Highlander at high speed

[gary_01v]

I recently purchased a highlander limited 2011. It runs well but i have a few questions. At speed around or above 70-80 mph on the highway i feel that the engine is struggling to keep up even though i see other cars overtaking me without any problem. I hear no odd noises or problems driving etc but feel that with even one or two passengers the car struggles at high speed. Is this normal for other highlander owners ?

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by gary_01v

I recently purchased a highlander limited 2011. It runs well but i have a few questions. At speed around or above 70-80 mph on the highway i feel that the engine is struggling to keep up even though i see other cars overtaking me without any problem. I hear no odd noises or problems driving etc but feel that with even one or two passengers the car struggles at high speed. Is this normal for other highlander owners ?

I find mine to be the complete opposite. It 5th gear it doesn't have much passing power (understandable, but it can still accelerate fine in 5th), but if you give it a little gas and let it drop into 4th gear mine has plenty of overtaking ability. It really goes if you put the pedal down to the floor and let it go into 3rd gear, then you get the full hp helping you. I had my highlander completely full (rear suspension was bottomed out due to weight) a few times on the interstate and even then it still had plenty of power. Its power to weight ratio is right on par with the rest in the class (more likely a higher than most, as most competitors have similar engines but heavier curb weights). Maybe the 2011 transmission ECU is changed to be more eco friendly on the interstate and resist downshifting for added power....if so that stupid, oh and my descriptions are usually like 75-85mph. Hell if you put the pedal down the car easily pulls to 100mph and then hits the fuel cutoff (at 112) with plenty of power left to keep accelerating past the cutoff.
Patrick

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by sweeneyp

I find mine to be the complete opposite.

Ditto. Got lots of power to spare at those speeds.

[Wayward_Traveller]

I would have to agree as well, it jumps up to 80+ really easy when passing and it likes to just cruise there without any issue.
I find my V6 does just fine, but then again this is my third Toyota with a V6 and each time I say I didn't need the power fo teh V6, but each time I still get one.

[tagheuer]

2011 Highlander Limited V6 4wd here, with 6,000 miles.

Seems to pull strong, never noticed a lack of power. Not overwheming power, but definitely plenty of torque and hp to move the truck fairly quickly.

[brainpause]

No issues like that with our '08 Sport.

Larry

[Dman1]

Same here. Tons of power at those speeds. Even when I am towing my 4,000+lb travel trailer (aka "the parachute"), it seems to have decent power at those speeds (obviously not as good as when we are not towing, but still pretty good), as long as you don't mind getting 6 to 9 mpg.

[jimmiejo]

We have made a couple of 700 mile + trips from Florida up to the mountains, cruise all day 80mph with power to spare, loaded down. Handles great on the blue ridge parkway.

[jimmied]

I like my hl on the highway. Never leaves me hanging when it's tome to GO