. Loved it and never had any issues.
Glad you liked, did you have it on a lease?
LOL..... imagine the Dealer add..."*NEW* Red Highlander for sale.. only 40 miles on it! "
Haha naw, this is a media vehicle from Toyota.
Is it good for off-road
Not really, it will do ok on well maintained dirt and gravel roads, but it's really an all weather onroad vehicle.
3 electric motors. 2 in the eCVT and 1 in the rear.
Thanks
that fall at 8:48 made me almost scream. ;-;
I'm glad you understand how close that was! It's hard to push many vehicles to their limit without risking damage. I got lucky this time, I have scratched some bumpers and rims on other vehicles. So far I've been lucky enough not to do any real damage!
8:48 - it was close, was expecting doors to pop out. Not sure you have mentioned it is "Platinum" - lower trims do not have an advanced AWD
Haha, I was a little nervous there, got lucky I didn't damage someone else's vehicle!
If it wasn't a Hybrid, then yes, it would have the Torque Vectoring AWD system, but this is a Hybrid, so it doesn't have a torque vectoring AWD system.
Maybe needs a manual transmission option.
Sadly, wouldn't sell very well in the US.
Ain’t this the same awd system in the Lexus RX ?
I know it's similar, not sure if it's exactly the same.
Yes it is
fact matter is u dont buy a highlander for off roading. its a highway cruiser. the camry of corssovers XD . u want off road u buy a 4runner. its a body on frame design ment for that. unibodys will twist and bend whenused for off roading.
Mostly true, there are a lot of unibody offroaders that can handle a beating. The idea here is to show how capable each vehicle is and possibly teach owners the best settings to be in while traveling off pavement. Very true on the 4-Runner though!
You need better tires and all done 😁
Tires can make a huge difference when properly suited to the terrain. However the Highlander wouldn't have made the hard line even with the best tires for the terrain. When two tires are essentially in the air it needs to be able to transfer power to the two wheels on the ground. This is where many hybrids struggle, including the Highlander.
It's all computer controlled. I think Toyota can enable ATRAC to help with the wheel spin like the 4runner. Kinda annoying.
It's a tricky game to play, have to have the torque to overcome the braking force on the wheels without traction and still have enough on reserve to climb a steep hill. Many crossovers end up not being able to turn the wheels at all.
Так себе на бездорожье. Лучше чем прошлый конечно, но это всё
Тойота,камрад,Тойота.
Только рамники и 200ка что-то могут.
Остальное для скользких заснеженных дворов.
Великолепный автомобиль. Слава Америке
Thanks!
No meaning of suv better go with sienna van or suv with power in this price range then
Honda Pilot
what a dangerous situation could be If there were a abyss 8:47,I used to like this car but thanks to you not anymore,what a crap!I won't pay for this at all!
That was just driver error, I was turned that way because I felt the vehicle start to move (I initially thought it was going up and when I realized it was just going sideways it was too late)
Shit was horrible. I have a limited hybrid fully loaded and it was so bad I turned around! Lmfao 2020AWD limited and I’m shocked the radar sways. I’ve had it in the shop once, and it’s going back in. Hybrid is not worth it. You can try and get the 34 mpg but that’s if you want to piss everyone off. I’d say 25 miles to the gallon trying super hard. When I drive a little aggressive it drains the tank! I’d go V6 limited. Platinum if you like the looks. This car over all... 4/10
Thanks for the input.
I have 6,000 on my 2021 Hybrid and consistently get 35 mpg at 75 mph.
I don't know......I have a 2021 HiHy Limited and I get 35 mpg easily going 70-75 mph on the freeway. In the summer months when the engine doesn't have to run as long to heat up the car, I get 40 mpg easily.
It is very dangerous to put yourself under a vehicle like that. If the car moves, you are dead!
I appreciate your concern, thanks!
99.9% of people driving this car will be moms needing the car to bring their kids to soccer practice.
The other 0.1%ers are the dads who will want to show off the AWD to their friends and instantly regret it.
Anyone serious about the need of an off-road will probably grab a smaller, more capable SUV or simply pay more for a 4-runner.
Too bad that it can’t tow 5000lbs. These car makers are always holding back...!!! They know they can make them. But they won’t.
Other highlanders can tow 5000lbs, not the hybrid though.
This is why I never like hybrid
For a hybrid this one performed really well. It was actually on par with the Subaru Outback I tested.
No electric motor to the front at all..
Check out the eCVT from Toyota, someone else commented about it here. That's what is used to power the front wheels. What I said in the video isn't 100% correct, but there are still 2 electric motor/generators on the front.
Bad in of road.
good luck with that single 10 hp electric motor powering 2 rear wheels, Toyota is making some funky garbage and had lots guts calling this a AWD.
I believe it's up to 54 hp from the rear electric motor. Not a true 4wd or AWD, but enough to make a difference on snowy roads. I'd avoid steep inclines though. Thanks for sharing!
Hybrid highlander not capable to offroad. No confidence in it to go offroad,
Not for medium or hard offroading, but forest service and fire roads should be manageable.
Even with momentum it still got stuck. So here's the thing, don't be offended by anything I say ok. Toyota vehicles are trash, yes we all know Toyota hybrids are best but definitely not the Hybrid awd system nor the regular awd system. Everyone knows that's when it comes to AWD Audi and Ford have the best AWD systems out there. Subaru has systemmetrical AWD but it's not as sophisticated as Audi and Ford. Sorry but Toyota failed you.
Thanks for your input, and not my vehicle so I'm not offended in the least!
What a waste of time.
Interesting take, what was a waste of time?
@@EngineAdventures Not waste of time at all. Great video, Thank you. Toyota and others manufactures will offer more and more hybrids, Sienna is already hybrid only. At some point I suspect Toyota will make/add hybrids with more advance off-road trims capabilities and that would be something.
Thanks!
The AWD sucks :(
It's adequate for bad weather on paved roads, just not good for medium to difficult off-road situations.
This was painful to watch. Best prove that SUVs are useless and overrated.
I would appreciate a Camry wagon a hundred times more than this.
It struggled, but a Camry wouldn't have made it into the steep test hill, much less up it. Buy the vehicle that best suits your needs, if you need more offroad capability, this and a Camry are not the answer.
@@EngineAdventures I need space no off road. If I would need a off road vehicle I would buy a Tundra.
Like I said, a Camry Wagon would fit my needs.
Toyota Highlander how pathetic. AWD is not off roader.
It's about on par for it's class, and would be great as an all weather vehicle, just not any more capable than a Subaru offroad.